Scottish Borders

[Meerkat17]

Two images I'd like your opinions on:

http://images.fotopic.net/?id=3741335

http://images.fotopic.net/?id=3741330

Cheers David

[n3hle]

David those are beautiful. I can't think of anything I would do to improve them.
Rgrds, Kevin

[mlivingstone]

sorry i dont have nothing to say,

but those are awsome pictures.

kinda wish it was sunnier out, but the no sun adds to the relaxed feeling it gives

[JZaun]

David you keep getting them right.. I like #1 best, I guess it has more subjects, :D , Just nice.

JZaun.

[G3]

Very nice, David. I wouldn't change a thing.

[Meerkat17]

Thanks Guys,
Those two are by far my favorites too, there are a few others to be seen: http://davidlewins.fotopic.net/c151880.html

There's just one thing about the second photo that I don't like and that's the stone which is sticking out of the water to the left of the rocks - should I clone it out or am I just being too self-critical?

Whilst I've heard a lot of complaints from people about how "it always rains in Scotland" I always find that it somehow adds to the drama of the landscape. Yes it would have been nice if the sun had been out but I'm not complaining.

What you are seeing are almost the raw files - the only post-processeing that's been done is a slight rotation a little sharpening and I've taken out the blue colour cast caused, probably by all the mist that was around.

Thanks again for all your comments.

David

[manncer]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Beeyootifull. I'd like to hang the first one on my wall.

manncer

[Meerkat17]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I'd like to hang the first one on my wall.

manncer

I think I know someone else who will possibly have the same reaction! :lol:

David

[Scottes]

The first one is truly excellent. Great balance of the foreground boat to themidground bridge and... thingie. The mist/fog does a great job of fading the background to inifinity. The mist and reflections bring a great mood. Excellent job.

The second is a bit off to me. The pile of boulders is too big and there's no focus point in the background to get you past the big pile. This is still a good pic, but not nearly as good as the first, And the little rock is too minor to worry about.

[ijohnson]

I love the first one, there is so much to look at and imagine. I find myself wanting to get in the boat and explore that beatiful water and maybe get a closer look at the bridge. I want to know whos boat that is and why he/she is so lucky.

In the second one, the subject matter really appears to be a pile of rocks that I have no interest in and do not appear to be very natural. I am only saying this because you ask.

Its a good thing you put your logo on the first one or I might have been tempted.

-Isaac

[roanjohn]

WOW, that first shot has everything a good photograph should have.

Balance, simplicity, and mood.

Good job!!!

Ro1

[boomer1959]

Both awsome, Love the colors, I like the first one better.

[peter/c]

I love both pics, but espeially no.1. May I ask whereabouts in Scotland they were taken. BTW it doesn't always rain in Scotland..sometimes it SNOWS LOL.peter.

[Meerkat17]

Thanks for all the positive comments - with the second photo the thing which compelled me to take the shot was the way the top rocks seemed to echo the hills. Possibly, I did include too much of them - I lay down to take the shot.

Peter,
With a comment like that you either live in Scotland or know it very well, I lived there for several years and know too well what the snow can be like.

Both images are of Talla Reservoir - its between St. Mary's Loch and Peebles in the Borders. Its a very quiet, peaceful place and the images seem to reflect that.
Regards
David

[Jewel]

I'm new to this forum and just now realizing how there are so many people from other countries on here. Just assumed everyone was from sunny Florida where I live! lol

No. 1 is awesome - the boat looks almost too perfect. Excellent composition and balance.

Jewel

[IPATH]

the 1st one is amazing! Truly inspiring :D

[ecobo]

Nice work! There's no way to improve IMHO.
Talking about improvement, I suggest you to take these in a sunset light.

[henkbos]

There's just one thing about the second photo that I don't like and that's the stone which is sticking out of the water to the left of the rocks - should I clone it out or am I just being too self-critical?


Think you're right there Dave! I think that whole bunch of rocks is too prominent.

Love the first one!

[mikemcnally]

I love no. 1. Next holiday needs to be there. :wink:

[KO_300D]

on reflection of the last post, you should see about selling those to a scottish tourist board :)

[msol]

David,

Congratulations. Like everybody else here I also "vote" for #1. It is so moody. Really lovely! Perhaps a picture from the land-side of the bridge towards the water cabin would be a nice symmetry shot?

