Rememberance
Nov 16, 2013 10:10:48 #
I would like some C & C on this image, please. It was taken with Armistice day in mind. The Monument is the basis of the picture but I quite deliberately focussed on the church, with the monument out of focus. Opinion?
The exposure is low key for a sombre mood.
The LHS is cluttered in the background but cropping in a line with the tree, unbalances the composition.
C & C overall on the image, as is, not intended as competition or hanging.
Thanking you in advance.
nairiam
The exposure is low key for a sombre mood.
The LHS is cluttered in the background but cropping in a line with the tree, unbalances the composition.
C & C overall on the image, as is, not intended as competition or hanging.
Thanking you in advance.
nairiam
SODJER
Nov 16, 2013 11:27:31 #
In my opinion, and it has been wrong more than once, I would have focused on the statue and not the church. I might change my mind if you could give me a good reason why you did it the way you did.
Nov 16, 2013 11:33:09 #
nairiam wrote:
I would like some C & C on this image, please... (show quote)
I find the house on the far left distracting, so I'm wondering about walking to the left of where you were so that the statue was framed against the church and the building on the left was left out?
I realize returning to the scene may not be possible....and this is the image you are asking about....
Nov 16, 2013 11:35:09 #
Country's Mama wrote:
In my opinion, and it has been wrong more than once, I would have focused on the statue and not the church. I might change my mind if you could give me a good reason why you did it the way you did.
I had similar shots from previous visits and in each case, where the statue was the focus, I wished I had done it this way. Can't do a comparison as I am 'away' from base. Like you, I have been wrong more than once!
Your comment is appreciated.
Nov 16, 2013 11:42:42 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
I find the house on the far left distracting, so I'm wondering about walking to the left of where you were so that the statue was framed against the church and the building on the left was left out?
I realize returning to the scene may not be possible....and this is the image you are asking about....
I realize returning to the scene may not be possible....and this is the image you are asking about....
I am restricted to where I can go by car. (I am not very mobile)
There is a very restricting row of trees just where you would like me to go.
One day I'll go escorted and will have assisted freedom of movement.
My impediment doesn't detract from the fact that the photography should get proper C & C as required. Your input is appreciated.
Nov 16, 2013 12:55:41 #
Hello Nairiam,
As I have been trying to do in some cases, I have not read any other critiques prior to typing this, so apologize for any repetitions.
I like the exposure you have chosen and fully understand that there are times one cannot eliminate pesky backgrounds and so therefore are constrained by circumstances.
You have stated that the monument is the basis for your picture and this is the case due to the monuments color, size and position. The fencing at the bottom may be construed as some to be a distraction, but I think it frames and compliments the monument and is part of the scene.
In my subjective view, I would focus on my subject and not another element present. One of the things the eyes search for and are drawn to in an image (along with brightness, size etc.) is a focused area. So my suggestion to improve this shot in order to subscribe to your vision, would have been to focus on the monument and have the church go out of focus. Of course, you may not agree with any of this, and that's fine too. :-)
As I have been trying to do in some cases, I have not read any other critiques prior to typing this, so apologize for any repetitions.
I like the exposure you have chosen and fully understand that there are times one cannot eliminate pesky backgrounds and so therefore are constrained by circumstances.
You have stated that the monument is the basis for your picture and this is the case due to the monuments color, size and position. The fencing at the bottom may be construed as some to be a distraction, but I think it frames and compliments the monument and is part of the scene.
In my subjective view, I would focus on my subject and not another element present. One of the things the eyes search for and are drawn to in an image (along with brightness, size etc.) is a focused area. So my suggestion to improve this shot in order to subscribe to your vision, would have been to focus on the monument and have the church go out of focus. Of course, you may not agree with any of this, and that's fine too. :-)
Nov 16, 2013 13:01:03 #
Bmac wrote:
Hello Nairiam, br br As I have been trying to do ... (show quote)
Thank you for your comments. Every reply counts as a positive response and is appreciated. If you look now at earlier responses, some will provide info for you. I don't disagree with anything you said, your opinion is valued.
Nov 16, 2013 14:53:36 #
What I would have done differently at time of shooting is to include the bottom part of the white fence within the composition. Although the fence itself is not important to the subject, chopping off its lower section gives the image a somewhat "hurried snapshot" appearance rather than that of a meticulously composed photo.
Nov 16, 2013 15:33:29 #
I would agree with comments about the cropping being too tight. The flag pole and saltire would have been worth including closer to centre.
