Critics Corner

[0007776]

Here's another one for you guys to pull apart.
DSC_3606.jpg by mrkramer, on Flickr
Due to the small size of the bird in the picture I had to crop it a good amount. Also as I look at it a bit more it looks like the camera focused just in front of him rather than directly on the bird.

It was taken with a 300mm lens
f8
1/3200
ISO 1600

 

[Mark0]

Right, have at it. 6x17 slide of Velvia 50 shot on my GX617, scanned in an Epson V500 so shadow detail is difficult to extract as a result. I think there is a slight light leak issue, but I want to know if my eyes are deceiving me or not. Shot data: SWD 90mm lens, 2s, f22, ISO 50, Infinity focus, 3 stop soft grad slightly angled.

 

[0007776]

I think there is a slight light leak issue, but I want to know if my eyes are deceiving me or not.

I'm not noticing it, but I'm a long ways from being a professional so I may have just missed it.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Right, have at it. 6x17 slide of Velvia 50 shot on my GX617, scanned in an Epson V500 so shadow detail is difficult to extract as a result. I think there is a slight light leak issue, but I want to know if my eyes are deceiving me or not.

View attachment 766231

Stunning. The fact that it's from film makes it all the better.

I can't see a light leak either. So if it is there, it looks like it should be part of the image.

 

[deep diver]

Right, have at it. 6x17 slide of Velvia 50 shot on my GX617, scanned in an Epson V500 so shadow detail is difficult to extract as a result. I think there is a slight light leak issue, but I want to know if my eyes are deceiving me or not.

View attachment 766231

I am not bothered by the lack of details in the shadows. It adds to the drama and pushes the eye back to those fantastic colors in the sky.

 

[Mark0]

I'm not noticing it, but I'm a long ways from being a professional so I may have just missed it.

There is what I can perceive as a slight gradient mismatch in the image. It might be from a film loading issue or some uneven scanning. It's very feint, but I cannot help but notice it. I might have to do a test print to see the extent of it. Look just left of centre and you may see where there is a gradient change.

Stunning. The fact that it's from film makes it all the better.

I can't see a light leak either. So if it is there, it looks like it should be part of the image.

I hope it's not there and is just my eyes. I had a similar issue before when loading up Delta 3200 on one of my favourite images, which is way more sensitive and prone to loading light leakage - because the film needs pulled across a long way when loading, even a slight unfurling or crinkling may lead to a leak. It's way more noticeable on the Delta 3200 shot than than on this image.

I am not bothered by the lack of details in the shadows. It adds to the drama and pushes the eye back to those fantastic colors in the sky.

I'm not fussed about shadows in this case either. Velvia 50 does contain shadow detail, but due to the very contrasty nature of the film and also it's hugely limited Dynamic Range of around 4-6 stops, it is difficult to extract the shadow detail on a flatbed scanner. I'm not paying £20 for a drum scan though - even though they are phenomenal!
I appreciate the comment of the colours, the darks 'slide in' from the right to bring you into the sun that is close to the thirds power point and the foreground rocks, angle in that way a bit too. The lighter tones of the sea (and the angle the shoreline is at) pulls your eye the opposite way, feeding in towards the sun. The sun is barely visible because 1 second after clicking the shutter, it disappeared below the horizon. Panoramics need strong horizontals or angles that feed in to a focal point in order to work effectively. It's a difficult format to work with and is always challenging my compositional gut instinct. I think I've done ok with this one but I am keen to hear what others think.

 

[deep diver]

Right, have at it. 6x17 slide of Velvia 50 shot on my GX617, scanned in an Epson V500 so shadow detail is difficult to extract as a result. I think there is a slight light leak issue, but I want to know if my eyes are deceiving me or not. Shot data: SWD 90mm lens, 2s, f22, ISO 50, Infinity focus, 3 stop soft grad slightly angled.

View attachment 766231

No one else sees the light leak. Where are you seeing it?

 

[Mark0]

No one else sees the light leak. Where are you seeing it?

The bit I see is a slight transition line between the darker left side and a lighter right side. I used Markup on my phone to show the area the transition line is that I feel I see.

 

[deep diver]

The bit I see is a slight transition line between the darker left side and a lighter right side. I used Markup on my phone to show the area the transition line is that I feel I see.

View attachment 766419

I don't shoot a lot of landscapes but most of the sunset photos I've seen (and the one such image I have shot) have an area of rapid light fall off. That's what it looks like to me. I'm interested to see what others think.

 

[Janichsan]

I had to download the image and view it in fullscreen on a dark background to even notice there is a fall off. And I only saw it after you pointed out where to look. It's really barely perceptible.

