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Critiques wanted, Please!
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Oct 15, 2011 01:30:26   #
Jwilliams0469 Loc: Topeka, Ks.
 
I live in Topeka the capital of Kansas... I know and yes I really dislike this place, but it's where I've landed for now!
There really isn't much here to photograph and travel cost is just to high to leave the city just to take photographs. However, The photograph below is of the capital building in the center (so they say) of Topeka. I really hate the original colors of the building so I wanted to try something new with it. Please, be completely honest as I would be for you.

Also I know the photograph is not straight but I don't know exactly how to fix it, also, the Original got deleted by total accident and when I tried to recover it, only the top half came back and the rest was destroyed. Sorry for now comparison but if it helps the body of the building is tan and the roofs of the build are a ugly green color. At the very top is an Indian and the building has been under construction for about 6 years now.
Canon SX30 IS - Shutter speed 1/500, f/stop 5.6, Exposure (Manual), ISO 400, Focal length 4.3mm, Flash (did not fire).

Topeka, Kansas Capital Building
Topeka, Kansas Capital Building...

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Oct 15, 2011 01:57:13   #
Dunatic
 
It sort of has an "old" feel to it. The color looks like sepia? Is that what you were trying for? It is interesting and it do like it. I think if you used a telephoto lens, you might be able to get a good architectural shot.

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Oct 15, 2011 01:58:48   #
Dunatic
 
This would also be a great back drop to take portraits.

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Oct 15, 2011 02:11:14   #
Jwilliams0469 Loc: Topeka, Ks.
 
Thank you for your comments, I actually had a 2.4x tele lens with me but chose not to use it do to the right side of the building being completely covered with construction. It looked really bad and I didn't want it in the shot...

I see what you mean by it making a great back drop as well. Thanks for pointing that out! Great idea!

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Oct 15, 2011 02:33:11   #
lizardworks Loc: Western Slope of Colorado
 
I like it, it has an "aged" feel to it.

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Oct 15, 2011 03:24:23   #
bigfootmm
 
Shoot what you love, not what you dislike, unless you really dislike it to the point of hating it. This pic has nothing going for it with its tilt, boring sky and common architecture that is not welll-placed in the frame. Every town has tons of opportunities for delightful pictures. Go forth into alleys and onto busy sidewalks and see as if you were seeing for the first time in you life. Surprise yourself!

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Oct 15, 2011 11:21:35   #
Jwilliams0469 Loc: Topeka, Ks.
 
bigfootmm wrote:
Shoot what you love, not what you dislike, unless you really dislike it to the point of hating it. This pic has nothing going for it with its tilt, boring sky and common architecture that is not welll-placed in the frame. Every town has tons of opportunities for delightful pictures. Go forth into alleys and onto busy sidewalks and see as if you were seeing for the first time in you life. Surprise yourself!


Thanks for the feed back! Did you happen to read my post? I explained: I know the photograph isn't straight, but I'm not sure how to fix this. Also, in my post it states that on the right side of the building was nothing to see as it is full of construction junk. Photographer's are NOT allowed in allies in Topeka as posted by city law which sucks and I found that out a couple weeks ago when I had to go to court for photographing in an ally. I plan to visit uptown. The busiest part of town from 7am - 8pm. Again, thanks for your feed back. What would you have done differently? Please let me know thanks...

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Oct 15, 2011 11:21:54   #
Jwilliams0469 Loc: Topeka, Ks.
 
lizardworks wrote:
I like it, it has an "aged" feel to it.


Thank you very kindly!

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Oct 15, 2011 15:47:09   #
bigfootmm
 
Yes, I did read your post. It said your shot was not straight and part of the view was not worth shooting and so on. I replied by suggesting that you not shoot what you don't like. Composition is essential to good photography, so why put up a shot that isn't straight? Why not learn to straighten it before you ask for comments? Why cut off a building when the result is an odd, uncomplimentary composition? Why not choose something to shoot that hasn't got such problems?

So far, I have made several suggestions on this forum. Nearly all the responses have been defensive. It can be a lot of fun to critique and improve one's photography, but if the emphasis is on protecting the ideal one has of the shot posted rather than to see the actual shot, which so often needs serious work or outright deletion, then we won't seem many comments other than, "Gosh, Martha, that's just a wonderful shot to show off your talent!"

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Oct 15, 2011 16:06:43   #
tilde531 Loc: Seaford Delaware
 
Jwilliams0469 wrote:
I live in Topeka the capital of Kansas... I know and yes I really dislike this place, but it's where I've landed for now!
There really isn't much here to photograph and travel cost is just to high to leave the city just to take photographs. However, The photograph below is of the capital building in the center (so they say) of Topeka. I really hate the original colors of the building so I wanted to try something new with it. Please, be completely honest as I would be for you.

Also I know the photograph is not straight but I don't know exactly how to fix it, also, the Original got deleted by total accident and when I tried to recover it, only the top half came back and the rest was destroyed. Sorry for now comparison but if it helps the body of the building is tan and the roofs of the build are a ugly green color. At the very top is an Indian and the building has been under construction for about 6 years now.
Canon SX30 IS - Shutter speed 1/500, f/stop 5.6, Exposure (Manual), ISO 400, Focal length 4.3mm, Flash (did not fire).
I live in Topeka the capital of Kansas... I know a... (show quote)


I like the sepia-tone very much... is the top green because it's copper? If so, the natural patina is usually very desirable... I'm surprised you don't care for it.
I straightened it for you... hope that was okay?
It could stand some sharpening... but I didn't do that for you because you didn't mention wanting it done or ask how in your post. I try not to alter anyone's photos without asking first or having THEM ask for it.
I think it's a fine photo.

