Thanks Graham. I have that one also, but I sure don't use it as well as you. Your work is consistently outstanding. I'll practice your tips. Lynn

Graham, your timing was perfect. The man feels his music and is looking for audience approval. A precious moment. As usual, zone 0 to 10 all represented. Your B&W processing is the best. What conversion program do you use? Your subtle tone values are always very impressive. If I'm seeing well today, it appears that you had a good "film" choice today, without resorting to extremely high ASA film. Thanks for sharing a very meaningful image. Lynn

Good insights, mdorn. Keep em coming. Thanks for continuing my education. Lynn

Thanks Steve. It's just wonderful to get different ideas on how to control a photo. Yours is another good approach. Now if I can just get the concepts into my brain. I think every vision is basically good. Now the problem is to decide which vision is best for which set up. Thanks for sharing. Lynn

Grambo. I nothing about horses and I've never made, what I would consider, a successful HDR photo. So my comments are not to correct your picture, but to maybe open another avenue of view. Maybe good, maybe bad, but broadening your photo arsenal. I've never shot a horse, in a barn backlight. I have, however, shot a lot of brides coming down the aisle with the church doors open in back of them. If you have a hot shoe or mount that will put a flash directly above the lens, and several inches above that lens, you might be surprised what it would yield. The flash location suggested will form the cast shadows directly behind the subject and will hardly be noticed.

This is a wonderful image. Well exposed and processed. I'd probably go along with a bit less water & bit more breathing room at the top. And the upper left hand white dome is a bit distracting. Actually these suggestions are a bit nit- picky. You have created beautiful photograph just as it is.

Thanks Billy. You guys make it so simple; but new to me. Just for your information, you guys & gals are working the "H" out me. This site is like an advanced level college photo course. A few months here & I should learn a lot. TNX AGN! Lynn

Thanks a bunch Dave. You've have made great suggestions. At times I've too heavy handed with corrections and now it looks like I backed off a bit too much. TNX AGN. This is the kind of help I need. I can see easily when it's pointed out, but sure didn't see it before. See ya. Lynn

I think it's about time I posted a photo that doesn't have some sort of an old beat up building in it. So here it is. How can I make it better.

There's always one heart that stands out

(Download)

OK ladies. You win. I think my surrender sentiment was expressed best at the Little Big Horn when the private said, "Gee General Custer, there sure are a lota Indians around here." I'm surrounded by intelligent, articulate women who are probably right. The power line goes; if & when I ever print this puppy again. Thanks a lot. I really like you persistence, insistence, and resistance! You won fair & square; actually, I'm seeing that you are dead on right. And Nightski, remember that SOMETIMES experience leads to wisdom, and at other times, the old goat has made the same dumb mistakes for 50 years and now calls it experience! Sincerely, thanks again. Your idea is better. Also, feel free to say anything to me about my photos. If I get 50 bad responses, that gives me, with a little thought, an opportunity to steal 50 good ideas from other people. The only people I have difficulty with are those "little" people who find the only way they can feel tall is by climbing on top of someone else. See ya. Lynn

Hi Dave. I felt like I should respond, but what a question; it's childishly simple and deeper than the ocean. It's really an opinion question. I think the answer is based on the reason for the photo, (legal/personal/sales), and then the vision of the photographer. There are times you just have to go with what ya got. The photo you submitted is a really nice image of what it is. It's describing it's own essence. I think your question is the answer to how we come up with so many comments & suggestions for each other photos.
That's as deep as I dare wade. See ya. Lynn

THIS, is what I was talking about on my previous post. This is a beautiful image. I'm not going to point out all the good stuff in this image, the other folks have done it already. Good goin! Lynn

Edie. I like your image. Your vision was very strong. I think there is a good point in Billy's comment. It may, or may not apply to you, but think about it please. Are you totally ready for special effects? You might well be; but there is a trap that many new photographers fall into; they depend on "one button wonders" to make their images. And that really prevents their development. Look at it this way. Can you take a nicely composed photo and then, with complete confidence, and competence, process it into a beautiful, but boring for you, image? If you can do this, you're off to the races; but if you DO NOT have control and understanding, you are may not be ready for truly creative photography. I can not judge this, only you can. I see a beautiful ability in you to really "see" well. I would like you to develop that to it's fullest extent. Now for the bad part; you must be a master craftsman before you can be a master creator. When you look at "art" photography that is consistently good, you are looking at an artist who is creating beautiful images by having total command of the basics. Without this basic ability/craft he/she would be turning out inconsistent, unwanted, unpredictable, garbage. You can be much better than that. But it does take time, lots of it. Be patient, practice hard and get really good. Everyone here wishes you to be the best you can be. Lynn

Good morning Nightski. It's 6:26 a.m. and you're talking to guy who's still 2 cups of coffee away from being able to remember if I've even shaved yet this morning; a guy who is so visually gifted that he couldn't even see strongly enough to walk up to the building and shoot his camera dry on knot holes, wood texture up the kazoo, and enough weather caused entrances to support a whole camera club. I'm the guy who could set up the background, move the model, move the lights, meter & shoot. Now I'm outside and the darn barn won't move! I think I can find the barn again and pretty sure I find my camera. Next time I stagger down that way I'll give it a look. based upon my "bear trap"memory, described above; I don't believe a lead line is possible. The electrician ran the drop line to this pole, but the pole is well away from the barn. Thanks a bunch for the suggestion. I think the best idea is for me to shoot a lifetime's worth of texture, pattern and weather damage. So till next time, see ya & TNX AGN. It's time for my 2nd cup now. Lynn

TNX Nightski. I think your idea of barn detail is the way to go. Don't know why I never thought of that. The power line, because it's an old style pole & hook up not seen in years around here has to stay. On the other hand, I did take out enough modern power lines to light a small city. TNX AGN! Detail is the way to go & next time by I shoot it again. Lynn