Country Barn: Please critique this photo...I would very much like to improve my craft... This shot was taken out a car window going 50 MPH... Thank you in advance...:)...

Namwife Loc: Midwest

Please critique this photo...I would very much like to improve my craft... This shot was taken out a car window going 50 MPH...
Thank you in advance...:)

(Download)

R.G. Loc: Scotland

This shot is OK, but if you'd stopped the car and got out and worked the scene you would probably have got something even better.

Namwife Loc: Midwest

R.G. wrote:

This shot is OK, but if you'd stopped the car and got out and worked the scene you would probably have got something even better.

I most likely would of gotten something better if I could of stopped...However, I shoot a lot aerial photos from the open doors of a Huey Helicopter so I need to improve my skills so my shots are good from a fast moving object. Also I shoot air to air ...We have 3 aircraft flying to and from events so I need to be able to focus fast, have a good composition and a decent shot!
Thank you for replying.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Given the circumstances, your photo is very good. I've shot through a windshield myself a few times and can appreciate that you don't get time to get all your ducks lined up so it has to be right straight off. And if you're on the move you probably don't get a chance at a re-shoot. And that must be even more so hanging out of a helicopter.

Namwife Loc: Midwest

R.G. wrote:

Given the circumstances, your photo is very good. I've shot through a windshield myself a few times and can appreciate that you don't get time to get all your ducks lined up so it has to be right straight off. And if you're on the move you probably don't get a chance at a re-shoot. And that must be even more so hanging out of a helicopter.

I am not driving while shooting...and...Yes, shooting from a helicopter can be very challenging... (but I love it) Why I post here so I can get feedback to improve!

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

As it was said, the photo is OK considering you were moving fast :)

Some post-processing comments (100% personal opinion obviously):
- I would remove the wires from the right of the barn to the right border
- I would remove the white things that appear on the left border above the fence
- If including a signature/(c) I would use a smaller one and probably translucent or a light gray color

Please share also your helicopter photos! :)

Namwife Loc: Midwest

juan_uy wrote:

As it was said, the photo is OK considering you were moving fast :)

Some post-processing comments (100% personal opinion obviously):
- I would remove the wires from the right of the barn to the right border
- I would remove the white things that appear on the left border above the fence
- If including a signature/(c) I would use a smaller one and probably translucent or a light gray color

Please share also your helicopter photos! :)

You can see my helicopter photos by going to my posts..I have posted a lot through the years as a member...

waymond Loc: Pflugerville, Texas

Given the circumstances, good shot. It's impossible to tell whether a still shot would have been better as we have no basis for comparison, only speculation.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

In the realm of photos taken from vehicles traveling at high speed, it doesn’t get any better than your Country Barn shot. Very nicely done. Thanks for sharing it and your story.

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

R.G. wrote:

This shot is OK, but if you'd stopped the car and got out and worked the scene you would probably have got something even better.

This comment makes me think of all the shots I have missed because I could not find a safe place nearby to park safely. It also brings back a memory of a pretty good shot I got while riding in a bus that was moving at highway speed.

Sometimes we have to do the best we can and live with the consequences.

Stephan G

Namwife wrote:

Please critique this photo...I would very much like to improve my craft... This shot was taken out a car window going 50 MPH...
Thank you in advance...:)

The shot presented was well done.

As for improving technique. The issues involved are similar to panning moving items. The difference is that the object is stationary while the photographer is in motion. In both cases, the key is to "anticipate". If it is possible, plan on several drive-by shootings of the desired subject, to decide on the best "set-up".

One of my favorite shots is of Old Ironside in dry dock, with its masts throwing long shadows from the western setting sun. I took the shots from a Bell helicopter on the way to Boston Logan airport. I also got a few shots of the jet that slid off the runway with it nose almost touching the waters (one passenger lost) that year.

PS. A couple of my co-workers were dismayed that our pilot took us directly over that jet on the way to the landing at the airport. We all were flying outbound within a couple of hours afterwards.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

My primary observation is that the crop is too close for a desirable composition. I have the same tendency, and have been trying to correct that. I often just back out and take another shot so there is more breathing room. when I edit I am then able to do much more with it. Often times the shot less zoomed in, is in fact sharper.

bertloomis Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

Namwife wrote:

Please critique this photo...I would very much like to improve my craft... This shot was taken out a car window going 50 MPH...
Thank you in advance...:)

It's a pleasant photo, especially given the circumstances. I almost never take shots from a moving vehicle anymore. Mine just don't come out well.

Namwife Loc: Midwest

joehel2 wrote:

In the realm of photos taken from vehicles traveling at high speed, it doesn’t get any better than your Country Barn shot. Very nicely done. Thanks for sharing it and your story.

Joehel, thank you for your kind comment...I'm glad you enjoyed the photo and the story...:)

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

I like your picture of the barn. If your aim was to show the details of an old barn, you have done well. If you expected it to be a 'wall hanger' I would suggest improving the composition by leaving more room around it and positioning it in the frame in accordance withe the general rules of composition. Oh yes, and check the spelling of your logo.