 

[deep diver]

The bit I see is a slight transition line between the darker left side and a lighter right side. I used Markup on my phone to show the area the transition line is that I feel I see.

View attachment 766419

I had to download the image and view it in fullscreen on a dark background to even notice there is a fall off. And I only saw it after you pointed out where to look. It's really barely perceptible.

Mark0 -- it is a very good image. With respect -- if someone has to work so hard to see the issue, then you are probably over-thinking it.

 

[Mark0]

I don't shoot a lot of landscapes but most of the sunset photos I've seen (and the one such image I have shot) have an area of rapid light fall off. That's what it looks like to me. I'm interested to see what others think.

Yeah I know what you mean. The 90mm actually comes with a 1 stop centre filter due to light fall off because the angle of view is so wide.

I had to download the image and view it in fullscreen on a dark background to even notice there is a fall off. And I only saw it after you pointed out where to look. It's really barely perceptible.

It’s the nature of it that caught my eye. Possibly from loading the film. I’ll need to look at the slide on my light table again.

Mark0 -- it is a very good image. With respect -- if someone has to work so hard to see the issue, then you are probably over-thinking it.

Thanks. I was curious to see if others noticed it as much as I did. Thanks for your replies

 

[Mark0]

This image is well out of my usual comfort zone of landscape work. I had a group of 10 pupils out doing a photo workshop with me at school and knowing the location wasn't really what I would normally look for in terms of landscape stuff - I decided to spend some time challenging myself to try something out of the ordinary.

I liked the huge Lily pond, so looked for one that had a nice reflection. Then I noticed a lot of either Common Blue Damselflies or Azure Damselflies (not sure which!) and set the challenge of getting a shot of one or near the photogenic Lily flower and reflection. After about 20 minutes, I got a few passes and this was the pick. Set up was as follows:

Fuji X-T2 & XF 50-140mm f2.8 with XF 1.4x TC (@196mm or 300m equiv), on a Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod with remote shutter release. 1/2500s, f8 on camera (gave f11 with TC), ISO 1600.
I needed the deeper depth of field to ensure any Damselflies were rendered sharp enough within the focal plane as I set the nearest petals (lower front of part of the flower) as the focus point. I had to crank the ISO up to 1600 from the base of 200 to ensure I could get a shutter speed quick enough to freeze the Damselflies because they are so fast!

I know a lot of people here do this sort of thing regularly, so I'd like to hear your thoughts.

 

[needfx]

The below image however is a botched one I captured this Friday last, and still in the process of trying to save.

This was shot moments before leaving the bride's-to-be residence, and was the last squirt she could afford before smelling like a chemical accident at the lynx factory (sic: Inbetweeners Movie).

Anyhoo, here are some of the issues.

1) The absolutely most obvious, the angle of the image is not very courteous to the subject. Also, despite corner-pinning, left frame on the wall is mega-wonky.
2) For some freak reason, the flash's refracting plastic thingy was over the bulb, thus creating a linear pattern all over the image. I have somewhat restricted its eye-catching obviousness by duplicating the image and budging it 5-6 pixels. Then I masked over the areas I wanted in focus such as the face, hand and sprinkles. Work in progress.
3) Flash placement was not that great either as it created a streak across her throat. I have clone stamped the heck of it, but still needs some work. Also, light outline is restricted to the left side of the subject.

Feel free to knitpick on this image or to offer any suggestions on how to save the bride's request of an image



edit, attached the unfixed version as well

 

[mollyc]

The below image however is a botched one I captured this Friday last, and still in the process of trying to save.

This was shot moments before leaving the bride's-to-be residence, and was the last squirt she could afford before smelling like a chemical accident at the lynx factory (sic: Inbetweeners Movie).

Anyhoo, here are some of the issues.

1) The absolutely most obvious, the angle of the image is not very courteous to the subject. Also, despite corner-pinning, left frame on the wall is mega-wonky.
2) For some freak reason, the flash's refracting plastic thingy was over the bulb, thus creating a linear pattern all over the image. I have somewhat restricted its eye-catching obviousness by duplicating the image and budging it 5-6 pixels. Then I masked over the areas I wanted in focus such as the face, hand and sprinkles. Work in progress.
3) Flash placement was not that great either as it created a streak across her throat. I have clone stamped the heck of it, but still needs some work. Also, light outline is restricted to the left side of the subject.

Feel free to knitpick on this image or to offer any suggestions on how to save the bride's request of an image



edit, attached the unfixed version as well

I would clone some of the spray into the area where the flash was. I think if you'd been able to set up with the flash fully hidden behind her to act as a rim light it would have worked better. Since you have to fix in post, I'd try to minimize the hotspot.

