WPC 1510 - Dawn's Light CRITIQUE
Mar 14, 2015 00:04:55 #
gene McKinnon's WPC Entry has been selected for the Photo Critique Forum* to find out what could have done to make it better.
Be nice, but be honest as this may help everyone with their craft. Thank you everyone!
From WPC 1510 - Dawn's Light RESULTS http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/photo_contest_ratings.jsp?pcnum=160
* If you are new to the Photo Critique Forum please read the Section Rules http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-279264-1.html
Be nice, but be honest as this may help everyone with their craft. Thank you everyone!
From WPC 1510 - Dawn's Light RESULTS http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/photo_contest_ratings.jsp?pcnum=160
* If you are new to the Photo Critique Forum please read the Section Rules http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-279264-1.html
Mar 14, 2015 01:15:36 #
The delicate nuances of color and value are the picture's best attribute. The exposure and focusing are OK. Problems are with the purely pictorial aspects; the base of the tree is almost exactly dead center producing a static composition; since the tree is evidently the center of interest, its lack of pictorial vitality due to this framing device does not invite viewer engagement: the photographer apparently was not sufficiently interested in the scene to look for or choose a more interesting and thoughtful camera angle. The attempt to add foreground interest by including the three sticks or fence posts does not work because their tonal range (i.e., values) are the darkest, strongest thing in the picture and are not therefore properly subordinated to the actual center of interest. In fact they serve not as a framing device but as an obstacle to the composition that the viewer must overcome before getting to the tree and the subtle mood beyond. All-in-all, a promising amateur work.
Mar 14, 2015 05:25:45 #
In terms of a centered subject, I don't find this entry particularly different than the top rated entry. Yes, the colors within all those that placed are a different approach to 'dawn', but none adheres clearly to a rule of thirds. Reading the first comment though, I'd rather critique the critique, Critiquing the photo, fine. Critiquing the photographer: not fine. How does this add value: the photographer apparently was not sufficiently interested in the scene to look for or choose a more interesting and thoughtful camera angle. Or this summary: All-in-all, a promising amateur work. The first is a unjustified attack on the photographer's motives with the summary being a left-handed compliment. Both serve only to detract from the value of your contribution.
Mar 14, 2015 06:55:24 #
Mar 14, 2015 18:23:56 #
Mar 14, 2015 19:51:21 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
In terms of a centered subject, I don't find this ... (show quote)
I'll go further than CHG_CANON. I think the first review was an overly pretentious mess. There is nothing wrong with the placement of the tree, since the bulk of it ends in the upper third of the photo as the fence tri-sects the lower third. The tree itself is a fine specimen and the colors in the photo are very pleasing. I'd def. hang this photo on my wall.
Mar 14, 2015 20:08:45 #
rvenegas wrote:
The delicate nuances of color and value are the pi... (show quote)
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
Mar 15, 2015 06:39:09 #
This is a pleasant picture. The fact that it has been selected for critique means that the pundits believe that, not only can it be improved but that it is worthy of improvement.
To me, dawn represents "the cold light of day". Therefore the warm tones are not convincing - many of the pics in the competition might have been sunsets? And so I would cool the colours down a bit. I would move the tree to the left and zoom in some - so that the viewer is able to "look past" the main subject - at the dawn - which is, after all, the competition theme. So I've put my thoughts to the test - my subjective results are here.
To me, dawn represents "the cold light of day". Therefore the warm tones are not convincing - many of the pics in the competition might have been sunsets? And so I would cool the colours down a bit. I would move the tree to the left and zoom in some - so that the viewer is able to "look past" the main subject - at the dawn - which is, after all, the competition theme. So I've put my thoughts to the test - my subjective results are here.
Mar 15, 2015 07:19:08 #
Delderby wrote:
This is a pleasant picture. The fact that it has b... (show quote)
:thumbup: :thumbup:
Mar 15, 2015 10:51:51 #
The fact that out of 128 images entered into this competition there were only 4 that received more viewer votes than this one generates a far more valid critique than these self edifying pontifications on rules and values. The juxtaposition of power and permanence of the tree and the fleeting fragility of the dawn mist make the shot, not the position of the tree in the scene. The rule of thirds is one that should be broken often in the name of creativity. I dare say that it is highly unlikely that anyone else but this poster has had a problem figuring out whether or not the foreground objects are "sticks" or fence posts or objects to their presence. In fact the posts lend anchorage the scene with their contrast rather than detracting from it. Additionally, as has been stated by others here, the sanctimonious comment on the photographer's ability is wholly inappropriate and renders all else said by this commenter compromised. The fact is this, people ( lots of people) liked this photograph and isn't that, after all, what we take photographs for?
Mar 15, 2015 11:35:01 #
Having judged several thousand International, National, and club comps over the last sixty or so years, here is my two penny worths.
Initially a photographer should take a picture that pleases himself. Not a judge.
Given that this was the scene and Dawns Light was the remit, the photographer has made a more than reasonable job of it.
Initially a photographer should take a picture that pleases himself. Not a judge.
Given that this was the scene and Dawns Light was the remit, the photographer has made a more than reasonable job of it.
Mar 15, 2015 12:37:43 #
erickter
Loc: Dallas,TX
CHG_CANON wrote:
In terms of a centered subject, I don't find this ... (show quote)
Agree completely. The prior critique was done with snobbish arrogance.
Further more, the foreground dark fence posts do work, and provide scale and composition framing.
Mar 15, 2015 14:06:57 #
sidpearce wrote:
Having judged several thousand International, National, and club comps over the last sixty or so years, here is my two penny worths.
Initially a photographer should take a picture that pleases himself. Not a judge.
Given that this was the scene and Dawns Light was the remit, the photographer has made a more than reasonable job of it.
Initially a photographer should take a picture that pleases himself. Not a judge.
Given that this was the scene and Dawns Light was the remit, the photographer has made a more than reasonable job of it.
:thumbup: :thumbup:
Mar 15, 2015 14:07:24 #
erickter wrote:
Agree completely. The prior critique was done with snobbish arrogance.
Further more, the foreground dark fence posts do work, and provide scale and composition framing.
Further more, the foreground dark fence posts do work, and provide scale and composition framing.
:arrow: :thumbup:
Mar 15, 2015 15:01:36 #
jcjr8 wrote:
The fact that out of 128 images entered into this ... (show quote)
These comments were intended to reflect upon the first critique offered in this thread and not on any subsequent comments.
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