Day.Old.Pizza Loc: Maple Grove, MN

I have no formal background in Photography but I do read a little and watch "How to" videos to help move me along. I will shoot Landscapes, but my love is more in the Portrait area. So, we had an "easy" Winter this year in Michigan's UP; about 150" less snow than normal. This lack of snow allowed the Portage Canal to freeze over good enough for ice skating. This condition lasted about 4 days before new snow made skating impossible. The first morning the canal froze I walked down and out onto the ice. Perfectly smooth. I wandered back down in late afternoon as skaters began to appear and Hockey games broke out. This time I brought my camera. The shot was unscripted and hand-held. I got what I got: People having fun and our landmark bridge. I thought it was OK, but nothing special. However, when I started showing it to friends, and strangers, I kept hearing, "great photograph/picture". So what am I missing?

Is this a Photograph or a Snapshot? There seems to be a difference in meaning on UHH.
Do you like it or not? Why.

(Download)

tramsey Loc: Texas

I like it because there is lots of 'stuff' going on. It's well light and focused. I'm not sure if the subject is the bridge, the girl in blue jeans (that sounds like a song title to me) or the guy in grey pants skating away.
I'm not going to touch what I think the difference between a snapshot and a photograph is because then ninety percent of what is on UHH is a snapshot

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Well, first off, it Is a darn nice shot.
Some things I like are the pose and expression of the girl in the hoodie, the guy winding up on the left, the haphazardly strewn boots (suggesting spontaneity) and of course the bridge.
Those are just pieces though, I can’t say why the “whole” works so well.

Quixdraw Loc: x

The composition is good as is the color. A very engaging shot. Sharp is a big deal for me, not so much for others. A touch sharper would be nice. You have a good eye and did very well!

Day.Old.Pizza Loc: Maple Grove, MN

Thanks for the reply. I didn’t have any one subject in mind. As has been pointed out there was a lot going on. I was mainly recording a rare event. After that it was what looked good to my eye overall.

krashdragon

1. It's nicely balanced
2. There's good touches of color
3. There's interesting stuff to look at.

Day.Old.Pizza Loc: Maple Grove, MN

Thanks Quixdraw and you as well KrashDragon

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Please do not construe my comments as too harsh or meant to degrade your photo. These are strictly my own opinion and as you can see, many other are well pleased so this is a personal view and not cast in stone.

In my eye, that is a snap-shot. My reason being the photo having no solid subject, story or feel.

The lady looking straight to the camera could have been be a solid subject, but she is not in focus. It is the elements behind her like the bridge and other players that are sharp and in focus.

The story could have been the hockey game, but her standing right in the middle and the other lady changing shoes subdues that direction of thought.

Because it was too busy, there is no definite feel too. It does not feel cold, not happy, not gloomy, no anticipation, there is just too many things happening that is not supporting each other.

So as a photo with intention, it falls short of my expectation.
On the other hand, as a snapshot of a day in the frozen river, it is good. Could be better by having the lady in the center in focus but as it is, its ok as casual snapshot.

Again that is just my personal biased opinion and only because you asked. Others have only praises for it and i do not take that away from them. We all have different taste and point of view.

If you would allow me, i would like to crop & edit it so it can have (IMHO) a more solid composition.

Doddy Loc: Barnard Castle-England

To me all photo's are 'snapshots'. You have captured a moment in time that is very interesting..well done.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

I like it because it's a scene that tells a story. Sometimes a picture defies description - it just works.

Day.Old.Pizza Loc: Maple Grove, MN

If you think a Crop might better express your point then feel free to try it. I’m trying to learn something. The story of the picture to me is the fact that this event, this snow-free glassy lake freeze, happens so rarely here it made it worth taking. In that sense I’m like a Newspaper Reporter. I do not understand the concept of using other elements within a photo to better make the point. I could have increased the sharpness by using a tripod or bumping up the ISO and shutter speed, but I don’t mind the blurred foot of the person putting on their skate. Maybe a higher ISO and shutter speed would have sharpened it up a bit more.

home brewer Loc: Fort Wayne, Indiana

reminds me of Dutch painters winters scenes; lots of interest. It tells a story

Day.Old.Pizza Loc: Maple Grove, MN

Thanks. Your Avitar makes me thirsty 😄

Dannj

Great shot...whatever you call it! And it would make a great jigsaw puzzle!

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Story-telling images often provoke those kind of responses. Great shot!