Brutal Friday Critique - are you ready? Well punk are you?

[stathunter]

Hey gang,

I spent the morning critiquing photos for a consulting project I am working on -- and I am ready and willing to give you Scott's brutal critique of your work/photo in a quick summary get to the point fashion, at no cost to you - unless you want to buy me food :)

I will offer brief tidbits on how to improve your image - if I think you have any hope. :)

Go ahead and post. :)

[xarqi]

Bring it on!
What do you make of my effort here?:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=743602

[stathunter]

Bring it on!
What do you make of my effort here?:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=743602

Ok - well at first glance it looks like a boat hit the purple teletubby --- or it could be one of those trick shape cards that they evaluate psychiatry patients. :) --- ok I understand what you were going for here - but it might be a better image if indeed it was a defined palm tree in the photo and maybe a tad toned down on the color.

[stathunter]

Don't be shy - who is next?

[johnj2803]

ok... how about mine HERE (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=741637)

:D

thanks

[luvsadog2]

Here's one my favorites .. have a go at this one, thanks!

[stathunter]

ok... how about mine HERE (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=741637)

:D

thanks

oh.....trying to stump me with 3.....ok...I can handle it. :)

#1 - nice - a bit overdone but it works with this -- The edit of this one down the page works well also.
#2 - Well this one is a bit more complicated - it works but what bothers me is what appears to be how dirty the pool is.....I understand but it might work better if the book was more "pristine" and cleaned up the pool reflection at the bottom of the photo.
#3-I do a lot of these "filler" shots at weddings - I think a lower angle would capture this a bit better- also cropping off stuff on the left might make it less distracting.

[stathunter]

Here's one my favorites .. have a go at this one, thanks!

This has a lot of interesting elements to it. I like the shapes/drama/and lighting from the stairs..... what intrigues me is if it could be improved from a little lower angle. It has a very nice artistic touch to it without being too much.
This is a nice example of simple elements offering interesting photos. This is a brave shot for someone to take and I commend you for your creativity. Keep it up.

[johnj2803]

oh.....trying to stump me with 3.....ok...I can handle it. :)

#1 - nice - a bit overdone but it works with this -- The edit of this one down the page works well also.
#2 - Well this one is a bit more complicated - it works but what bothers me is what appears to be how dirty the pool is.....I understand but it might work better if the book was more "pristine" and cleaned up the pool reflection at the bottom of the photo.
#3-I do a lot of these "filler" shots at weddings - I think a lower angle would capture this a bit better- also cropping off stuff on the left might make it less distracting.

thanks! :D totally agree on all points :D

[stathunter]

thanks! :D totally agree on all points :D

No problem John....... as my uncle used to say "I am like an umpire...I just call them as I see them."

[tracyvb]

Alright, I'll play. :) Have at it...

389998

[stathunter]

Alright, I'll play. :) Have at it...

389998

First of all the colors are excellent - the photo is sharp........sharp photos are always my goal....I like them razor sharp and this is.
Now for the bad.... eyes tend to tell a story... in this photo you can't see either of their eyes....... getting eyes of the little boy would have made this photo a real winner. So what is left out makes this photo a snapshot and not great.
Again a very cute photo but as a photo editor I would have to pass.

[tracyvb]

First of all the colors are excellent - the photo is sharp........sharp photos are always my goal....I like them razor sharp and this is.
Now for the bad.... eyes tend to tell a story... in this photo you can't see either of their eyes....... getting eyes of the little boy would have made this photo a real winner. So what is left out makes this photo a snapshot and not great.
Again a very cute photo but as a photo editor I would have to pass.

Thanks and agreed! I think Brutal Fridays should become a weekly tradition! :) BTW - This snapshot will still be debuting on the entertainment center in my living room for the rest of the football season ;)

[stathunter]

Thanks and agreed! I think Brutal Fridays should become a weekly tradition! :) BTW - This snapshot will still be debuting on the entertainment center in my living room for the rest of the football season ;)

It really is a good snapshot .....and especially if there is someone in the photo that is a family member.
As a photographer who makes my living with the images I take - I look at things differently - much differently than others. I personally am always pushing myself with my work. And I believe that in order to survive and make a living in photography in this day and age of everyone having a camera - it is the little things that make a huge difference.
Have a great weekend.

Ok - let "Brutal Friday" as Tracy has now permanently labeled this continue.......next patient step into the exam room. *snap* (I have the exam gloves on now) :)

[joedlh]

I was supposed to meet a group of photograpers for a photo walk with a world-famous German photographer -- Wolfgang somebody. I was a few minutes late and couldn't find anybody. All I got was this picture of a stick.

[joosay]

I'll bite......
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3828214333_055dcc8c7f.jpg

[Saphire]

Here is mine for any critique

[Raginl3ull]

Scott I think this is a great service you are providing. Here is one of my most recent photos. Go to town if you will :D


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2441/3863411805_b19d451a41.jpg

[lazaro23]

Here is mine let me know thank you

[goosfrabaa]

My favorite macro yet, although yet only includes about a month...


http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8836/img1172a1.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/i/img1172a1.jpg/)

[stathunter]

I was supposed to meet a group of photograpers for a photo walk with a world-famous German photographer -- Wolfgang somebody. I was a few minutes late and couldn't find anybody. All I got was this picture of a stick.

Joe - I hate to "stick" it to you but this does nothing for me..... it might work if you put it to one side or another - rule of thirds if it is on the left side etc. Otherwise "stick" it in file 13.

[stathunter]

I'll bite......
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3828214333_055dcc8c7f.jpg

Ok - this is a bit interesting - the portrait person in me wants to crop out half of the photo and keep the girl and wall in the photo..... the transition between the wall and the other side is harsh....but that might be the quality that makes it work.
Well -- I need to chew on this -- this one is a bit subjective. Personally I would want my subject on the wall-- and maybe with the wall all the way behind her.
Since you have image editing ok - here is what I picture as a portrait person -- the only thing is I like the texture on the otherside - but there is not enough wall there for me to use for a 2 second edit.http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/potnedit3828214333_055dcc8c7f.jpg

And - yes this totally changes your photo - and I am not sure I like this either.

Good work - you get a C+ for thinking out of the box.

[stathunter]

Here is mine for any critique

Saphire....... I am not a bird shooter - but alot of the interest in this bird - to me - is in the eyes - and obviously the focus is not in his/her eyes - but the backside. So while capturing a bird like this is pretty darn tough -- I have to give it a C- (when the heck did I start a grading system- dunno)
Good capture - but lacks creative capture - which typically sets photos apart. Keep shooting.

[stathunter]

Here is mine let me know thank you

Susy- this one has tons of potential - I like this - the fingers = ring- tattoo - piano keys - - lots of good elements - but after an initial look back = I am distracted by the huge blur on the left side - this could really work if all was in focus - or at least not so blurred.
Again I like where you are going with this -- but that one element has me giving you a C+ on this.