Does the church have a door on the side or the front? If it's on the side it would have made an effective addition to the shot. I think there's something symbolic and evocative about church doors.
There are several evocative images in this shot. I think a wider crop would have given them more breathing space.
Does the church have a door on the side or the front? If it's on the side it would have made an effective addition to the shot. I think there's something symbolic and evocative about church doors.
There are several evocative images in this shot. I think a wider crop would have given them more breathing space.
Nov 16, 2013 15:38:53 #
Thanks rook.
Another opinion that I can't fault. Already I'm thinking "next time", by then snow, so maybe the journey will be put off till spring. I just think that the Kirk and memorial together here have possibilities. An expert may arrive while I wait.
By the way, the title "Sodjer", is the local dialect for soldier.
There is a story from the First World War, when yet another Highland regiment arrived at the trenches,with their kilts swinging and lines tightly dressed as they marched to the front lines, On the way, they passed the who gawped at the scene using terms such as 'What the hell's going on? Who are they? To which the RSM loudly announced, "When you write home, tell them "You have seen the Sodjers!"
Thanks for taking thee time to reply.
Another opinion that I can't fault. Already I'm thinking "next time", by then snow, so maybe the journey will be put off till spring. I just think that the Kirk and memorial together here have possibilities. An expert may arrive while I wait.
By the way, the title "Sodjer", is the local dialect for soldier.
There is a story from the First World War, when yet another Highland regiment arrived at the trenches,with their kilts swinging and lines tightly dressed as they marched to the front lines, On the way, they passed the who gawped at the scene using terms such as 'What the hell's going on? Who are they? To which the RSM loudly announced, "When you write home, tell them "You have seen the Sodjers!"
Thanks for taking thee time to reply.
Nov 16, 2013 15:48:29 #
R.G. wrote:
I would agree with comments about the cropping being too tight. The flag pole and saltire would have been worth including closer to centre.
Does the church have a door on the side or the front? If it's on the side it would have made an effective addition to the shot. I think there's something symbolic and evocative about church doors.
There are several evocative images in this shot. I think a wider crop would have given them more breathing space.
Does the church have a door on the side or the front? If it's on the side it would have made an effective addition to the shot. I think there's something symbolic and evocative about church doors.
There are several evocative images in this shot. I think a wider crop would have given them more breathing space.
Thanks for your comment. You see my quandary as there are a lot of possibilities, although I keep missing them. The main door of the church doesn't line up, I substituted the arched windows. The flagpole was carefully chosen to be centred in one of them. Next time! Just wait and see!!
Thanking you for taking the time to reply.
All replies gratefully acknowledged.
Nov 16, 2013 17:57:35 #
nairiam wrote:
Thanks for your comment. You see my quandary as there are a lot of possibilities, although I keep missing them. The main door of the church doesn't line up, I substituted the arched windows. Next time! Just wait and see!!
Thanking you for taking the time to reply.
All replies gratefully acknowledged.
Thanking you for taking the time to reply.
All replies gratefully acknowledged.
To RG in particular,
Please note the error of my ways. The quoted "Flagpole at centre " was totally wrong. It referred to another photo from another time. Never rely on ones memory alone!! must have puzzled everyone It certainly did me!!
Nov 17, 2013 03:21:33 #
nairiam wrote:
....The quoted "Flagpole at centre " was totally wrong. It referred to another photo from another time....
I guessed as much. I think what you have there is better. The flagpole should have its own space.
Nov 21, 2013 23:54:12 #
Country's Mama wrote:
In my opinion, and it has been wrong more than once, I would have focused on the statue and not the church. I might change my mind if you could give me a good reason why you did it the way you did.
While the intent of the focus on the church rather than the monument was well thought the problem is that our eyes are drawn to what is close then what is in the distance. With the monument only slightly out of focus we consider it a focal point and then are confused why we cannot find clarity.
If there is a chance to shoot this again I would either focus on the monument blurring the background or get closer to the monument focusing on the background forcing the monument in focus enough to know what it is, but out enough to force the eye to the church.
As stated too, watch the background and if you cannot avoid it blur it out. Thank you for posting. Steve
Nov 22, 2013 04:17:32 #
St3v3M wrote:
As stated too, watch the background and if you cannot avoid it blur it out. Thank you for posting. Steve
Thank you so much for your clear explanation. It answers it for me.
I appreciate your comment and the time taken to do so.
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