Critics Corner

[StrollerEd]

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...

forums.macrumors.com

Oops, but this is/was a sticky?

should I re-post?

 

[Clix Pix]

Well, it looks to me as though AFB gave you some nice suggestions and showed how he had made adjustments to your images.... Up to you if you want more..... and if that is the case, then a good idea to post in the new thread.

 

[StrollerEd]

Well, it looks to me as though AFB gave you some nice suggestions and showed how he had made adjustments to your images.... Up to you if you want more..... and if that is the case, then a good idea to post in the new thread.

Best close this then, or at least demote from sticky

 

[Mark0]

So, power lines in or power lines out, let me know what you think....


Out

In

 

[someoldguy]

So, power lines in or power lines out, let me know what you think....


Out

View attachment 1997512


In

View attachment 1997513

Begone Lines !!

 

[Clix Pix]

OUT!!!

 

[Apple fanboy]

So, power lines in or power lines out, let me know what you think....


Out

View attachment 1997512


In

View attachment 1997513

Out. I'd also lose that little boat on the horizon on the left.

 

[Mark0]

Out. I'd also lose that little boat on the horizon on the left.

Oh yes, forgot about that. Good catch. It was a tall ship and it moved faster than you'd expect with its sails. I felt like I'd been transported back in time!

 

[PhilBoogie]

Please guys, critique away.

I think it doesn't 'work', since the sun is directly in the middle. Not that the Rule Of Thirds is a requirement, but there's a reason why that 'rule' exists. Like to read your opinions.

 

[mollyc]

View attachment 2131116

Please guys, critique away.

I think it doesn't 'work', since the sun is directly in the middle. Not that the Rule Of Thirds is a requirement, but there's a reason why that 'rule' exists. Like to read your opinions.

To me, a photo has to be pretty bad to consider it "not working." This image in no way doesn't work; it has a lot of interesting details. 🙂

That said, while the sun being in the middle doesn't really bother me, the horizon line being in the middle does. When you have the horizon right in the middle, the viewer gives equal weight to both halves and it's difficult to discern what the photographer deemed as important. For me personally, I like the bottom portion of this image because, while the colors in the sky are really pretty, there's nothing there to hold my attention. By contrast, there is a lot of stuff going on in the bottom of the frame.

And speaking of contrast, for me personally, I like more dynamic range. This is a highly personal opinion, and there will be others here who disagree with this and like the contrast as is. But I first saw this image on my phone, and I didn't realize there are little bridge structures and that the dark bit between the tidal pool (?) and lake (?) has details. The shadows are all blocked and I want to know what all that stuff is.

Here is a really quick play. I recropped it to move the horizon higher (and had to content aware some of the bottom bit to make up for it). I also tried to keep the same brightness levels for the sky and foreground water (but it might be slightly brighter overall), but added in some light to the areas that are mostly black in your original. A slight brighten and crop let the little bridge structure fall on the left ROT line, and the horizon line is pretty close to the upper ROT line. This gives the eye space to wander and rest as it looks through the frame. I was careful to try to keep with the original low light feel of this, and did not move it to bright any air, but now there is better separation of the grasses and ground area.

 

[PhilBoogie]

To me, a photo has to be pretty bad to consider it "not working." This image in no way doesn't work; it has a lot of interesting details. 🙂

That said, while the sun being in the middle doesn't really bother me, the horizon line being in the middle does. When you have the horizon right in the middle, the viewer gives equal weight to both halves and it's difficult to discern what the photographer deemed as important. For me personally, I like the bottom portion of this image because, while the colors in the sky are really pretty, there's nothing there to hold my attention. By contrast, there is a lot of stuff going on in the bottom of the frame.

And speaking of contrast, for me personally, I like more dynamic range. This is a highly personal opinion, and there will be others here who disagree with this and like the contrast as is. But I first saw this image on my phone, and I didn't realize there are little bridge structures and that the dark bit between the tidal pool (?) and lake (?) has details. The shadows are all blocked and I want to know what all that stuff is.

Here is a really quick play. I recropped it to move the horizon higher (and had to content aware some of the bottom bit to make up for it). I also tried to keep the same brightness levels for the sky and foreground water (but it might be slightly brighter overall), but added in some light to the areas that are mostly black in your original. A slight brighten and crop let the little bridge structure fall on the left ROT line, and the horizon line is pretty close to the upper ROT line. This gives the eye space to wander and rest as it looks through the frame. I was careful to try to keep with the original low light feel of this, and did not move it to bright any air, but now there is better separation of the grasses and ground area.

View attachment 2131229

Oe, thanking you kindlyfor taking the time to write this all up! Much appreciated Molly.

Aha, it was the horizon that was off. I knew there was something bothering me, but since I took a few pictures I uploaded this 'bothering one' to understand why it was, well, off. And you're right (aka I agree): there's nothing in the air happening, so no need to emphasise on that. So, a good crop it is.

It's farmers land, and I have no idea why there is a fence running towards that water (ditch).

If you don't mind I'll attach 3 other shots, more of a 'FYVP' (for your viewing pleasure), should the photos be 'easy on the eye'.

Thanks,
Phil

 

[mollyc]

Oe, thanking you kindlyfor taking the time to write this all up! Much appreciated Molly.

Aha, it was the horizon that was off. I knew there was something bothering me, but since I took a few pictures I uploaded this 'bothering one' to understand why it was, well, off. And you're right (aka I agree): there's nothing in the air happening, so no need to emphasise on that. So, a good crop it is.