[stathunter]

My favorite macro yet, although yet only includes about a month...


http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8836/img1172a1.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/i/img1172a1.jpg/)

goos --- there is potential with this shot - let me state that I am not a macro shooter - other than wedding ring macros for my wedding work - but I actually find those a bit cheesy and personally try to avoid them. Back on track -- I think this might have worked if the bee was outside of the flower and you could see the entire bee vs the bee butt..... :)
Good try - I image with macro that like many other type of photography that you have to shoot a lot - you never know when you can get the perfect moment - probably pretty hard to pose insects.
So my advice is to keep shooting - shoot a lot and bee careful.. sorry for the pun....not really. :)

[VegasBoz]

Where did I go wrong? I wanted to keep focus on the paint cans and the myriad of colors but I obviously missed something to make it a keeper...:(

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=388651&d=1250978608

[stathunter]

Scott I think this is a great service you are providing. Here is one of my most recent photos. Go to town if you will :D


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2441/3863411805_b19d451a41.jpg

Bull-- sorry I am not sure why I missed this but here is my two cents.
I can understand why you like this image - pretty girl - the colors and color contrast make this appealing- but here is a little initial thought - she looks a little uncomfortable - at least that is what I am picking up a bit from her facial expression.
When I shoot people/models I do what it looks like you did -- make them feel comfortable - this will relax them, as she is, -- the problem with that is then you have to calmly firmly direct your subject .... such as chin up a little - then I compliment them - great - but photographing people like this you like the potter -- you mold them into a pose - and it is little things that make great photos =- from chin up - to back straight or lean this way etc.
Again - little things - I also noted the wrinkles in her forehead - and did not like the skin between her head and arm. Seeing these little things when shooting is very hard - but you will train your eyes to see these little details-- and that will take your work from good to great.

[stathunter]

Where did I go wrong? I wanted to keep focus on the paint cans and the myriad of colors but I obviously missed something to make it a keeper...:(

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=388651&d=1250978608

Vegas -- I know why you took this photo --- if I was shooting this for a news source - here are the elements I would have sought. First I think you needed to move a little to the right of where you were. Capture more of the painter - and then you needed a larger aperture to get a bit more of the people in focus.
Now from looking at the people - it does not look like they have much of a smile while watching this guy -- here is a secret- if a news dept sent me an assignment to photograph this guy - with people in the background - I would have moved to the right of where you were - larger aperture - and if I noticed the people did not look that excited I would have said "wow" and got the spectators to smile a little - then taken the photo. Then I got my shot of the painter- with smiling crowd - and did not have to wait for hours to get it.



OK -- who is next? :)

[Raginl3ull]

Bull-- sorry I am not sure why I missed this but here is my two cents.
I can understand why you like this image - pretty girl - the colors and color contrast make this appealing- but here is a little initial thought - she looks a little uncomfortable - at least that is what I am picking up a bit from her facial expression.
When I shoot people/models I do what it looks like you did -- make them feel comfortable - this will relax them, as she is, -- the problem with that is then you have to calmly firmly direct your subject .... such as chin up a little - then I compliment them - great - but photographing people like this you like the potter -- you mold them into a pose - and it is little things that make great photos =- from chin up - to back straight or lean this way etc.
Again - little things - I also noted the wrinkles in her forehead - and did not like the skin between her head and arm. Seeing these little things when shooting is very hard - but you will train your eyes to see these little details-- and that will take your work from good to great.


Awesome sir, thank you so much! You have broadened my awareness, I will definitely keep this tips in mind moving forward. I agree with the other poster, this should be a weekly thing if you are up to it! :D

[stathunter]

Awesome sir, thank you so much! You have broadened my awareness, I will definitely keep this tips in mind moving forward. I agree with the other poster, this should be a weekly thing if you are up to it! :D

No problem - glad to help. A weekly thing.....humm....well maybe.

[joosay]

Ok - this is a bit interesting - the portrait person in me wants to crop out half of the photo and keep the girl and wall in the photo..... the transition between the wall and the other side is harsh....but that might be the quality that makes it work.
Well -- I need to chew on this -- this one is a bit subjective. Personally I would want my subject on the wall-- and maybe with the wall all the way behind her.
Since you have image editing ok - here is what I picture as a portrait person -- the only thing is I like the texture on the otherside - but there is not enough wall there for me to use for a 2 second edit.http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/potnedit3828214333_055dcc8c7f.jpg

And - yes this totally changes your photo - and I am not sure I like this either.

Good work - you get a C+ for thinking out of the box.

Thank you stathunter,
I should have taken more shots but the only other one I have, have people walking in the background.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3829008334_2a97db67ca.jpg
Thanks for taking the time to critique!

[stathunter]

Thank you stathunter,
I should have taken more shots but the only other one I have, have people walking in the background.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3829008334_2a97db67ca.jpg
Thanks for taking the time to critique!

No problem - there are those that say take one shot--- personally I am someone who would rather take too many shots than not enough.
Keep up the good work!

[Saphire]

Saphire....... I am not a bird shooter - but alot of the interest in this bird - to me - is in the eyes - and obviously the focus is not in his/her eyes - but the backside. So while capturing a bird like this is pretty darn tough -- I have to give it a C- (when the heck did I start a grading system- dunno)
Good capture - but lacks creative capture - which typically sets photos apart. Keep shooting.

Thanks Scott for your honest opinion even though you are not bird shooter, well not of the feathered kind;). Your right the eyes are important and I missed out on the focus, maybe next time if I get the chance.

[stathunter]

Thanks Scott for your honest opinion even though you are not bird shooter, well not of the feathered kind;). Your right the eyes are important and I missed out on the focus, maybe next time if I get the chance.

No problem Christine - I did look at some of your other work - I am inspired to shoot more birds - I live in a rural area and there are lots of them around - I image they do not respond to "hold your chin up.... a little higher" type commands though. :)

[Celtic Tiger]

Alright, I'll play. :) Have at it...

389998

Not to hijack but couldn't resist...

Man, I know you guys are rebuilding; but I didn't know it was this bad.;)

(They don't call me Tiger for nothing)

[stathunter]

Not to hijack but couldn't resist...

Man, I know you guys are rebuilding; but I didn't know it was this bad.;)

(They don't call me Tiger for nothing)

That's it Tiger....you are now banned from any POTN section that has football. *waves wand* :)

[Celtic Tiger]

That's it Tiger....you are now banned from any POTN section that has football. *waves wand* :)

:lol::lol::lol:

Sorry. I'll be quiet now. I'm just jealous I don't have anything worthy of a critique (yet).

[goosfrabaa]

goos --- there is potential with this shot - let me state that I am not a macro shooter - other than wedding ring macros for my wedding work - but I actually find those a bit cheesy and personally try to avoid them. Back on track -- I think this might have worked if the bee was outside of the flower and you could see the entire bee vs the bee butt..... :)
Good try - I image with macro that like many other type of photography that you have to shoot a lot - you never know when you can get the perfect moment - probably pretty hard to pose insects.
So my advice is to keep shooting - shoot a lot and bee careful.. sorry for the pun....not really. :)
Thank you for the critique and pointers. These buggers (haha) are hard to shoot, they just keep moving. I have several of full bodies from behind (beautiful wings), but rarely do I pull off shots in profile (where their body-fuzz looks best). Sometimes I wish my G10 had a swivel screen...