Original
Original...

straightened
straightened...

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Oct 15, 2011 18:50:36   #
Jwilliams0469 Loc: Topeka, Ks.
 
bigfootmm wrote:
Yes, I did read your post. It said your shot was not straight and part of the view was not worth shooting and so on. I replied by suggesting that you not shoot what you don't like. Composition is essential to good photography, so why put up a shot that isn't straight? Why not learn to straighten it before you ask for comments? Why cut off a building when the result is an odd, uncomplimentary composition? Why not choose something to shoot that hasn't got such problems?

So far, I have made several suggestions on this forum. Nearly all the responses have been defensive. It can be a lot of fun to critique and improve one's photography, but if the emphasis is on protecting the ideal one has of the shot posted rather than to see the actual shot, which so often needs serious work or outright deletion, then we won't seem many comments other than, "Gosh, Martha, that's just a wonderful shot to show off your talent!"
Yes, I did read your post. It said your shot was n... (show quote)


No defense from my side, I was only asking if you had read the post... I just wasn't sure you caught all of it do to " a lot of people" don't read the entire post. Especially as long as this one... I like the fact you made your point. Thanks!

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Oct 15, 2011 18:52:57   #
Jwilliams0469 Loc: Topeka, Ks.
 
tilde531 wrote:
Jwilliams0469 wrote:
I live in Topeka the capital of Kansas... I know and yes I really dislike this place, but it's where I've landed for now!
There really isn't much here to photograph and travel cost is just to high to leave the city just to take photographs. However, The photograph below is of the capital building in the center (so they say) of Topeka. I really hate the original colors of the building so I wanted to try something new with it. Please, be completely honest as I would be for you.

Also I know the photograph is not straight but I don't know exactly how to fix it, also, the Original got deleted by total accident and when I tried to recover it, only the top half came back and the rest was destroyed. Sorry for now comparison but if it helps the body of the building is tan and the roofs of the build are a ugly green color. At the very top is an Indian and the building has been under construction for about 6 years now.
Canon SX30 IS - Shutter speed 1/500, f/stop 5.6, Exposure (Manual), ISO 400, Focal length 4.3mm, Flash (did not fire).
I live in Topeka the capital of Kansas... I know a... (show quote)


I like the sepia-tone very much... is the top green because it's copper? If so, the natural patina is usually very desirable... I'm surprised you don't care for it.
I straightened it for you... hope that was okay?
It could stand some sharpening... but I didn't do that for you because you didn't mention wanting it done or ask how in your post. I try not to alter anyone's photos without asking first or having THEM ask for it.
I think it's a fine photo.
quote=Jwilliams0469 I live in Topeka the capital ... (show quote)


Thank you, it looks better being straightened. I don't mind anyone playing with the photographs I post. If they can make it look better, please do! Thanks again. your always a nice and honest person...

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Oct 15, 2011 19:03:29   #
tilde531 Loc: Seaford Delaware
 
Jwilliams0469 wrote:

Thank you, it looks better being straightened. I don't mind anyone playing with the photographs I post. If they can make it look better, please do! Thanks again. your always a nice and honest person...


You're quite welcome. Glad it helped you. :)
Since you invited it, I've done a little more to it for you here. Keep in mind that monitors are not all alike and what may look a little brighter, clearer etc. on my end, may not be on yours... but it was my aim.

(looking at it here in a larger format, I think it's now a little too bright! Sorry :( )

your original
your original...

my final tweak (straightened, brightened, sharpened)
my final tweak (straightened, brightened, sharpene...

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Oct 15, 2011 19:10:38   #
Jwilliams0469 Loc: Topeka, Ks.
 
tilde531 wrote:
Jwilliams0469 wrote:

Thank you, it looks better being straightened. I don't mind anyone playing with the photographs I post. If they can make it look better, please do! Thanks again. your always a nice and honest person...


You're quite welcome. Glad it helped you. :)
Since you invited it, I've done a little more to it for you here. Keep in mind that monitors are not all alike and what may look a little brighter, clearer etc. on my end, may not be on yours... but it was my aim.

(looking at it here in a larger format, I think it's now a little too bright! Sorry :( )
quote=Jwilliams0469 br Thank you, it looks bette... (show quote)


A little bright it is, but the sharpness looks much better with it being straightened. Thanks I'll go back and see if I can work with it some more...

Reply
Oct 15, 2011 20:55:43   #
sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant
 
the sepia adds a turn of thee century feel to it. my only nit pick would be to crop the left side just a smidge ( less than a smidgeon) to eliminate the partial light pole.
also I am sure topeka has some sort of western days celebrating their cowboy heritage. ( I believe wyatt earp was a topeka lawman at one point) set up the shot with some [eople in cowboy attire climbing the stairs with sepia tone it will look like a historical photo. i dont know much about topeka surely there are some local landmarks, funky diners, weird but interesting nightclubs turn of the century archetectiure to photograph. here is an interesting photo challenge for you if you want. assignment topeka talk to chamber of commerce, local museum, colleges etc discover and photograph what makes topeka topeka. Not only do i believe you will learn to enjoy where you are at, you might be able to turn your project into a coffee table book. check out the ethnic neighborhoods, the old churches, sports teams, stockyards, the artsy fartsy district, nightclubs, railroad yards etc sky is the limit.

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