212kelvin Loc: San Francisco

Another project in process. Here's a sample. I have more but have to get them together to post

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I like it. The kind of theme my wife and I both like to shoot.

Andy

Cheese

Interesting! Are these really abandoned, or staged?

212kelvin Loc: San Francisco

they really are abandoned

garygrafic Loc: South Florida

Sorry you contributed nothing, you just stood there and shot. If you'd just lowered the camera, shot eye-level, the chairs would have been much more important. Good thinking though. Many, many years ago, my first job as an assistant photographer, I photographed my boss on trashed chairs and couches. His idea not mine. He'd call me early in the morning "instead of going to the studio this a.m. meet me at this address..........bring a camera". He was a tall, skinny guy, the picture were fun. Do more with your wife in the chairs (also, for me, couches), and lower the camera! Friends and family and you will love the set.

Stephan G

This is an incorrect critique in that even the worst shot has value to someone.

As for your set, it presents tableaux that you have seen. I, for one, did find them interesting and evoked memories of chairs, etc., being used as parking spot markers during certain events.

Yes, there are many ways to set up the scene, but that is more of a personal bent. Remember that you are working up a project. A little of the ambient environment would probably add to the story of abandonment of the furniture, such as the chair and the tree.

Have fun and do share.

garygrafic Loc: South Florida

I thought one of the objects of this forum was shooting better pictures. In my opinion dropping the camera down two feet would make for a better, stronger image. You think not that important, OK, so be it, let's get on with the rest of our lives.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

I like these, but wonder if a little more tightening of idea/composition would help. What if each photo were but one chair, fairly tightly cropped, but with enough background to present interest?

Stephan G

I addressed your comment as it was stated. I included the part in my quote.

"Better pictures", yes. But which direction? And whose vision? I felt that the shots did work, as a start. And each shot had a story, or the beginnings of one.

Encouragement is just as important as any suggestion given, in my school of thought.

I, too, would had shot differently. But that's my opinion.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I don't think I have ever, in my 65 years, learned a single thing from a statement that began with words like, "You contributed nothing".

I think it's possible to make suggestions while being kind or at the very least avoiding statements like the one you began with. If we really want to improve each others' work, we need to be critical but kind, in my opinion.

Andy

212kelvin Loc: San Francisco

thank you for your thoughtful, and helpful, comment

212kelvin Loc: San Francisco

thank you. I am ignoring the comment that started with you contributed nothing as I find it to be more of a projection rather than a critique. I appreciate your comment, as I normally have.

Stephan G

Helpful Hint #437: When approached with that phrase, do NOT reach for your wallet pocket.

212kelvin Loc: San Francisco

You're welcome. It seems I did, however, contribute something, even to you. I gave you the opportunity to remember an occasion many years ago that taught you something about composition. I believe that memory was amusing, even pleasant, despite it not being so at the time.

In my experience, even when it appears that nothing is being brought to the table, there usually is. One must take a second look at times to realize what is, in fact, the contribution. I encourage you to take a look at your contribution here, particularly the first line, and before posting one like it in the future, give it a second thought.

I could have taken offense to the line "Sorry you contributed nothing, you just stood there and shot" because it was an attempt, I feel, to hurt rather than help. If I discounted the entire comment because you hurt my feelings I would have missed the constructive part in the rest of the comment. Your boss had a terrific idea, which of course was the meat of your comment. I like the idea and will possibly use it in the future in some shape or form.

Contrary to my first thought that you were contributing nothing to the conversation, in the end, I found that you did. Many would not have been able to hear anything you said due to the harsh opening line. While I would have liked a softer approach, and I'm glad you are not my boss, I'm glad you posted.

Stephan G

Some considerations:

Photo #1: Take leading chair on left and move to the right in front of chair on right of tree. This would suggest a subliminal S curve when looking up from right to left with the white cars in the background.

Photo #2: Remove the office chair on left side. Level horizontally on yellow stripe. Keep the positioning as seen originally. Move chair on left to have shadow of stand fall on it.

Photo #3: Crop away the light and vehicle on top. This will accentuate the interplay of the chair with the two utility covers and checkerboard effect of the sidewalk.

Photo #4: Move chair left about a foot.or so to line up its left side with the knob on the security door. Do a sharper focus on the whole chair.

Photo #5: Crop foreground by half. Crop right side by half also. The makes the dynamic stronger of the chair against the tree and the post.

As always, these are offered as food for thought.