Now I don't know how many critiques we each are allowed to ask for but here is another :). If it's to much just ignore it, I won't mind.


http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/5287/681k.jpg (http://img36.imageshack.us/i/681k.jpg/)

[stathunter]

Thank you for the critique and pointers. These buggers (haha) are hard to shoot, they just keep moving. I have several of full bodies from behind (beautiful wings), but rarely do I pull off shots in profile (where their body-fuzz looks best). Sometimes I wish my G10 had a swivel screen...

Now I don't know how many critiques we each are allowed to ask for but here is another :). If it's to much just ignore it, I won't mind.


http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/5287/681k.jpg (http://img36.imageshack.us/i/681k.jpg/)

No limit -
I like this. At first I thought the foliage was distracting but I think it kind of frames the photo nicely - this is a nice capture. I think it could use a cropping off the top- maybe a bump in exposure -- then after looking at it - it was a little flat so I added a little depth to it with a high pass.
Here is my quick edit -- but this was overall a good capture.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/681kcopycopy.jpg

[lonelyjew]

If you're offering Scott go nuts :)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/cplpunishment/hangingslugcurl.jpg

[VegasBoz]

Thanks for the critique Scott! I was actually just trying out my new 'Brick' and was looking for some inspiration to take photos. Believe me... Freemont St has no lack of interesting subjects.

I'll go again this weekend and redo the shot and see what happens. Thanks!

Boz

[Todd Lambert]

Awesome stuff here... love it.

Here is a semi-recent shot that I liked, what do you think?

http://lambertphotography.com/forums/IMG_6067.jpg

[stathunter]

If you're offering Scott go nuts :)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/cplpunishment/hangingslugcurl.jpg

Ok - my first thought is ewwweeeehhh! Tell me that thing is a snail,slug and not something from some kids nose. :)

Here in the US - it is just minutes before dinner time - and you have not taken away what I had for an appetite. :)
I have made a dinner safe edit of your photo:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/potn.jpg

In all honesty - as someone who does not appreciate bugs - I think this is an interesting capture - I like the green background - but again not much with bugs. :)

[stathunter]

Thanks for the critique Scott! I was actually just trying out my new 'Brick' and was looking for some inspiration to take photos. Believe me... Freemont St has no lack of interesting subjects.

I'll go again this weekend and redo the shot and see what happens. Thanks!

Boz

No problem Boz -- next time I am out in Vegas we can do a little Freakmont photo shoot. :)

[FlyingPhotog]

I'll offer one up for a no holds barred chewing...

A little inspirational poster idea I cooked up:
http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p208823926-4.jpg

Yea or Nay? :D

[stathunter]

Awesome stuff here... love it.

Here is a semi-recent shot that I liked, what do you think?

http://lambertphotography.com/forums/IMG_6067.jpg

Todd - I completely understand why you like this....lots to like. But again this is Brutal Friday Critique so I will have at it. This is another one of those that details make the difference.
This would have been a killer photo "if" - maybe you were in the water, yep I know hard to do - but sometimes you got to get a little wet for the sake of art :)
-- I can image this photo being taken from just in front of the rocks--- and cutting out a tad on the left side (the light) -- so the photo is now not so busy- there are still a lot of interesting elements but it is not overly busy.





Well gang - I have to run out and have a little dinner - if I can get the slimy bug picture out of my memory :) -----I will return to my office in a few hours and willing to continue this until late this evening - if anyone has any others for critique.

[MelissaMA]

Okay, I'm in! I'm new here, so I apologize for not having any of my information available. These are from a portfolio building senior portrait shoot. Aside from the trees growing out of her head (whoops!), I'd love your brutal CC. Thank you so much!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/waterspritemd/2-3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/waterspritemd/4-2.jpg

[Todd Lambert]

Thanks Scott.. enjoy your dinner!

I never really thought about cropping out that left side, but you're right, I think that would have helped.

I was not in the water on this shot, but for the sunset shot(to the right in this photo) I was... I moved back to take this shot. Thankfully the train comes by pretty often, so I might get another chance at this one.

Anyways, thanks again for the CC... I appreciate it.

[Saphire]

No problem Christine - I did look at some of your other work - I am inspired to shoot more birds - I live in a rural area and there are lots of them around - I image they do not respond to "hold your chin up.... a little higher" type commands though. :)

Be careful once you start it becomes addictive, all the birds I photograph are taken in my own garden, I also live in a rural area. The birds of prey are the most fascinating.

[goosfrabaa]

No limit -
I like this. At first I thought the foliage was distracting but I think it kind of frames the photo nicely - this is a nice capture. I think it could use a cropping off the top- maybe a bump in exposure -- then after looking at it - it was a little flat so I added a little depth to it with a high pass.
Here is my quick edit -- but this was overall a good capture.

Thanks, especially for the edit, my post processing skills are severely lacking. Here are a couple I took just now actually. You should be able to be plenty brutal with them, I've not tried much with b&w and full manual yet. I'm going to have to experiment with this subject a bit more though... could yeild some interesting results. By the way, I have not done anything with these in gimp yet.

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/180/img1748m.jpg (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/img1748m.jpg/)


http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/5383/img1746.jpg (http://img53.imageshack.us/i/img1746.jpg/)

[lonelyjew]

Ok - my first thought is ewwweeeehhh! Tell me that thing is a snail,slug and not something from some kids nose. :)

Here in the US - it is just minutes before dinner time - and you have not taken away what I had for an appetite. :)
I have made a dinner safe edit of your photo:

In all honesty - as someone who does not appreciate bugs - I think this is an interesting capture - I like the green background - but again not much with bugs. :)

Lol, hope you have a good dinner. Honestly those things gross me out less than the mushrooms I tried to eat for dinner a few minutes ago. Thanks for the critique :)

[jwoods85]

Here's one my favorites .. have a go at this one, thanks!

the last chair on the middle row isn't the same length apart from the rest- other than that, i wish it were my shot!

[skidzam]

I called this, "Perfectly Presidential," and posted in the people forum for laughs. But please critique, especially the lighting. Should a reflector, if I had one, been used, and if yes, which portable one do you recommend?
Thanks.

[xarqi]

Ok - well at first glance it looks like a boat hit the purple teletubby --- or it could be one of those trick shape cards that they evaluate psychiatry patients. :) --- ok I understand what you were going for here - but it might be a better image if indeed it was a defined palm tree in the photo and maybe a tad toned down on the color.

Thanks.
In this neck of the woods, that silhouette in that type of location is probably as recognisable and meaningful as a palm would be elsewhere. It's a pohutukawa, an iconic New Zealand shoreline tree.

Interestingly, on the conversion to web colours, the blue became a shade lighter than I had intended, so I'm even further from where you recommend than you think! I'll play some more with the hue/saturation layer and see how that works out.

[shootinsmiles]

Hope you enjoyed your dinner. I'd love to hear your thoughts on my photo as well.

-John

http://www.castenphotography.com/photos/588212362_q4bhY-L.jpg

[TroyRaymond]

Captured a while ago, interested in your expertise. Thanks in advance.

http://troyraymond.smugmug.com/photos/304869231_raiAf-M-3.jpg

Troy

[stathunter]

I'll offer one up for a no holds barred chewing...

A little inspirational poster idea I cooked up:
http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p208823926-4.jpg

Yea or Nay? :D

Jay - I totally understand the concept here but it is really not that gripping. Maybe a more interesting subject - or something a bit "more" funny.....than it might have more legs to run with.
So unfortunately I have to vote Nay.