With respect to #2, the thing that bothered me a bit is the fact that the top of the front rocks almost touches the lake border on the back. You mentioned that you layed down. Maybe that's what you shouldn't have done? Then the lake and the perfect reflection of the hills in the water would have been more visible since the pile of rocks would have been lower and so less prominent.

[Meerkat17]

Thanks once again everyone for all your comments.

I've already contacted the tourist office but have had no word back as such - someone else thinks like me..... :lol:

As for the second photo - I don't know - its possibly personal taste but I still like it - I think the rocks add to the mood of the scene - those rocks tell me a lot about the area - the lichen tell be the air is clean.

I admit that I should have included less rock to make the pic really stand-out but I'm loathed to crop the pic.

Cheers too you all.
David

[Radtech1]

David,

You know that I try to respond to most of your work. Further, I appreciate your insight into mine. I have not posted on this because it is just too damned good.

Therefore, from now on, I will be using my "Stock David Meerkat Reply" to all your posts.

"Wow,

Another winner! With this one you have:

A) Shown tremendous insight
B) Provided a fresh look
C) Given us something totally new
D) Raised the bar for the rest of us

and in doing so, you have added to an allready vast body of outstanding work. I especially like:

A) the first
B) the second
C) the third
D) all of

the images in this post. You use of:

A) Color
B) Light
C) Perspective
D) Juxtpositioning

once again shows that your instinct is unfailing. If I were forced to critique, I would say that that

A) small thing
B) very small thing
C) insignificant thing
D) microscopic thing

on the

A) left
B) right
C) bottom
D) center

should be

A) cloned out
B) darkened
C) lightened
D) left alone as the whole image is astounding!

[IF APPLICABLE]

The post processing that you have chosen simply adds to an otherwise fantastic shot by enhancing the

A) overall feel
B) accessibility
C) light and color
D) mood

All in all, a fantastic shot. I am

A) humbled in your presence
B) inspired
C) depressed
D) selling all my photo gear and taking up ice fishing!

Bravo!

Rad

[r2d2]

Hey David. Was just on your web site. Amazing!! Question -do you use filters? If so what type. The reason why i am asking is becuase there is another memeber on the forum whom i marvel at, who does not use filters, so i amjust seeing if there is a theme going on...

My Pick is for #1, the composision is great. Most of the time you cant put (at least i cant) into words what makes a great composition, you have to see it. Keep up the great work

[JMAS]

Radtech1,

Will you claim copyright on that "Stock David Meerkat Reply" list of yours or can we all use it :?:


David,
If I were to choose one, I wouldn't know how. They are both great.


Thanks for sharing,
Jaime

[mikemcnally]

Hi David, Totally off topic... but cause by this topic because I HAD to go look at the rest of your stuff. v. nice. Anyway... my question is, what do you use to build your gallery? What template? I am still trying to get Pekka's going, but after a week, I'm starting to look for something that I have a prayer to get working.

[Meerkat17]

Therefore, from now on, I will be using my "Stock David Meerkat Reply" to all your posts.

Rad, You've got me.....how do I reply to that one!? ROFL Anyhow I'm pleased you like them.

R2D2, Question -do you use filters?
In answer to your question: NO I don't use filters - the only filter I have is a UV filter which in my book is more for protection of my lens than to alter my photography.

Jaime, If I were to choose one, I wouldn't know how. They are both great.
Thanks for your comments Jaime.

Mike, what do you use to build your gallery?
Mike, I use http://fotopic.net/ its a free service and they give you 250MB to upload your photos. Its easy to set-up and easy to upload your files.
You should find other information on this service if you look in the "Galleries" Forum. Many people on this forum use the same company.

Thanks for your kind comments also.

Regards
David

[rolltide]

They both are great but the first one stands out the most. I love the saturation of the colors in it. Beautiful work David.
:D

[acurtis]

David

Now I've just seen the first one again in this forum and it sure is good. The comments here are richly deserved. Well done.

You really captured the mood of a beautiful location.

Regards

Andy