It's farmers land, and I have no idea why there is a fence running towards that water (ditch).

If you don't mind I'll attach 3 other shots, more of a 'FYVP' (for your viewing pleasure), should the photos be 'easy on the eye'.

Thanks,
Phil

i love the footprints showing in the dew of the bridge 🙂

 

[StrollerEd]

I enjoyed that

 

[Mr. Anderson]

Haven't posted images in quite some time and would love some thoughts on this one though. I want to go back and retake this shot on my DSLR, not my iPhone, maybe night/twilight, but I'll have to wait till winter now since leaves on the trees will block the light. I might go back just to see what it looks like. A nice colorful sunset would be awesome. Also I have to see if stars tracks on a long exposure are an option (wildly dependent on what's even visible on such a narrow view of the sky). Getting to the silo at the moment is problematic since it's off the beaten path, a heavily tic infested path. That might sound like an excuse, but it's seriously bad in the spring/summer/fall.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Haven't posted images in quite some time and would love some thoughts on this one though. I want to go back and retake this shot on my DSLR, not my iPhone, maybe night/twilight, but I'll have to wait till winter now since leaves on the trees will block the light. I might go back just to see what it looks like. A nice colorful sunset would be awesome. Also I have to see if stars tracks on a long exposure are an option (wildly dependent on what's even visible on such a narrow view of the sky). Getting to the silo at the moment is problematic since it's off the beaten path, a heavily tic infested path. That might sound like an excuse, but it's seriously bad in the spring/summer/fall.

Nice. One of those images you have to think about for a moment to work out what it is.
If it was my photo I’d try the tree at 7:30 rather than 9:00 if you know what I mean. It bothers me slightly at right angles. But balanced at 45 degrees with the ladder might work better.

 

[mollyc]

Haven't posted images in quite some time and would love some thoughts on this one though. I want to go back and retake this shot on my DSLR, not my iPhone, maybe night/twilight, but I'll have to wait till winter now since leaves on the trees will block the light. I might go back just to see what it looks like. A nice colorful sunset would be awesome. Also I have to see if stars tracks on a long exposure are an option (wildly dependent on what's even visible on such a narrow view of the sky). Getting to the silo at the moment is problematic since it's off the beaten path, a heavily tic infested path. That might sound like an excuse, but it's seriously bad in the spring/summer/fall.

I'm with AFB, I like the idea of this image.

Conceptually I think the tree is supposed to be strongest element, but I feel like the ladder thing has more visual weight. It bothers me that the ladder is not centered. I think I might try to retake this with the ladder at 5 o'clock and the tree at 7 o'clock (or however that works out). The two elements would both then act as leading lines up to the sky. I would also try really hard to have the camera perfectly centered side to side to keep the bricks the same height as they go round the circle; as it is shot here, the bricks on the right seem larger than the bricks on the left.

This is a super fun location though. Please come back and show us the result when you reshoot.

 

[Mr. Anderson]

I should have mentioned it was an abandoned silo on an old farm that burnt down decades ago. Not so interesting outside shot.

 

[Reality4711]

Black skies used to be the only way to go. a bit after the 'Bronze' sky of the greeks.
I saw a man trying to sell a massive print of "that white cottage" in Scotland (16x10 feet at a guess) at an Ansel Adams exhibition in Edinburgh. His print had a black sky - a local group of art students thought it hilarious. He was not amused. Oh yes "Glen Coe"?
I think he wanted £4,500????

 

[Reality4711]

 

[mollyc]

Black skies used to be the only way to go. a bit after the 'Bronze' sky of the greeks.
I saw a man trying to sell a massive print of "that white cottage" in Scotland (16x10 feet at a guess) at an Ansel Adams exhibition in Edinburgh. His print had a black sky - a local group of art students thought it hilarious. He was not amused. Oh yes "Glen Coe"?
I think he wanted £4,500????

View attachment 2463066

This thread is for learning and constructive criticism. Are you looking for input on your photo? Your comment on Glen Coe coupled with the dog photo have me puzzled.

 

[Reality4711]

This thread is for learning and constructive criticism. Are you looking for input on your photo? Your comment on Glen Coe coupled with the dog photo have me puzzled.

Easy really.
Not a fan of black skies (over produced and pre WW2)
Dog photo. Open to critique - your problem?
Oh fyi. photo from film scan late 1990's (unsure of the exact year) CRUFTs.
The rope is pulling a lure and I didn't edit in thought days. The image did sell (not much), but enough for me. Your thoughts?
Tech:- Fuji asa 800, Canon Eos 5 +plus canon 420 flash with sigma 2.8 75/200mm zoom.

 

[Reality4711]

This thread is for learning and constructive criticism. Are you looking for input on your photo? Your comment on Glen Coe coupled with the dog photo have me puzzled.

My writing is like me a bit abrupt/odd - no offence is meant - must try harder

 

[Reality4711]

Planting 2022 (sorry about the signature)

 

[Reality4711]

Hit me.

View attachment 764994

OK.
May I ask what the goal was?
eg. If I am photographing something it is rare for me 'not' to have a finished article in mind or I probably would not press the release.
So. What were you after?

 

[Reality4711]

View attachment 2463066

I was thinking of printing this but with only 6/7mb image size am struggling with editing choices.To keep the idiosyncrasy (the string) and the odd lighting as someone else's flash synched with mine or, just present as a memory to explain (if asked) what it was about etc....