[stathunter]

Okay, I'm in! I'm new here, so I apologize for not having any of my information available. These are from a portfolio building senior portrait shoot. Aside from the trees growing out of her head (whoops!), I'd love your brutal CC. Thank you so much!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/waterspritemd/2-3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/waterspritemd/4-2.jpg

Melissa - howdy - welcome to the fold! I am glad to see even someone new sticking their neck out for a little critique.
Ok you already know about trees coming out of her head.....but what you also forgot about it the rest of the background. Let's imagine the trees in the head thing are not there -- the background is sparse grass/gravel/dirt that does not complement the beautiful girl. I shoot a lot of weddings and I am always moving people around to find a background that is suitable for the subject --- sometimes moving even a few feet or shooting from a slightly different angle can make a HUGE difference.
Also - I think you need to study poses - get fashion magazines - I am not exactly a girly looking guy but I am always picking up fashion magazines - so I can take in trends in fashion and poses.
In taking your first photo - my initial thought - lets say you just had to have the girl on the pic-nick table -- I would of had her sit in the middle of the table - pull her legs up to her chest - have her arms around her legs - sit forward and ask her for a cute look- take it from a little higher angle looking down a bit - and see how it works with her etc.
The second photo--- well this needs work also -- the location looks fantastic - the angle is good maybe a tad high- I love how you have the sun on her back/side - but you made a crucial mistake - you cut her legs off --- you needed to get in for a tighter crop or back up and get her legs in --- again more refined poses would make this killer. You have the girl/location but made some beginner mistakes.

[JulieNick]

Here's mine :)

[stathunter]

I called this, "Perfectly Presidential," and posted in the people forum for laughs. But please critique, especially the lighting. Should a reflector, if I had one, been used, and if yes, which portable one do you recommend?
Thanks.

"You sir are no John Kennedy" --- that is from a pres debate a few years back.....anyway.
I have had the privilege of photographing Senator Obama during the Presidential campaign and I have a secret ......... his belt and shoes looked like he picked them up in a second hand shop--- they were worn kind of like the t-shirt here.... :)
Anyway.....for every wedding/portrait shoot I go to I always have a reflector in my trunk.....honestly I hate dragging equipment out -- many times the client is on a tight time schedule or the more crap you drag out and use the more "unnatural" they will become ---- so I would have simply moved the person over a tad to light them naturally -- the light here does really not look too harsh.
But as a rating I would say that this photo overall is not worthy of putting in a portfolio..... but keep being creative....crazy or whatever it is you do. :)

[MelissaMA]

Melissa - howdy - welcome to the fold! I am glad to see even someone new sticking their neck out for a little critique.
Ok you already know about trees coming out of her head.....but what you also forgot about it the rest of the background. Let's imagine the trees in the head thing are not there -- the background is sparse grass/gravel/dirt that does not complement the beautiful girl. I shoot a lot of weddings and I am always moving people around to find a background that is suitable for the subject --- sometimes moving even a few feet or shooting from a slightly different angle can make a HUGE difference.
Also - I think you need to study poses - get fashion magazines - I am not exactly a girly looking guy but I am always picking up fashion magazines - so I can take in trends in fashion and poses.
In taking your first photo - my initial thought - lets say you just had to have the girl on the pic-nick table -- I would of had her sit in the middle of the table - pull her legs up to her chest - have her arms around her legs - sit forward and ask her for a cute look- take it from a little higher angle looking down a bit - and see how it works with her etc.
The second photo--- well this needs work also -- the location looks fantastic - the angle is good maybe a tad high- I love how you have the sun on her back/side - but you made a crucial mistake - you cut her legs off --- you needed to get in for a tighter crop or back up and get her legs in --- again more refined poses would make this killer. You have the girl/location but made some beginner mistakes.

Thank you for your honesty! There is nowhere to go but up, right ;)

I actually do have the full body of the second shot - several actually. She just happened to have the prettiest smile in this one. Why does that always happen? Posing is definitely where I need the most work. Until recently, I've only taken photos of my children, so I'm still trying to figure out how to tell people what to do with their bodies. I will definitely get some fashion magazines. That's a great idea. Thanks again!

[stathunter]

Hope you enjoyed your dinner. I'd love to hear your thoughts on my photo as well.

-John

http://www.castenphotography.com/photos/588212362_q4bhY-L.jpg


John - yes - dinner was good. Sorry for the delay - I got tied up with other things.
Your photo is very good it has a lot of great elements..... great composition.....lighting is there - good balance of elements and this photo --- I cannot say enough good things about this one. Well done.....now get out and repeat the success. :)

[stathunter]

Thanks, especially for the edit, my post processing skills are severely lacking. Here are a couple I took just now actually. You should be able to be plenty brutal with them, I've not tried much with b&w and full manual yet. I'm going to have to experiment with this subject a bit more though... could yeild some interesting results. By the way, I have not done anything with these in gimp yet.

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/180/img1748m.jpg (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/img1748m.jpg/)


http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/5383/img1746.jpg (http://img53.imageshack.us/i/img1746.jpg/)

I understand where you are trying to head with these but these fall well short of much but experimental. The b&w go with the book -- but the phone kills anything -- keep experimenting but don't forget about the details and elements in the background. Also there should be a real compelling subject in a b&w photo -- these don't do much for me but I understand your concept thinking.

[goosfrabaa]

I understand where you are trying to head with these but these fall well short of much but experimental. The b&w go with the book -- but the phone kills anything -- keep experimenting but don't forget about the details and elements in the background. Also there should be a real compelling subject in a b&w photo -- these don't do much for me but I understand your concept thinking.
Ah, knew I forgot something, had to clean my desk before I could take these. I was bound to leave something I didn't notice. I think I actually prefer the color version w/ the full jar now that I look again. It's its own little world if I can just get it right.

[stathunter]

Captured a while ago, interested in your expertise. Thanks in advance.

http://www.envisioncreativeimaging.com/photos/304869231_raiAf-M-3.jpg

Troy

Troy -- I like this one. This is one of those photos that I have mentally stored in my mind.... you posted this a while back and explained how you captured it with the extension pole system (sorry I don't remember your product name).
I like the creative angle -- great use of creativity -- this is definitely an angle that you don't typically see. The photo has a lot of character and the processing is good. Love the rust in the windmill -- and the colors here (sky, field & windmill blade colors)
Good placement of the windmill (rule of 3rds) it creates a great photo --
Well done Troy!

[bpiper7]

Some of Friday is still left. I've posted this before but is this a keeper or not? A fairly deep crop.
http://bpiper7.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p264274205-4.jpg

[stathunter]

Here's mine :)

Julie - there is a lot to like about this shot - the colors - the motion with the blowing article of clothing. The nurturing of the belly - it works well. The location is excellent - it really is a good photo......... now for the bad. It is good but there is potential to make this a great photo. First I am not thrilled with the cut off legs -- that bothers me a bit - maybe move her higher up on the hill--- maybe move down a bit and take it all in the picture..... the other questionable thing is which way she is looking -- it looks like she is looking at the camera -- because I do not see a silhouette of the face.
So really this boils down to fine details that could take this from good to great -- one other thing I would like to point out - that might help others -- is to remember to take more in when taking the photo than you need. You can always crop a photo but you can really never add more in--- so step back a bit -- take in more -- then crop in post.

