A challenge from Lomond

[dewmuw]

Cameron (Lomond) visited my pbase site and challenged my to put this in this forum. So, Cameron, here goes.

Ignore the border - I hate it!

Comments:

http://www.pbase.com/dewmuw/image/25457920.jpg

For those interested it was taken in B&W in shows the Jaws of Borrowdale from near Friars Crag, Derwent Waters, The Lake District, UK.

(And I got my feet very wet too!)

[BrandonSi]

wow, nice composition.. I'm not a pro, so don't take this as anything other than my opinion, but it looks like you lost a lot of detail in the shadows, and that the overall contrast is dull.. maybe a bit more exposure would've helped. I do like it though, nice shot.

[tofuboy]

I think the picture would work better if it followed more of the rule of thirds. The end of the fence is about right in the middle... I think I would have liked it more if it were shifted to the left (edit: I mean right). Also that tree which is partially hanging in on the right side doesn't add to the scene in my opinion.

I like the level of contrast and brightness, they seem just right for this scene. Overall, a nice photo :)

[lucasdigital]

I like it.

Sure, the contrast is low and the overall tone a little flat, but the mood it evokes is brilliant. While it would be a more technically successful picture with sharper detail and greater tonal range, I can't help feel that this would work against that feeling of misty desolation.

Your right about the border - sophomoric, as our American cousins say.

[ssim]

I like your compostion on this image. Based on my monitor, I would like to see some more contrast into the shot. I have a thing for high contrast b&w so that is a personal preference.

You are right, the border doesn't do anything for this.

[rick barclay]

Very nice. 'Bout all I can say is a moody picture warrants a moody border,
not what you have there.

[lomond]

Hi Damian,
As you know I love this shot.
The misty, moody feel of the b&w conversion along with the overcast sky epitomizes the Lake District (IMHO)
The stillness and tranquility of the lake along with the reflection of the hills are very pleasing.
As I mentioned on your web sight I would up the contrast of the sky and burn in some clouds. I don't have a problem with the tree on the right but perhaps the top of the small shrub to the right of the fence is a distraction.
( If you're not aversed to a spot of cloning that is )

Thanks for posting,
Cameron

P.S Back down to the Lakes next week. :D :D :D

[roanjohn]

I kinda like the border :? I think its a good choice cuz it doesn't detract from the photo.

I like the photo too and the mood it evokes.

...........its just a tad soft............a little sharpness would've made this whole scene POP!!

Ro1

[CDickinson]

I think it needs a little more contrast just to boost it - or maybe some saturation. Other than that, nice shot!!

C

[CyberDyneSystems]

Don't change the contrast.

It will destroy the mood :)

I find people get too hung up on some of "The rules"

This is not supposed to be "sharp" it is not supposed to be "Contrasty"

And as for thirds... this is not allways the best way to go either.

[Scottes]

I like it as is. Very moody. Great composition. Nice leading line.

Well done I say.

[Steven M. Anthony]

I think this is a classic example of trying to critique a photo without knowing what the artist was trying to say with it. Without knowing what "dewmuw" wanted to say with this photo, everyone else is left to say what THEY would try to do with a scene like this--more contrast, different border, etc.

To the artist: What does this image say to YOU? Why did you take it and "print" it this way? I know those are not necessarily easy questions to answer.

[dewmuw]

Isn't amazing how much variety of 'taste' there is. Some people like it, some people love it, some people hate it, some people loathe it. I guess that's what makes this a fun game to be in.

Thanks for all the comments.

[defordphoto]

The lack of contrast evokes the exact feeling that I suspect was present that day. A chilly, foggy, dreary, but calm day.

The world is not sharp and contrasty on foggy days. It amazes me how many people are so hung up with every shot neding to be cut-your-eyeball sharp. This shot would look great being even softer! <rant/off>

I like the way the fence starts off from slight right, and the drifts to the left, ending somewhat in the center. The tree nicely frames the right side, and then the opening in the hills, also off to the right side.

So how was the rule-of-the-thirds (I hate "rules" when it comes to art) violated? You ultimately have two different centers of attention here: The fence, of course, and the break in the hills.

And yes, the border sucks.

Excellent shot.[/i]