Black and White attemps

[zom1414]

Here are a couple of buildings I took any thoughts

[Robert_Lay]

In #1 you are so close to the building that the viewer thinks that is it (along with the dramatic sky). Had you backed off or used the wider angle lens, the shot would have been more encompassing and I think it would created a different effect - one of a mood that depends more on the whole scene and less on the barn.

Short version: You were too close to something that wasn't that important.

In the second shot, I don't usually accept such perspectives, because they are usually not helping the picture. Here, I have to say that the perspective along with the sky creates a mood and is a much better picture.

Both scenes have good 3-dimensionality.

[zom1414]

Thanks for the remarks. In the first picture the barn is the subject.

[aram535]

If you have to tell people what the subject is -- you failed in your attempt. Not saying that you did, but you should have never had to explain a photograph.

I really like the barn and dramatic sky, along with notes from Robert. The snowed in building is just not interesting to me. I like its 3d aspect, but there are too many distractions in the photo including the power lines.

[zom1414]

That a good point, thanks.

[AlphaChicken]

you should have never had to explain a photograph

This is not true. i don't feel at all that art or images are supposed to be a universal language in their own. sure they can communicate between tons of social and ethnic lines but they cannot always speak completely for themselves.

I like its 3d aspect, but there are too many distractions in the photo including the power lines.

I have to agree for once. the power lines are definitely a detriment to the photo. Usually I would say not to clone stuff like that, but in this case they are purely detrimental.

[AlphaChicken]

In #1 you are so close to the building that the viewer thinks that is it (along with the dramatic sky). Had you backed off or used the wider angle lens, the shot would have been more encompassing and I think it would created a different effect - one of a mood that depends more on the whole scene and less on the barn.

Short version: You were too close to something that wasn't that important.


I would not at all say it is unimportant. It is the subject of his photo. I agree about the backing up though. Just a TAD bit more perspective on the surrounding environment would make it nice; maybe what makes it important or visually catching, is where the barn is environmentally.

In the second shot, I don't usually accept such perspectives, because they are usually not helping the picture. Here, I have to say that the perspective along with the sky creates a mood and is a much better picture.

Just wondering...isn't the point of a different perspective or angle always to create a mood?

[aram535]

This is not true. i don't feel at all that art or images are supposed to be a universal language in their own. sure they can communicate between tons of social and ethnic lines but they cannot always speak completely for themselves.

I respectfully disagree. You can aid a story with a photograph. IMHO, you can't add to a photo with a story.

It's art. I think what I thought of when I created it is completely unimportant as long as it makes you think or feel something. If we agree on, all the better.

If I have to explain what it is, and/or explain what the point is, than I should have written a story not taken a picture.

[AlphaChicken]

How is it not hypocritical when you say that you could have written a story instead of taking a picture when you said right before a picture could id a story. It goes both ways...if a picture and story are together then they are both supplementing each other.

[AlphaChicken]

http://pro.corbis.com/images/NA001256.jpg?size=67&uid={ADE2CC96-24BB-4BD2-B1FB-97AEDA4009FF}

That image would not mean half as much if you were not explained in history class what its story was. There could be hundreds of images of a flag being raised by soldiers, so in this case and MANY others, the picture needs the story or it is nothing.

[aram535]

This has nothing to do with the OP - completely separate discussion that should probably be moved elsewhere.

How is it not hypocritical when you say that you could have written a story instead of taking a picture when you said right before a picture could id a story. It goes both ways...if a picture and story are together then they are both supplementing each other.

Ah, I don't think hypocritical means what you think it means. Perhaps, hypocrite is what you were implying?

Not at all. I say a picture should not "NEED" explaining. That's different than it has to stand on its own.

If you have to explain what the subject is, and what you were thinking, what you were feeling, and what the mood was ... well than you would have been better off writing a story.

Your example is a good one. The image itself explains what is going on, what the subject is, etc. The background to the story and the history of it, makes it a monumental image.

I hope that explains my position to your satisfaction.

[AlphaChicken]

Yes it does. Now we can let the OP have his thread back. I agree with you now. Just misunderstood you a lil bit.

All is good!

[Robert_Lay]

I would not at all say it is unimportant. It is the subject of his photo. I agree about the backing up though. Just a TAD bit more perspective on the surrounding environment would make it nice; maybe what makes it important or visually catching, is where the barn is environmentally.



Just wondering...isn't the point of a different perspective or angle always to create a mood?

Quite the contrary - I would say that tonalities are the key to setting a mood.

[Robert_Lay]

Thanks for the remarks. In the first picture the barn is the subject.

The point I was trying to make is that the barn was not really the subject - that was your first mistake.

[AlphaChicken]

So you are saying that if the tonalities are equal between two "subway ride" type candid photography shots and, one is with a wide angle lens from down low (hip level) and the other is from far away with a telephoto lens, that the shots will have the same mood?

I think not...

But I could be wrong...

But I don't think I am. ;-)

[nyne]

I like the first photo...I read the barn as being the main subject when I first looked at it, and I like the very subtle glow of the sun on the roof...I like the effect of the sky opening up right above the barn. I thought it was acceptable as the subject. Good job with both photos.