[JulieNick]

she was looking at me. Well, behind me was one of her kids and he started talking to her as I pressed the shutter. It was getting chilly so we were wrapping things up and wanted to get a shot like this so things were a bit rushed. I do know what to look for the next time. If there is a next time. Thanks for the c & c :)

[stathunter]

Some of Friday is still left. I've posted this before but is this a keeper or not? A fairly deep crop.
http://bpiper7.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p264274205-4.jpg

Bill--- howdy - yep there is a little left of Friday.
Yep - I knew immediately that it was a deep crop - noticed the grain. There are a few ways that I myself rank photos -- I am typically shooting for a bride/client etc and ask myself is this photo worth the money that the client paid me? Is this photo a stand alone example of my work and will someone pay my fees based on this photo as an example....and my final rank of my photo is do I like this and is this photo an example of my skill as a photographer - or heck do I just plain like it.
My question to you is this an example of your skill as a photographer? Will clients hire you based on this photo? Do you like it? I would have to say that this photo would not fall in as a keeper or one that you can use as a stand alone photo to be that example of your skill as a photographer. Without the bird this photo would be without question one to toss.
Keep shooting.

[CoquetteRN]

This is awesome. Can you share with me how I could have improved this shot? If there is enough time left.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3389104434_9cc6a8cdb1_o.jpg

[FlyingPhotog]

Jay - I totally understand the concept here but it is really not that gripping. Maybe a more interesting subject - or something a bit "more" funny.....than it might have more legs to run with.
So unfortunately I have to vote Nay.

Fair Enough...

Thanks for taking the time.

[stathunter]

Well everyone........it has been a pleasure viewing and hopefully assisting with creative growth.
I am finished packing my gear bag and all my batteries are charged-- I am traveling early in the am for a wedding - then covering a news event -- so will be shooting tons this weekend. I suggest that everyone get out and take tons of photos also....even if they are only of your mailbox...get out and shoot!
Have a great weekend!
Scott

Stephanie- give me a sec and I will give you a quick critique.

[bpiper7]

Bill--- howdy - yep there is a little left of Friday.
Yep - I knew immediately that it was a deep crop - noticed the grain. There are a few ways that I myself rank photos -- I am typically shooting for a bride/client etc and ask myself is this photo worth the money that the client paid me? Is this photo a stand alone example of my work and will someone pay my fees based on this photo as an example....and my final rank of my photo is do I like this and is this photo an example of my skill as a photographer - or heck do I just plain like it.
My question to you is this an example of your skill as a photographer? Will clients hire you based on this photo? Do you like it? I would have to say that this photo would not fall in as a keeper or one that you can use as a stand alone photo to be that example of your skill as a photographer. Without the bird this photo would be without question one to toss.
Keep shooting.

I DO "just plain like it". But I was wondering if I was alone.

The reason I cropped like I did was to get the bird in relation to the pier and try to make a blah shot salvageable. ;)

I needed to get the shot right before the PP.

Thanks for taking the time. And thanks for the truth you offered. This is a great thread.

[stathunter]

This is awesome. Can you share with me how I could have improved this shot? If there is enough time left.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3389104434_9cc6a8cdb1_o.jpg

Steph- I am a dog person and take a lot of my doberman -- dogs/animals are tough - they don't always stay where we want them. But I like the concept - but think you might have gone for an entire head or half of the head-- in looking at cropping this to half a head - the problem is that the head is tilted just a little and it won't balance correctly -- the other factor here with this particular shot is that there is only half of the eye lit-- the other half is shadowed. I would also remove the hair or eye stuff so it does not distract from the photo......... in my opinion these are all minor details but they make or break a photo.

[stathunter]

Well gang - that is it for me -- glad to help. Maybe next Friday-- no promises yet. :)

[CoquetteRN]

Steph- I am a dog person and take a lot of my doberman -- dogs/animals are tough - they don't always stay where we want them. But I like the concept - but think you might have gone for an entire head or half of the head-- in looking at cropping this to half a head - the problem is that the head is tilted just a little and it won't balance correctly -- the other factor here with this particular shot is that there is only half of the eye lit-- the other half is shadowed. I would also remove the hair or eye stuff so it does not distract from the photo......... in my opinion these are all minor details but they make or break a photo.

Thanks Scott. I feel the similiar about this photo. It was one of those moments that happened in a split second. Believe it or not, I was sitting in the front passenger seat, I glanced into the back to check on the dog, and saw incredible light. I just picked up the camera and started snapping. My efforts to reproduce the moment have been naught. Thanks for your critique and time! Its truely appreciated.

[Grimlock]

That was fun to read Scott.

You're a gentleman and a scholar. And I feel this thread has helped many.

Thanks for taking the time. Happy shooting!

[chopper5654]

i really hope this gets done again soon. so insightful just to read through it.

[luvsadog2]

This has a lot of interesting elements to it. I like the shapes/drama/and lighting from the stairs..... what intrigues me is if it could be improved from a little lower angle. It has a very nice artistic touch to it without being too much.
This is a nice example of simple elements offering interesting photos. This is a brave shot for someone to take and I commend you for your creativity. Keep it up.

Thank you, Scott! I took that shot at the Seattle Library while looking down from the stairwell above, just took the one shot on the fly. Here's another shot I took of a dining area at a San Francisco museum, also looking down from above and an attempt at a macro shot.

[luvsadog2]

Darn, here's the shot I meant to attach to the previous post .. not the blurred version!

[Photon Phil]

a world-famous German photographer -- Wolfgang somebody

Hilarious!

[dkatchalov]

Hey Scott

have a got at THESE (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=745169).

let me have it :)

thanks in advance.

[Moooney]

this first one was minimally processed - it was almost completely silhouetted right from the camera.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v89/Mooney/IMG_8354.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v89/Mooney/kideyes.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v89/Mooney/IMG_3360.jpg

[jetcode]

mooney - great stuff ... love it, the kid is adorable!!! ... I love the industrial grunge stuff too.

luvsadog2 - I like both versions of your cafe table scene.

[luvsadog2]

mooney - great stuff ... love it, the kid is adorable!!! ... I love the industrial grunge stuff too.

luvsadog2 - I like both versions of your cafe table scene.

Thanks, jetcode!

[stathunter]

That was fun to read Scott.

You're a gentleman and a scholar. And I feel this thread has helped many.

Thanks for taking the time. Happy shooting!

Thank you very much - I am glad to help --- I think that is really the purpose of POTN and glad to contribute.


i really hope this gets done again soon. so insightful just to read through it.

Well - very glad to help.


I am back in my office uploading photos from the weekend - so I thought I would drop on POTN for a few mins -- looks like there might be a few other new photos posted -- lets see what I can do to give these a few mins of time this evening. Give me a min and I will review these.

[stathunter]

Darn, here's the shot I meant to attach to the previous post .. not the blurred version!

I actually like the blurred one - it could be a little more "refined" but I think it has some strong merit.
This "non-blurred" is less dramatic -- but works well also. You have a good eye for shapes -- this makes an interesting photo and with the addition of the person sitting adds even more "normalcy" to the photo.

