Shots of the real Cuba.

[skrewz]

Hi. I'm new to the forums, I have a 10D and a Canon 28-105mm lens. I was in Cuba and took some shots while on an excursion. Criticism much appreciated.

[skrewz]

Another shot.

[Skunkshocker]

nice job
Im new too so I cannot critique your work...

[joedlh]

If you hadn't mentioned that these were taken in Cuba, I wouldn't have known. It seems to me that one would want to capture the essence of an exotic place, which includes its people. The buildings look like impoverished structures that could be from anywhere. The donkey is interesting. However, the shot is unremarkable.

In particular with #1, the tree trunk in silhouette does not contribute to the aesthetic of the shot. There's a well or some structure half hidden by it that might have been interesting. In #3, the shadow in the lower half wrecks the composition, dividing as it does the image in half.

I think if you explored different angles with these shots, you might have come up with more appealing compositions. Keep at it. We've all taken our lumps when we were starting out.

[skrewz]

If you hadn't mentioned that these were taken in Cuba, I wouldn't have known. It seems to me that one would want to capture the essence of an exotic place, which includes its people.
That was the whole point. What you see in those pictures is the essence of Cuba, not some travel agency's ad campaign.

Thanks for the input.

[Tixeon]

I find the first & third image visually interesting in a kind of "being there" sort of way. I like them because they break from the usual "Tourist" photos. I think the shadows actually work to strengthen the sunlit portions. This country has it's share of poverty & you show some of that well.

Thanks for sharing....tw

[Thumbsup]

I agree. photography is not always the prettiest or cleanest shots. Photography should capture the reality in life not the most aesthetcally pleasing images. Good job.

[accessoriesalamode]

I really like the first picture and I would have liked seeing the dog a little more. Maybe taken closer to the ground and a little closer to him to get it from his perspective a little more? That's just what I thought, take it or leave it, I'm not claiming to be an expert!

[Pyxis]

I think these photos are pretty good! I especially like the first one. I went to a five star resort last march break, and couldn't deal with the fact that the people working for me we're making less in a month than I could make in two hours working at minimum wage at home. I liked the idea behind the shots. I too am hoping to visit the "real cuba" next year on a volunteer abroad program.

[Robbierob]

I liked the 3rd shot the best and think the shadow works in that photo. The 1st photo seems to have the whites blown out, but it could be my monitor.
To jump on the bandwagon, I think the shots are appealing, but, for me, being able to show images from the "real cuba" would make me want to have the viewer know that its cuba. Now I am not saying that I know how to do that per say, but some local signage, military, cuban civilians, ect..would help distinguish this as being in cuba.

[SwingBopper]

Nice series; but donkey seems a little flat. Maybe boost contrast a bit?
I like your compositions and wonder if you have any people shots?

[skrewz]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.
SwingBopper: I had a few but they were on my old pc which died. I find photographing people very interesting just don't know where to start. Any suggestions? (Besides asking to take photo's of friends)

Thanks again!

[L.Morey]

Very real life photo's

[1ruffryder]

hmmmm. i agree with a poster that unless you said where it was it coulda been anywhere but thats kinda what i like about these. theyre great in my eyes but the fact that you mention where they were taken it made me take a 2nd look n get the impression that this can even be in my own back yard. great work!!! hope to see more

[SwingBopper]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.
SwingBopper: I had a few but they were on my old pc which died. I find photographing people very interesting just don't know where to start. Any suggestions? (Besides asking to take photo's of friends)

Thanks again!

I'd go to where there are lots of people busy doing things: flea markets, dances, sports competitions, amusement parks, etc.