Sometimes you just have to deal with the fact that a mediocre image is better than no image.

 

[needfx]

I would clone some of the spray into the area where the flash was. I think if you'd been able to set up with the flash fully hidden behind her to act as a rim light it would have worked better. Since you have to fix in post, I'd try to minimize the hotspot.

Sometimes you just have to deal with the fact that a mediocre image is better than no image.

cheers for the constructive feedback

I have not considered removing the hotspot altogether, I will try it out. I do find it kinda appealing, but distracting at the same time. Not sure how I feel about it evidently. Also considering giving a shot at:

-Adding a light rim on the rest of the subject by overexposing a separate layer and masking it out
-Distorting the image a bit by stretching it vertically to have the subject become more slender
-Creating a separate layer for the wonky frame on the left to become less "Dali"

Will post updates once concluded some extra work

Thanks again @mollyc

 

[someoldguy]

This image is well out of my usual comfort zone of landscape work. I had a group of 10 pupils out doing a photo workshop with me at school and knowing the location wasn't really what I would normally look for in terms of landscape stuff - I decided to spend some time challenging myself to try something out of the ordinary.

I liked the huge Lily pond, so looked for one that had a nice reflection. Then I noticed a lot of either Common Blue Damselflies or Azure Damselflies (not sure which!) and set the challenge of getting a shot of one or near the photogenic Lily flower and reflection. After about 20 minutes, I got a few passes and this was the pick. Set up was as follows:

Fuji X-T2 & XF 50-140mm f2.8 with XF 1.4x TC (@196mm or 300m equiv), on a Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod with remote shutter release. 1/2500s, f8 on camera (gave f11 with TC), ISO 1600.
I needed the deeper depth of field to ensure any Damselflies were rendered sharp enough within the focal plane as I set the nearest petals (lower front of part of the flower) as the focus point. I had to crank the ISO up to 1600 from the base of 200 to ensure I could get a shutter speed quick enough to freeze the Damselflies because they are so fast!

View attachment 768412


I know a lot of people here do this sort of thing regularly, so I'd like to hear your thoughts.

I've looked at this several times over the last few days and TBH , I can't see anything to criticize , maybe a bit tighter crop around the lily , but that's it . Complements on both the shot and having the patience to sit there and wait for a 'customer' .

 

[Mark0]

I've looked at this several times over the last few days and TBH , I can't see anything to criticize , maybe a bit tighter crop around the lily , but that's it . Complements on both the shot and having the patience to sit there and wait for a 'customer' .

Thanks, I will try the tighter crop
[doublepost=1531826062][/doublepost]

The below image however is a botched one I captured this Friday last, and still in the process of trying to save.

This was shot moments before leaving the bride's-to-be residence, and was the last squirt she could afford before smelling like a chemical accident at the lynx factory (sic: Inbetweeners Movie).

Anyhoo, here are some of the issues.

1) The absolutely most obvious, the angle of the image is not very courteous to the subject. Also, despite corner-pinning, left frame on the wall is mega-wonky.
2) For some freak reason, the flash's refracting plastic thingy was over the bulb, thus creating a linear pattern all over the image. I have somewhat restricted its eye-catching obviousness by duplicating the image and budging it 5-6 pixels. Then I masked over the areas I wanted in focus such as the face, hand and sprinkles. Work in progress.
3) Flash placement was not that great either as it created a streak across her throat. I have clone stamped the heck of it, but still needs some work. Also, light outline is restricted to the left side of the subject.

Feel free to knitpick on this image or to offer any suggestions on how to save the bride's request of an image



edit, attached the unfixed version as well

I like it

 

[The Bad Guy]

The below image however is a botched one I captured this Friday last, and still in the process of trying to save.

This was shot moments before leaving the bride's-to-be residence, and was the last squirt she could afford before smelling like a chemical accident at the lynx factory (sic: Inbetweeners Movie).

Anyhoo, here are some of the issues.

1) The absolutely most obvious, the angle of the image is not very courteous to the subject. Also, despite corner-pinning, left frame on the wall is mega-wonky.
2) For some freak reason, the flash's refracting plastic thingy was over the bulb, thus creating a linear pattern all over the image. I have somewhat restricted its eye-catching obviousness by duplicating the image and budging it 5-6 pixels. Then I masked over the areas I wanted in focus such as the face, hand and sprinkles. Work in progress.
3) Flash placement was not that great either as it created a streak across her throat. I have clone stamped the heck of it, but still needs some work. Also, light outline is restricted to the left side of the subject.

Feel free to knitpick on this image or to offer any suggestions on how to save the bride's request of an image

The image (besides the flash placement) is great, a lovely captured moment and the client wouldn't notice most the stuff you mention, so therefore it doesn't matter.