The fly photo -- I think it is a very good capture ----- now don't get me wrong here, but I am not a bug person......so let me leave it at that. :)

[stathunter]

this first one was minimally processed - it was almost completely silhouetted right from the camera.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v89/Mooney/IMG_8354.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v89/Mooney/kideyes.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v89/Mooney/IMG_3360.jpg

Hi Moooney!
Let me run through these quickly - while I am managing uploading cards to Aperture.
1 -- This is a pretty good photo - it actually has a lot to offer - it has a harsh sense to it - but is tamed down a bit by the sky -- the power lines add to the industrial look and the red lights of the sign give it a good balance.
2 -- The eyes on this are great -- first off the kid is very cute - I hate to say anything about cute kid photos but I look at any photo from the eye of a customer - a customer that pays me extremely well to take photos that they cannot pull off. Now with that being said - to be direct this photo is a snapshot - the kid is a little surprised - almost to a smile but not there - so not the "perfect" moment to capture him. Also it might be a little severe of an angle - I would have bent down a tad - maybe kneeled down- laid on the floor - dunno -- probably try a lot of angles.
Even though I shoot tons of weddings - I do my fair share of kids/babies - I am always trying different/unusual angles -so mom just has to have me back to repeat my "magic" and in turn add revenue to my bank account.
3 -- Ok - let me be direct with this one - I don't like it. That being said - I understand what you were going for but not sure you accomplished it - you might have wanted to back up and take more in -- or maybe went in closer and taken from the broken glass perspective - either way this one does not do it for me.


Ok - I now have 8K new photos loaded in my computer - and now I am off to bed. Good night all. :)

[luvsadog2]

I actually like the blurred one - it could be a little more "refined" but I think it has some strong merit.
This "non-blurred" is less dramatic -- but works well also. You have a good eye for shapes -- this makes an interesting photo and with the addition of the person sitting adds even more "normalcy" to the photo.

The fly photo -- I think it is a very good capture ----- now don't get me wrong here, but I am not a bug person......so let me leave it at that. :)

Thanks again for the C&C, Scott .. I still have a lot to learn about PP so I'll have to remember to play with the cafe shot some more to refine it more.

[dbrod1]

Alright, I'll play. :) Have at it...

389998


I LOVE IT. (but I'm extremely biased because I grew up in Nebraska and know it's every little boy's dream to walk on for the Huskers.)

[tracyvb]

I LOVE IT. (but I'm extremely biased because I grew up in Nebraska and know it's every little boy's dream to walk on for the Huskers.)

Thanks! Once you get that Husker blood, you're in for life. :) He's just waiting for the day when he can walk onto that field and actually play (this was just a shoot for his Husker Football themed b-day party invites.) :)

[JulieNick]

It's Friday, more critiques? :)

[stathunter]

It's Friday, more critiques? :)

Ok - I am ready to critique if you are brave enough to post. :)

[joosay]

Hey Scott, glad to see you back for another Brutal Friday.

This picture seems to be a hit or miss with different people...just wanted to know what you think of this one...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3886049602_caaef6b0b6.jpg

[stathunter]

Hey Scott, glad to see you back for another Brutal Friday.

This picture seems to be a hit or miss with different people...just wanted to know what you think of this one...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3886049602_caaef6b0b6.jpg

At first glance I am thinking thumbs down - but here is where it might have a little potential -- maybe if you clone out the while blur on the right - it might be better suited for, something-- unfortunately it does not do a ton for me.

But don't let this discourage you - keep experimenting - I just photographed a newly married military couple - I actually put one of them close to me and the other in a similar location like your photo where they were blurred out -- I shared the photo with my sounding boards and they voted it down - I still like it- so next time I will add a little more creativity to a similar setup.

[Tatt2Guy]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=747810


lemme have it.....

[JulieNick]

ok, fire away :)

[luvsadog2]

Here's a couple more for ya .. happy Friday, Scott.

[stathunter]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=747810


lemme have it.....

Hi Tatt,
This photo is very good for a small point and shoot - it shows you that it is really not the camera (tool) but the person using it.
It would make a good photo for advertising the property - web/brochure etc. It has a lot of interesting elements to it and is a pretty nice example of realestate photography - it is somewhat creative - but not what I would consider an artistic creative photo - here is what is lacks though - a little post processing pop. In my opinion as a paid professional photographer my work has to have more "umph" than other photos -- I want people to feel my stuff has more pop than anything they can do -- since you have "image editing" ok - here is a little pop from just a very quick photoshop "high pass" treatment:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/basin2.jpg

[stathunter]

ok, fire away :)
Hi Julie - this one has potential - but it looks a bit grainy to me - I personally like razor sharp photos - this seems a tad grainy. The larger factor with this photo is that you might have missed the "optimal" sunset - it seems like it was a little late - you are a little off the mark -- mentally I picture the sunset just killer - and it looks like the tail end of it.

Now many times I set up for sunsets and then am disappointed because all my prep time and waiting is in vain -- If I am determined to make a great photo I might photoshop a better sunset.

[stathunter]

Here's a couple more for ya .. happy Friday, Scott.

What up dog! :)
Happy Friday to you also -- I like where you are heading with both of these. The elements are interesting -- but my first thought on the first is I would of liked to see this one maybe 6 inches/1foot - lower than the current perspective. When I shoot things like this I am taking more shots than I really need - of many angles - from many different perspectives - farther out - closer in etc -- and my hope is when I get back to my computer that one of these will match my vision of what I viewed as more than a snapshot.
The bike shot is similar - initial thought would be to get in a little closer - the orange bike looks like a good one to shoot from straight on just under the basket - focusing on the detailed accents - off to the side a bit - that with the contrast of the blue/white bike might have made a more artistic shot.
Good work- keep on shooting!

[JPayne]

Ok, what do you think to this? It wasn't an intentional shot, just had the camera in my hand.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/J28/IMG_3301.jpg

[JulieNick]

Hi Julie - this one has potential - but it looks a bit grainy to me - I personally like razor sharp photos - this seems a tad grainy. The larger factor with this photo is that you might have missed the "optimal" sunset - it seems like it was a little late - you are a little off the mark -- mentally I picture the sunset just killer - and it looks like the tail end of it.

Now many times I set up for sunsets and then am disappointed because all my prep time and waiting is in vain -- If I am determined to make a great photo I might photoshop a better sunset.

really didn't miss the sunset lol the clouds rolled in just before the sun started to set and cleared away some just after the sun had set. We've had a crappy summer and been wanting to get good sunset shots. I've named this one blue because I was feeling blue about not capturing the sunset.
Thanks so much for taking the time. :)

[stathunter]

Ok, what do you think to this? It wasn't an intentional shot, just had the camera in my hand.


I am a dog person and like this -- but I think think there a few detail changes that might make this a real keeper. If you open up "image editing ok" I am do a quick edit with my thoughts.

[JPayne]

I am a dog person and like this -- but I think think there a few detail changes that might make this a real keeper. If you open up "image editing ok" I am do a quick edit with my thoughts.

Ok done that, fire away.

Here is a softer variation of the image with some other alterations.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/J28/alternative.jpg

[stathunter]

Ok done that, fire away.

