Can "feel" compensate for imperfect technique?
May 10, 2018 22:36:29 #
"End of Winter, Dune Ridge" was shot to capture the "feel" of its title. There are DOF problems, and other imperfections, but the waning patch of snow and the warm promise of the sun seem to overcome the weaknesses for me. What do others think?
May 11, 2018 00:29:05 #
For me, there's no real focal point to draw the viewer's eye into the image.
May 11, 2018 06:35:53 #
Nice colors but as rgrenaderphoto said, there is no focal point and your chosen depth of field doesn't help either of the two subjects you mentioned. I think a crisp close -up showing the course crystaline structure of the old snow with a softly focused ridge beyond with the warm golden light would have told your story better.
Just my thoughts.
Just my thoughts.
May 11, 2018 07:36:35 #
One of the links in my signature line is "What's Important in a Photograph and What Isn't." And back in January 2013 I posted a main discussion forum topic called "The Soul of a Photo" in which I asked, "Do you enjoy a technically imperfect photo that seems to have heart and soul and emotion and personality - or does the lack of technical perfection get in the way of your enjoyment?"
So my reply to the question in your topic title is an enthusiastic AYUH!
Regarding your posted photo, using the first three elements of the linked article:
Emotion, Light, Composition: I'm not feeling any particular emotion as the small patch of snow is too distant from the warm-colored light for me to make a connection between the two. Also, it is difficult to know for sure that it is a sunny area on the hilltop and not just the color of the grasses. Without the explanation, I am not seeing your intent.
So my reply to the question in your topic title is an enthusiastic AYUH!
Regarding your posted photo, using the first three elements of the linked article:
Emotion, Light, Composition: I'm not feeling any particular emotion as the small patch of snow is too distant from the warm-colored light for me to make a connection between the two. Also, it is difficult to know for sure that it is a sunny area on the hilltop and not just the color of the grasses. Without the explanation, I am not seeing your intent.
May 11, 2018 07:44:54 #
What I do like about this shot are the warm tones. The layering of the grass in the hill. If you did not post your ideas about this shot I would not have gotten the association you mentioned. For me I find the small patch of snow a distraction. But this is through my eyes not yours.
May 11, 2018 10:34:45 #
I understand your intent of being able to show what one felt at a particular scene. I often do that (but usually with water). I hope that people "get it" without the dreaded, "guess you had to be there" reaction. I'm afraid your image falls into the latter category. Linda, I think, nailed it. The two elements that would relay your sentiment are too far apart. I would add that perhaps there's not enough snow and yes, it is hard to tell if the orange is sunlight on the hill or a particular colour of grasses or plants.
May 11, 2018 11:06:09 #
Good question!
It all depends on how you define a “perfect” or an “imperfect” photograph.
I suppose that even a well composed and technically executed image can be negatively criticized- there can be many minor “faults” or oftentimes criticisms that are subjective rather than objective- a matter of taste or personal leanings.
I do allot of “self critiquing” of my own professional work in order to maintain “quality control” for my clients and especially when I am going to enter prints in a competition- kind of a process of elimination method to vet my own selections. Here's my criteria:
A photograph should tell a story, make a statement and produce some emotional impact on the viewer. All the tools and techniques that we employ should go to that end. Since a photograph should make a visual statement, it should not necessarily require any verbal, written caption. If the image needs some text to explain what the photographer is expressing, it is likely that something has failed- it could be any one or number of elements- lightning, focus, depth of field, composition, distractions, lack of a focal point or more.
So...to answer the OP's question more directly, the “feel”, mood, texture, story should be evident in the image immediately upon viewing. If there are technical glitches that impeded upon your visual message, distractions or something “missing” due to lack of focus or detail, theses technical difficulties have taken away some or all of your statement. The viewer's eye should go directly to the motif of the image.
Some photographic competitions require a title. This adds another criteria for critique. I ask, “does the image justify the title”. For instance, if the title is “Winters End” does the image really jibe with the title- does it evoke THAT feeling in my mind even if I hand not read the title or WHAT if the image came untitled?
Now, I am not attempting to create “rules” for judging images. I do, however, like to encourage this concept of “self critiquing” so that photographers can set up some criteria for analyzing their own results and improving their techniques as thet are creating their images.
Some shooting advice: If you are shooting some kind of rapidly occurring action, you may have little time to perfect an image, sometimes it is a matter of catch as catch can! When, however, you are photographing a landscape, a still life or any inanimate subject, simply take you time,, Look a the scene or subject in you viewfinder and make certain there are no distractions that will upstage the motif of the image. Explore other points of view or camera positions that might improve the composition, perhaps an alternative lighting or a different time of day will enhance textures and give the image more relief. Decide if you want more depth of field or alternatively, more selective focus which may require shallow depth of field. If there are problematic elements that can not be solved on the spot, plan ahead to determine if there are any post-processing actions that could remedy the issue. Don't consider post processing as a “crutch” or an afterthought- you may need to factor in post-production into the process from the get-go. Don't wait for the end result only to possibly become disappointed- address the issues as you work.
Sometimes I ask myself, “If I sent this image to someone who could no read or understand my language, would the feeling or message come through?
I hope this helps. Ed
It all depends on how you define a “perfect” or an “imperfect” photograph.
I suppose that even a well composed and technically executed image can be negatively criticized- there can be many minor “faults” or oftentimes criticisms that are subjective rather than objective- a matter of taste or personal leanings.