The file on the other hand is a hot mess. I tried for about half hour to clean it up for you and maybe I could do something with a raw file, but yeah...I'd make this one look as 'arty' as you can and call it done.

 

[needfx]

The image (besides the flash placement) is great, a lovely captured moment and the client wouldn't notice most the stuff you mention, so therefore it doesn't matter.

The file on the other hand is a hot mess. I tried for about half hour to clean it up for you and maybe I could do something with a raw file, but yeah...I'd make this one look as 'arty' as you can and call it done.

much appreciated!! both for input & effort!
Once I'm caught up to speed with my bu**-load/backlog of work, I will post the edit
and arty is the only way to go with this one :/
[doublepost=1531943927][/doublepost]

Thanks, I will try the tighter crop
[doublepost=1531826062][/doublepost]


I like it

I both like it and hate it. Its a pickle

 

[RohitBoxer]

The below image however is a botched one I captured this Friday last, and still in the process of trying to save.

This was shot moments before leaving the bride's-to-be residence, and was the last squirt she could afford before smelling like a chemical accident at the lynx factory (sic: Inbetweeners Movie).

Anyhoo, here are some of the issues.

1) The absolutely most obvious, the angle of the image is not very courteous to the subject. Also, despite corner-pinning, left frame on the wall is mega-wonky.
2) For some freak reason, the flash's refracting plastic thingy was over the bulb, thus creating a linear pattern all over the image. I have somewhat restricted its eye-catching obviousness by duplicating the image and budging it 5-6 pixels. Then I masked over the areas I wanted in focus such as the face, hand and sprinkles. Work in progress.
3) Flash placement was not that great either as it created a streak across her throat. I have clone stamped the heck of it, but still needs some work. Also, light outline is restricted to the left side of the subject.

Feel free to knitpick on this image or to offer any suggestions on how to save the bride's request of an image



edit, attached the unfixed version as well

The droplets looks a bit artificial. Or May be it just me. hmmm

 

[needfx]

The droplets looks a bit artificial. Or May be it just me. hmmm

despite my editing and compositing abilities, these are real!

 

[StrollerEd]

OK, I've been reviewing a few photographs I took a while back and liked at the time. This is one of them, taken in 2010 with a Sony compact. Again, a quick shot to include the man walking towards me, so I forgive myself for a few things, even then. And I hold the memory of that trip - there was a beer festival happening on the platform on the other side of the train I needed to get to ...

I thought of straightening and starting to use some post-processing tools but with that light blur top left and lack of obvious focal point I thought I would cough up the shot as taken.

Were I to return and try again, using the iPhone 12P with its versatility, what advice would you give? From what I have learnt - been learning, here is what I thought I should have done.

A step back would have included that Park Drive advert. I was trying to capture an image of bygone days, which included train, men and station. I was not too fussed about vanishing point on the men but would have liked some classic composition. Then there's that top right (sun)light, for example - I've heard that some use a hand or a card to block that off??

 

[Apple fanboy]

OK, I've been reviewing a few photographs I took a while back and liked at the time. This is one of them, taken in 2010 with a Sony compact. Again, a quick shot to include the man walking towards me, so I forgive myself for a few things, even then. And I hold the memory of that trip - there was a beer festival happening on the platform on the other side of the train I needed to get to ...

I thought of straightening and starting to use some post-processing tools but with that light blur top left and lack of obvious focal point I thought I would cough up the shot as taken.

Were I to return and try again, using the iPhone 12P with its versatility, what advice would you give? From what I have learnt - been learning, here is what I thought I should have done.

A step back would have included that Park Drive advert. I was trying to capture an image of bygone days, which included train, men and station. I was not too fussed about vanishing point on the men but would have liked some classic composition. Then there's that top right (sun)light, for example - I've heard that some use a hand or a card to block that off??

This is my take. I find the off angle a bit frustrating so I fixed it in LR. Also added a bit of a vignette to reduce the bright sunshine coming in the top left hand corner and the sunlit flowers in the top right. Then just tweaked the sliders.

 

[Clix Pix]

So we now have TWO critique threads running? I thought people were going to use the new one which was recently started and which would be changed on a monthly basis....? This Critics Corner thread hadn't been used in a while so it's odd to see it suddenly pop back into action again along with the new thread..... I think sticking to just one of these is the less confusing way to go.

Critique/Advice of the Week - April 2021

Starting a new thread idea--so a work in progress. The POTD thread is all about showcasing one's best work. The weekly photo contest is all about showcasing one's best work in relation to the specific contest subject. There might be a niche waiting to be filled regarding...

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