Here is a softer variation of the image with some other alterations.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/J28/alternative.jpg

Ok - here is my very quick edit on your photo - I did a quick crop and high pass edit - the crop was to get the subject (dog) to fit into the rule of thirds - I am all for breaking rules but think this photo needs more interest by putting your subject in the rule of thirds - the high pass was to bring out the dogs unique coat a bit more-obviously a bit overdone but this is a little example - I erased the high pass on the wood - thought it might be too busy that way.
Nice capture.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/IMG_3301copy1.jpg

[yanz]

Hey. I posted this recently in this forum but i would like to get your critique of this image. Thank you very much in advance!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3879920787_a671dd2ab1_b.jpg

Yan

[JPayne]

Yes that looks good. Un-natural but who sets the rules? I had a version similar but toned it down slightly as the wood did get too busy. Your edit looks better. Thanks.

[stathunter]

Yes that looks good. Un-natural but who sets the rules? I had a version similar but toned it down slightly as the wood did get too busy. Your edit looks better. Thanks.

J- no problem - dogs are tough to capture correctly - and many times require a bit of cropping to put them in the correct perspective - The biggest improvement is really the rule of thirds for yours - that takes it from a snapshot to a real keeper. Your right the high pass makes it un-natural - but I did that for effect.
Keep shooting!

[stathunter]

Hey. I posted this recently in this forum but i would like to get your critique of this image. Thank you very much in advance!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3879920787_a671dd2ab1_b.jpg

Yan

Hi Yanz!
First all - I take a lot of these type of photos - let me explain a little - I drive down a rural road and see a nice setting and try to take a photo of it - to me what happens is that when I get back to look at the photo it is not really what I thought I viewed and then the only option is to add a little too much saturation - which is what I think happened with yours.
In looking at your photo I immediately thought how it might be improved by taking it from the other road - a little closer to the farm - dunno - then I thought since the only thing that makes the photo really a keeper is the color - what happens if we remove the color to have the photo stand on its own in B&W - so then I thought what about cropping it to the core and making it b&w. So here is what I came up with:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/potnyanzcopy.jpg

I am really not sure this does much to better it - I do a lot of work that involves color - and have been on a personal project to try to strengthen my creativity and thinking about shooting with a different perspective in black and white. I want to create images that do not have to count on color to make them - understanding how to shoot things like this without color but have them stand on their own merit might be something that you also want to think about.

Keep up the work!

[sfrottymom]

I mostly lurk but am feeling brave this morninghttp://www.pbase.com/bellasf/image/116872634/large.jpg

[stathunter]

I mostly lurk but am feeling brave this morninghttp://www.pbase.com/bellasf/image/116872634/medium.jpg

Hi Mom - first of all welcome to the forum - lurking is fun - lots to learn in the POTN forum - kudos for sticking your neck out with a little critique.
Puppies are great! I am actually shooting puppies for a client this weekend - I have a few things in mind and have already scared the person who hired me by tossing out one of my ideas.
Ok - let me tell you what I like about this - I love the way the light hits the one puppy staring into it. Obviously the puppies are cute - hard to say much about this - I think this photo is a good snapshot -what I mean is that a photo that anyone would take and not something that you would see on a postcard from a paying client etc.
It is really the details that separate a good photo from a great one - sometimes it is timing - other times it is little elements that me as a working photog look for or try to work with. The edge of the steps - not sure it works here - the other distraction is the chair/table leg - white- that come out of the head and are a tad bid distracting in the background.
Thanks for sharing - and welcome again - keep on shooting!

[sfrottymom]

Thanks Scott

I agree with all of your comments and believe it or not never noticed the white table leg in the background :oops:

This was taken several years ago and there is much I would do different today...

[stathunter]

Thanks Scott

I agree with all of your comments and believe it or not never noticed the white table leg in the background :oops:

This was taken several years ago and there is much I would do different today...

Mom - no problem - I shoot a ton of photos every week and my eye is now trained to see details - once you become accustomed to these details - you start shooting differently - you move from having tunnel vision with your subject to seeing how other elements blend in then adjusting to those elements.
Thanks again for sharing!

[JulieNick]

Can I post another?
My daughters allowed me two minutes each to take quick snaps of them for the first day of school. Been doing this every year. This one here, my kid was texting and I asked her what she thought about going back to school and she gave me her "impressed" look. Anyways, I put this on facebook and got lots of feedback (which I didn't ask for) from fellow photogs. To me it's just a snap. Nothing special about it other than it being of my oldest daughter. So, I'm thinking what is wrong with you people are you blind? It even got lots of views on flickr.

[yanz]

Hi Yanz!
First all - I take a lot of these type of photos - let me explain a little - I drive down a rural road and see a nice setting and try to take a photo of it - to me what happens is that when I get back to look at the photo it is not really what I thought I viewed and then the only option is to add a little too much saturation - which is what I think happened with yours.
In looking at your photo I immediately thought how it might be improved by taking it from the other road - a little closer to the farm - dunno - then I thought since the only thing that makes the photo really a keeper is the color - what happens if we remove the color to have the photo stand on its own in B&W - so then I thought what about cropping it to the core and making it b&w. So here is what I came up with:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/potnyanzcopy.jpg

I am really not sure this does much to better it - I do a lot of work that involves color - and have been on a personal project to try to strengthen my creativity and thinking about shooting with a different perspective in black and white. I want to create images that do not have to count on color to make them - understanding how to shoot things like this without color but have them stand on their own merit might be something that you also want to think about.

Keep up the work!

Thank you very much for taking the time to critique my photo. I agree with all of your points. I have to work on my composition and i think i did over saturate a bit so the picture would pop more. I really like your idea to shot these type of shots in bw so the composition would have to be strong for the shot to work.

Thanks again and have a great day!!!

Yan

[stathunter]

Can I post another?
My daughters allowed me two minutes each to take quick snaps of them for the first day of school. Been doing this every year. This one here, my kid was texting and I asked her what she thought about going back to school and she gave me her "impressed" look. Anyways, I put this on facebook and got lots of feedback (which I didn't ask for) from fellow photogs. To me it's just a snap. Nothing special about it other than it being of my oldest daughter. So, I'm thinking what is wrong with you people are you blind? It even got lots of views on flickr.

Julie - this one is actually pretty good. I know why you got a good response from this - it is really a good capture of teens of today - your daughter is in the process of texting - she has her bag over her shoulder - she is giving you a look of tolerance, not quite a smile and not quite ticked off yet.........yet. The colors are good - bokeh is excellent and works well by offering texture and color but complementing the photo.
My wife does this for each of the kids on their first day - but her photos are typically the kids in the kitchen - with backpacks and cheesy smiles. Your photo is really more documentary/photojournalistic - it is a good sharp photo and nice added elements that really work.

[joosay]

At first glance I am thinking thumbs down - but here is where it might have a little potential -- maybe if you clone out the while blur on the right - it might be better suited for, something-- unfortunately it does not do a ton for me.

But don't let this discourage you - keep experimenting - I just photographed a newly married military couple - I actually put one of them close to me and the other in a similar location like your photo where they were blurred out -- I shared the photo with my sounding boards and they voted it down - I still like it- so next time I will add a little more creativity to a similar setup.

