Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Many thanks to all who participated in the share thread. Wonderful, different and inspiring photos posted!

This is a hair salon, but I don't know if those are mini hair dryers or some kind of light. I just found the look interesting enough to attempt a photo.

I would have liked to have a person in the pic, but too early in a.m. What do you think of the reflections and the perspective? I tried a couple of pp adjustments, such as making the brick parallel to the bottom of frame, or increasing the angle. Other comments re composition and subject are welcomed.

If you find the subject boring, don't hesitate to share

Thanks so much for your feedback!

(Download)

GAlanFInk

You don't know me so don't be upset about my critiques as I have been told I can be 'tactless'.
I hope, in time, your photographs will improve because of input like mine and from others as well.

There are three elements that make a photograph successful: Theme, Composition and, of course, Exposure. Without all three, a photograph loses it's appeal. What you have here is a snapshot that causes the viewer's eye to wander, in other words, there is no 'Subject' to capture their attention.
Although you suggest having a 'person' in the shot is a positive thought to putting someone in the image to maybe improve on it, you have to ask yourself, "Would that person be the Theme or Subject in the photograph?"
The reflections neither improve nor detract from the image. In fact, they play little if any on the output. You seem to have been interested in the light fixtures (?), blow dryers on stilts (?) as your point of interest but didn't really grasp the viewer because of Composition, or better said, attention to them.
About the only thing I can say, and again, this is only my opinion so don't place any weight upon it, is that you DID get the Exposure well.
It could be a very interesting abstract perhaps if composed differently (?).

and now I'll sit back and get slapped by the rest of the members.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

Linda, I think you saw something in the shot, but I am not sure what it is. I find the smaller part of the window a distraction. The white lamps or whatever they are holds no interest for me. To me the best part of the image is the reflections. IMHO that is where it may have payed off to concentrate on.
This is not one of your better works. But i can relate to that i have many of my own shots that fail. Way too many.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Galan, there is no need to worry about being slapped; we're all friends here I very much appreciate your honest feedback.

Can you talk about how you would have composed to bring more attention to my area of interest - the white things - (which may not be of interest to many others, I understand)?

If you haven't had a chance to check out UHH's specialty forums, click on "all sections" at the bottom of the page. There is a formal critique forum, and a less structured (more about conversation) section called For Your Consideration - where I hang out a lot.

One other difference in the two forums is in critique, an image is being judged as "finished" work, whereas in FYC we often post to ask for advice, opinions, crop suggestions and much more.

Hope you'll visit, and thank you again! Would you provide a link to your website? It can be added to your signature line, also.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thanks so much for taking the time to offer feedback, Frank. I stopped thinking in terms of good vs. bad some time ago. The reason is, as you've seen in FYC and throughout UHH, what appeals to one person can be totally dismissed by another as failure.

This pic is definitely not one of my "usual," so I am grateful for information about why it is not of interest to you (and others). Your time is appreciated!

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

Now this is my take...I actually thought the reflected building was the subject and to me the most interesting part of the building was the neon sign, at the top of the bldg., that was only partially captured. In fact, initially I thought the hairdryers (?) were a distraction and weren't sure if they were office lights or what?

Anyhow, I like the theme of windows and maybe I'm just missing the intent of the photo. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to critique.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thank you for commenting, jederick! That's helpful to know that the reflected building is of interest; in fact, I might be able to make another shot as it's just a couple of miles from me. Maybe I'll learn what the white things are too

I don't do much of this type of photo, so I am particularly grateful for your input.

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

If one ignores Reality (a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there) what I see here is a flock of seagulls standing on a fence, and thus the shot holds my interest well. (I suspect they're probably lamps, but that would mean paying attention to reality, and I prefer them more abstractly as seagulls). The reflection of the building helps bring the shot alive, gives both depth and a nice backdrop to all the seagulls standing there. I don't think I'd crop it any differently than you did, it would only detract from the scene.

Interesting image, Linda. I like it!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thank you, Randy Your take on reality is always refreshing and delightful!

ediesaul

I like the photo. It is in the camp that I would call "modernistic." The lamps have a sorta alien feel to them, enhanced by the row of lights, which, one may imagine, are the airfield lights that helped them land. In any case, I enjoy seeing their shapes in contrast to what else is in the photo. To me, it's interesting how one's imagination may be shaped by art so that when we see something, such as these lamps, I may associate their shapes with something that's alien to Earth.

I wonder if you tried black-and-white since the colors are mostly muted, altho' the neon signs are nicely balanced in the photo and do add a bit of zing. You could go all out with pp and make this photo really eerie if you wanted.

I agree that a person might be interesting in the photo, not as a subject, but, I think, it's often pleasant to have a humanizing effect; that's why I like "little people" in nature photography. But, that's me.

I enjoy this photo. You've caught something that appeals to me.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thank you so much, Edie! I thought a little about alien as well, especially as I'd posted a shot to FYC of far distant wind turbines that someone likened to alien flowers Your landing strip idea is delightful!

A person or two would have perhaps made clearer the setting, but I'm thinking now (and after further reflection on Galen's comments), that it would be a different story.

As shot, taking to spooky semi-abstract might be more fun. I appreciate your time and interest!

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

I keep coming back to this image. My first thought was that it was some kind of mistake. The kind of photo we all make when we press the shutter at the wrong time. I could go on for hours about what I think is wrong with this photo. But it fascinates me. Why? I haven't the foggiest idea.

Frank W Loc: Adirondacks in NY

I see that you just joined our group, welcome aboard.
Sometimes being a bit tactless myself.
You'll soon learn the Linda is one of our premier contributors. Your advice & input are welcome but unnecessary, as you obviously haven't seen any of her past post.
You sound like an experienced photographer, please show use some of your work.
Frank

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

Linda, I liked the photo. In art class we were always aware of lines of tension. You captured this in the intersecting lines in the reflection of the buildings. The hair dryers added humor to the shot

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

You are welcome to go on for hours about what is wrong, boberic; I don't mind! I appreciate your fascination, though Perhaps, like Edie suggested - something alien? Or just too mundane (though I prefer quirky, lol) for description? Thanks for commenting!