I do allot of “self critiquing” of my own professional work in order to maintain “quality control” for my clients and especially when I am going to enter prints in a competition- kind of a process of elimination method to vet my own selections. Here's my criteria:
A photograph should tell a story, make a statement and produce some emotional impact on the viewer. All the tools and techniques that we employ should go to that end. Since a photograph should make a visual statement, it should not necessarily require any verbal, written caption. If the image needs some text to explain what the photographer is expressing, it is likely that something has failed- it could be any one or number of elements- lightning, focus, depth of field, composition, distractions, lack of a focal point or more.
So...to answer the OP's question more directly, the “feel”, mood, texture, story should be evident in the image immediately upon viewing. If there are technical glitches that impeded upon your visual message, distractions or something “missing” due to lack of focus or detail, theses technical difficulties have taken away some or all of your statement. The viewer's eye should go directly to the motif of the image.
Some photographic competitions require a title. This adds another criteria for critique. I ask, “does the image justify the title”. For instance, if the title is “Winters End” does the image really jibe with the title- does it evoke THAT feeling in my mind even if I hand not read the title or WHAT if the image came untitled?
Now, I am not attempting to create “rules” for judging images. I do, however, like to encourage this concept of “self critiquing” so that photographers can set up some criteria for analyzing their own results and improving their techniques as thet are creating their images.
Some shooting advice: If you are shooting some kind of rapidly occurring action, you may have little time to perfect an image, sometimes it is a matter of catch as catch can! When, however, you are photographing a landscape, a still life or any inanimate subject, simply take you time,, Look a the scene or subject in you viewfinder and make certain there are no distractions that will upstage the motif of the image. Explore other points of view or camera positions that might improve the composition, perhaps an alternative lighting or a different time of day will enhance textures and give the image more relief. Decide if you want more depth of field or alternatively, more selective focus which may require shallow depth of field. If there are problematic elements that can not be solved on the spot, plan ahead to determine if there are any post-processing actions that could remedy the issue. Don't consider post processing as a “crutch” or an afterthought- you may need to factor in post-production into the process from the get-go. Don't wait for the end result only to possibly become disappointed- address the issues as you work.
Sometimes I ask myself, “If I sent this image to someone who could no read or understand my language, would the feeling or message come through?
I hope this helps. Ed
May 11, 2018 14:59:15 #
dougwalter
Loc: The Colony, TX
Thank you for your reply Ed. I am at best and amatuer photographer. A raw rookie is probably a better description. I have read your reply three times now and have printed it for future review. It contains very good advice that I have every intention of putting to use. Hopefully my photos will get better.
May 11, 2018 15:52:22 #
Hmm... everyone is right. To me, the sky/sun is one photo and the grass/sand/snow is another... and they have no business in the same frame... unless there's something to unify...
Perhaps by studying some of Andrew Wyeth's austere winter and autumn images an idea can be found to finish this photo... In fact, Wyeth is great to study for any reason... but especially composition...
Off the top of my head, I'd splat a dollop of orange just below the pine tree and create something like a lens flare (lots of Youtube videos on how). Then, shovel in some sharpening and contrast where grass and sand meet- making color, contrast and sharpness the focal point as manifested by the grass/sand.
Perhaps by studying some of Andrew Wyeth's austere winter and autumn images an idea can be found to finish this photo... In fact, Wyeth is great to study for any reason... but especially composition...
Off the top of my head, I'd splat a dollop of orange just below the pine tree and create something like a lens flare (lots of Youtube videos on how). Then, shovel in some sharpening and contrast where grass and sand meet- making color, contrast and sharpness the focal point as manifested by the grass/sand.
May 11, 2018 17:39:43 #
I like it, Art, for the simple reason it puts me there, feeling the quartering wind at my back that bends the grasses to the slope of the hill and has, as per its prevailing wont, determined features of branch growth on the trees just beyond the hill’s crest.
Nice spot.
Thanks for taking me there!
Dave
Nice spot.
Thanks for taking me there!
Dave
May 11, 2018 22:35:56 #
May 12, 2018 00:07:16 #
artBob wrote:
"End of Winter, Dune Ridge" was shot to capture the "feel" of its title. There are DOF problems, and other imperfections, but the waning patch of snow and the warm promise of the sun seem to overcome the weaknesses for me. What do others think?
It sure can, artBob. Your lovely landscape proves it.
Bob
May 12, 2018 18:36:08 #
I think the message could have been better expressed if the patch of snow had been a little bigger... by 50% or so.
May 12, 2018 21:34:58 #
Just came across this quotation.
..... Technique is important only insofar as you must master it in order to communicate what you see... . In any case, people think far too much about techniques and not enough about seeing.
— Henri Cartier-Bresson
..... Technique is important only insofar as you must master it in order to communicate what you see... . In any case, people think far too much about techniques and not enough about seeing.
— Henri Cartier-Bresson
May 12, 2018 21:53:00 #
repleo wrote:
Just came across this quotation.
..... Technique is important only insofar as you must master it in order to communicate what you see... . In any case, people think far too much about techniques and not enough about seeing.
— Henri Cartier-Bresson
..... Technique is important only insofar as you must master it in order to communicate what you see... . In any case, people think far too much about techniques and not enough about seeing.
— Henri Cartier-Bresson
Excellent quotation. The IDEA/FEELING is most important, technique is important as it communicates the content.
You others who have commented, thank you. It is helpful, and good to see the variety of concerns.
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