ediesaul

I like the different textures and colors. Is that enough to make a photo?

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Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Well Edie its better than a horses arse!!
Technically sound and nothing actually wrong with it. Composition such as it is seems to work.
What it does not have is any impact Im afraid. Getting stuff like this to work to make people take a second and third glance is extremely difficult.
Im pretty sure your gonna get folks eulogizing about textures patterns lines oh and all the trees are pointing upwards lol. In Billy speak its total baloney. Hot air and wind.
Your trying to run after artistry and you will never catch it
Edie I would dearly love to see you take a few good "normal" type images. Find a horse photograph his head see the whole landscape and shoot that. Get that right and the artist that lurks within will come forth in its own time and be stronger.
.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Well, at conscious risk of incurring Billy's sarcastic wrath, I'm glad to state my appreciation of the unusual pattern contrasts in this image as its not-inconsiderable substance.
I can argue for either cropping out the trees at the top ... or keeping them. I prefer keeping them.

The intermediate zone of jumble of tattered grasses/reeds contrasts strongly with the strangely arranged "tilted tussocks" in the foreground and the stark vertical parallelism of the background trees. Some will appreciate play of pattern, just as others have been sarcastically dismissive thereof.
In my considered opinion, Y'did good with an image deserving of critical appreciation.

Dave in SD

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

By careful and considered deduction, as I speak Im the only other person who has commented, I assume "sarcastically dismissive" is aimed at moi?

Pray show me where I have been sarcastic in any way about Edies image? I in fact gave her faint praise about some aspects of it

.Any hint of sarcasm here, and it is a hint rather than full blown, is aimed at those who may come along waving the artistic banner and playing the trombone to impress with their "artistic critique head" firmly screwed on backwards. I know this is not you Dave but could apply to those that follow.
A critique section is about helping people to the best of ones at times feeble ability. I firmly am of the belief that before one attempts to practice artistry its helpful to learn the basics of ones craft.
I believe Michelangelo was pretty hot with a pencil and paper before he got the Sistine chapel gig.
My message containing words of kindness to Edie were to point this out.
Rambling on about tumbling tussocks or whatever will just produce some more very so so tumbling tussocks. Learn the basics well, produce a few stunning images and then when you take a shot of a tumbling tussocks it rocks, it rolls, it demands attention rather than sit rather limply hoping to get noticed.

gdwsr Loc: Northern California

To answer your question, Yes texture and color can be the subject of a successful image. But it is much more difficult to stir and emotion (even "wow, how pretty" or "how interesting") than with an object subject, like a kitten or flower.

In my opinion, one has to make the image all about the subject (texture and color) and get all the other concepts of composition and art so well done before viewers to make the connection. In this photo the light was lousy, not your fault, nature just wasn't cooperating.

This is a difficult scene to communicate the way I think you are wanting but I think it could be done under the right conditions.

ediesaul

Thanks. I am trying. Was volunteering all day and determined to get some pics, so I rode up a road, saw this, and tried. I know that a better photographer could do a better job. One day, when I am better, I'm going to prove to you that a horse's ass can make a good photo!!!! But, your suggestions are well-taken. Thanks again.

My favorite forum for all the good critique people share. Thanks to all!!!

ediesaul

You're a sweetie, Dave, but I know that it's not a great photo. I'm wondering what could make it better because, given the same subject, I know that people here would take a better photo than this one. Perhaps lighten it up, more contrast? Will read on. Thanks for looking and your encouragement. (I'm beginning to think that some are starting to feel sorry for me. :D )

ediesaul

Thanks for looking and your comments. I wonder if the dead grass spiral shape in the foreground could have been better photographed. Maybe I should have concentrated on just them? Oh, well. Tomorrow's another day, as Scarlett said.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Hey, Billy,,
In fact, no, Billy, my comment re: " dismissive sarcasm" was not aimed specifically at you, but you did happen to be the most recent source the sarcasm I mentioned. And it obviously continues in your response above.
Mea culpa maxima eat if I over-estimated an intended " hint" of sarcasm. And if it was directed at a supporter ("moi") of a concept rather than at the concept itself, the connection seemed sufficiently clear and explicit, and definitely warranting the estimate.

To the fact that some of us ascribe greater significance to certain aspects of image content that others might consider to be of lesser consequence I merely say "Three cheers for diversity!". Uniformity of opinions on matters of creativity and art would, I think, lead to deadly dullness. If everyone valued only the same aspects of a work that you vaue, or only those that I value, the UHH would quickly turn into a regrettably small club, don't you think?

You have likely caught onto realization that attempts to humorously forestall comments on aspects of photographic image evaluation that some, personally, consider to be of lesser or of pretentious significance than do others can just as often elicit more pointed mention of them ... and, when warranted, exaltation, even!

You were obviously dismissive of the concept of the role of pattern in composition which was precisely what my comments about the "tilted tussocks" ( in contrast to the random jumble of grasses/reeds and the regularly vertical and parallel trees that you derided) was all about.

There is a great variety of artistic vision and expression to be seen here at UHH, and it would be regrettable were it's breadth and depth to be squelched by over exuberant "lobbying" by one mindset or another.

I'm sure you understand that my thoughts and attitudes, like yours, are merely personal opinions...no more, but certainly, no less.

And of course, "your ...and my...,mileage may vary"

I do hope we can continue to,wave our own flags and banners of artistic vision and expression without attempting to tear down those of others.

Best regards,
Dave

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

This is a subject that I would try and have. I am finding that it is all about the light. This needs a golden sunrise or sunset to make these stand out. Or for even more fun wait for a full moon and go out and shoot by moon light.

ediesaul

Thanks for your suggestions, Country's Mama. I was determined to take photos today. We are still having lousy weather here in NY. I am so grateful that people are still looking at my photos.

Ruthiel Loc: Las Vegas

Not a critique ... Edie I learn something everytime you post a photo because the members here are so helpful. I think you are growing I see progress all the time . Keep it up :) soon I hope I can start posting again

ediesaul

Thanks, Ruthiel! You and I can both grow together!!!! I do hope you post soon again because I would like to learn from you!

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

I personally always value your opinion and respect it greatly. My take on this work is really very simple.
Learn your craft ie the basics and practice them until they become second nature. This is difficult to learn if you point the camera at "odd" things. Much easier to place ones feet firmly on the ground and shoot the non artistic more mundane subjects to master composition what difference light makes to a subject, how to search out that light. After a time it becomes second nature and then ones tussock photography becomes excellent it has the wow factor and the impact this lacks.

I tell it like it is your sweet and kind but I think we both want the same for Edie.
As has been mentioned here the light is all wrong on this photo. You or even a hacker like me would have spotted that fact. You may have the patience to wait for the right light I bore easily and would walk on and find something else.
I do not think Edie understands yet what difference natural light can make. That needs to be learnt and as I keep saying and its hard to learn with horse butt or tussock shooting. But it will come of that I'm confident cos she appears to be a determined lady.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Ready t'move on?