I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.
Oct 1, 2022 08:31:11 #
Bigmike1 wrote:
Pining for yesteryear isn't helpful to the OP.I long for the old days of film when there wasn't a whole lot you could do with a photo. You took what you got. Now with all of the post processing programs everyone messes with the photos and are never satisfied.
Pat didn't make it clear in the opening that composition was his/her concern; that's why all these processing re-do's were posted.
Oct 1, 2022 08:51:22 #
Patsworld wrote:
I just don’t seem to understand why my pictures lack that special something. Please critique. Thanks in advance.
I got that you were asking about your photography in general and not just this one. Linda also noted composition. This image is too busy if the bridge was your subject. I would have gotten closer and shot a detail of the bridge from a point closer to the left bank of the stream or river. The far right of your image is less interesting. Your processing looks fine to me. You need a reshoot here. Or to salvage this one, crop out the right 1/3 and top 1/4.
Oct 1, 2022 09:34:35 #
I am no expert nor I make any claims of it but certain images like yours come to peace with the scene. The tonalities seem to fit the subject making the image look as if it was shot with old film. That in my humble opinion fits very well the subject.
To my eyes the bridge looks nice in the image although the background causes some confusion to the eye. Perhaps cloning the two small towers toward the center of the image could improve the visual design.
Those days when the light is flat can play havoc to our images but not necessarily so to all images.
To my eyes the bridge looks nice in the image although the background causes some confusion to the eye. Perhaps cloning the two small towers toward the center of the image could improve the visual design.
Those days when the light is flat can play havoc to our images but not necessarily so to all images.
Oct 1, 2022 09:51:04 #
tcthome
Loc: NJ
Linda From Maine wrote:
In my opinion, your subject is lost in the backgro... (show quote)
My first thought is to dodge & burn making the bridge stand out. I also thought of cropping the photo to above the boat/ ship/vessel. Maybe even try a vignette. The desaturation of everything except the bridge sounds like a great idea. Maybe that is where the B&W might help also. Just thoughts on some post processing. & making copies to try different versions of the photo.Oct 1, 2022 09:58:40 #
Patsworld wrote:
I just don’t seem to understand why my pictures lack that special something. Please critique. Thanks in advance.
Nice shot.
Oct 1, 2022 10:29:57 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
Level the photo, crop out the tree on the right, and sharpen as best you can. The bridge and the dome compete for attention and the flat lighting doesn’t help.
Oct 1, 2022 10:43:33 #
Patsworld wrote:
I just don’t seem to understand why my pictures lack that special something. Please critique. Thanks in advance.
It is a wonderful photo. I don’t know your setting or camera model.
My first rule of thumb is to minimize distractions. An easy way to do that is to zoom in or crop a great deal. When you push the objects in a photo, you do get overkill.
What you see is a good foothold into what you should photograph.
This takes time… I’m still working in my technique.
Oct 1, 2022 11:06:44 #
StanMac
Loc: Tennessee
Patsworld wrote:
I just don’t seem to understand why my pictures lack that special something. Please critique. Thanks in advance.
Not sure what that “special something” is in your mind. Most of my photos lack attention getting “punch”, if you will. This image could do with a slight contrast increase and a smidge of saturation increase. Also, it needs leveling. Regarding composition, an off center viewpoint would add a bit of interest to the scene rather than a flat front on view.
Stan
Oct 1, 2022 11:32:59 #
"Flat" is generally not where it's at. The comments to recompose with a more diagonal view of the bridge I think are spot on. I would level it and the idea of selective post processing to desaturate the background makes sense as well.
Oct 1, 2022 11:49:16 #
Oct 1, 2022 12:23:20 #
Patsworld wrote:
I just don’t seem to understand why my pictures lack that special something. Please critique. Thanks in advance.
The bland sky is not helping the image.
Oct 1, 2022 12:30:13 #
Patsworld wrote:
I just don’t seem to understand why my pictures lack that special something. Please critique. Thanks in advance.
I saved your photo and then open it in camera RAW with PSE 2019 and clicked the auto adjustment. I further adjusted the black and white levels to the edge of limits for over or under exposure.I then opened the image androtated it 0.5 degrees left and cropped to original dimensions, adjusted lighting by small amounts, flattened and saved. Original and adjusted attached.
Oct 1, 2022 15:41:16 #
bbradford
Loc: Wake Forest NC
I personally think it just needs a sky replacement. Try that and see if it dosnt pop.
Oct 1, 2022 16:04:45 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
In my opinion, your subject is lost in the backgro... (show quote)
I love the shot (💥💥💥💥💥), however, if you want us to focus on the bridge, then the crowd of structures behind it doesn't help you. I would second what the person who suggested selective processing told you.
Oct 1, 2022 16:08:42 #
amfoto1 wrote:
How is this? br br First thing I did was straight... (show quote)
You did a fine job and the results really enhance the subject
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