Thanks, the white blur is actually another pull switch less than a feet away from the one in front (just to get that out there - some people thought it was a reflection of the first).

Yeah, just experimenting... I just enrolled into this intro. to digital photography class for my last semester and I'm sure I'm going to have to do a lot of experimenting with this class.

Thanks, once again!

[hughes_57]

How about this one taken while at he bar had a few to drink with a Canon A640 and no PP other than a little sharpening this is straight out of the camera

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2552/3869602660_1f74570359_b.jpg

[JulieNick]

Julie - this one is actually pretty good. I know why you got a good response from this - it is really a good capture of teens of today - your daughter is in the process of texting - she has her bag over her shoulder - she is giving you a look of tolerance, not quite a smile and not quite ticked off yet.........yet. The colors are good - bokeh is excellent and works well by offering texture and color but complementing the photo.
My wife does this for each of the kids on their first day - but her photos are typically the kids in the kitchen - with backpacks and cheesy smiles. Your photo is really more documentary/photojournalistic - it is a good sharp photo and nice added elements that really work.

lol then it must be me that must be blind. I see it only as a snapshot. Like your wife I usually do these in the kitchen because they never want to go outside for these photos. This time I paid them for 2 minutes outside. It cost me big time lol.
Thanks so much Scott :)

[stathunter]

Scott (don't take this personally this is more of a rant than anything else ...)

I have no idea why people let rule of thirds control the composition for every image. It's like physics majors who think Newtonian physics is the end of the road in all there is to know about the universe. I tend to think in terms of subject and subject support not ratios or formula based compositional tools. This may lead to an image that approaches the rule of thirds, or something completely surprising which has no obvious mathematical relationship whatsoever. Of course I did study golden mean, 3rds, circles, graphics in general and agree with the principles but not as an absolute rule to art or the art of imaging.

To be honest, not critical or harmful, but IMO the additional rendering is a little too HDR like for my tastes, over done. I like the softness of the original, the subtle colorings which are lost in the expansion of contrast in the fur. The black doesn't match the type of light used to capture the image. I see light more like the original image.

Just an opinion and sorry to jump your thread I won't do it again ... promise!!!

Jet - I believe I agree with you -- I am definitely not someone who follows rules well first of all - I tell my wife they are suggestions not rules - this holds true especially for art/photography and many other things. The critique I offered was specific for this photo- in my opinion the photo has more impact shifting the subject over a bit - falling more into the rule of thirds - instead of putting them dead center in the frame. This again is the suggested rule....in this case I think it works.
The rendering is about me spending 3 seconds editing - as I should have mentioned it is definitely way too much - and if anything should be done subtle.

Thanks for your input-- any photo to share for a little critique? Let's see if we agree. :)

[stathunter]

Thanks, the white blur is actually another pull switch less than a feet away from the one in front (just to get that out there - some people thought it was a reflection of the first).

Yeah, just experimenting... I just enrolled into this intro. to digital photography class for my last semester and I'm sure I'm going to have to do a lot of experimenting with this class.

Thanks, once again!

By all means keep experimenting -- I was in my kitchen the other day doing some inspirational creative work - it came out poorly and now I know better - I personally learn more from making mistakes than anything else.

[stathunter]

How about this one taken while at he bar had a few to drink with a Canon A640 and no PP other than a little sharpening this is straight out of the camera

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2552/3869602660_1f74570359_b.jpg

Huey -- maybe it looks better if you have a few drinks.... :) --- only kidding. I know why you took it -- but first thought that popped into my creative head was ... chicken..... the second thought was more applicable - maybe you should of shot this from a little lower perspective -- maybe even with the water. Again this is a creative suggestion and extremely subjective at that.

[stathunter]

lol then it must be me that must be blind. I see it only as a snapshot. Like your wife I usually do these in the kitchen because they never want to go outside for these photos. This time I paid them for 2 minutes outside. It cost me big time lol.
Thanks so much Scott :)

Julie - not sure if I mentioned this but the lighting is excellent in your shot - love how it highlights your daughters hair - you did (haphazardly) take a good shot. :) --- see even a blind squirrel finds a nut -- :)
The important question is if your daughter likes it? --- once your kids have confidence in you (meaning they like how they look when you take their photo) they typically be more relaxed (like your photo) when you take a few photos of them.
Your daughter is a cute girl by the way - when clients compliment my work I always tell them that my job is to bring not only the outer beauty out but to highlight the inner beauty in a way that makes the photo take on more vibrance and depth.

[brennasg]

okay well I am wanna play! I posted this in pets and didnt get much feedback.. and since you are a dog person;) I was trying something new:)
http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp320/brennasg/IMG_1073-Edit-2-2.jpg

[stathunter]

okay well I am wanna play! I posted this in pets and didnt get much feedback.. and since you are a dog person;) I was trying something new:)
http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp320/brennasg/IMG_1073-Edit-2-2.jpg

Sorry for the delay - yep I am a dog lover - this is definitely a dramatic dog photo - it might be a bit over dramatic with lighting - a bit dark - and could use a backlight to outline the subject - but I totally understand what you are shooting for here.
Keep on shooting - and hopefully your dog will accommodate more dog photoshoots! :)

[brennasg]

Thanks Scott:) Yes She does kinda blend in... I'm not sure she will ever let me get it again I was as sleuth as possible, but she still didn't stay there long. I do think a back light would help. Now I just have to find something to use..hmm This was shot with a P&S.:( Oh and the sun was coming in on her very harsh, so in order to not blow out her whites, it was ver dark in SOOC but then I did darken it in PP as well.

[stathunter]

Thanks Scott:) Yes She does kinda blend in... I'm not sure she will ever let me get it again I was as sleuth as possible, but she still didn't stay there long. I do think a back light would help. Now I just have to find something to use..hmm This was shot with a P&S.:( Oh and the sun was coming in on her very harsh, so in order to not blow out her whites, it was ver dark in SOOC but then I did darken it in PP as well.

Dogs are tough - they do not ever seem to really listen to me-- even with treats I have a hard time managing to get them to comply. :)

[Kevin Curtis]

ok scott....let her rip!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3858956485_c30e8714e5_o.jpg

[JulieNick]

Julie - not sure if I mentioned this but the lighting is excellent in your shot - love how it highlights your daughters hair - you did (haphazardly) take a good shot. :) --- see even a blind squirrel finds a nut -- :)
The important question is if your daughter likes it? --- once your kids have confidence in you (meaning they like how they look when you take their photo) they typically be more relaxed (like your photo) when you take a few photos of them.
Your daughter is a cute girl by the way - when clients compliment my work I always tell them that my job is to bring not only the outer beauty out but to highlight the inner beauty in a way that makes the photo take on more vibrance and depth.

I wanted her in open shade with just a bit of back lighting but there were no catch lights in her eyes. I made her turn a bit and liked the lighting a bit better. But wasn't happy because it was just a quick snap. Thanks for the compliment about her cuteness. She absolutely hates her freckles.

I'll post the one that I took of my youngest one. This one here I used flash for fill. I metered for the sky with the speedlight turned off and used it in ttl. Didn't work out. The sky is blown, she looks flashy and there are shadows. Please don't mind the clothes line going threw her head. I was going to clone it out but didn't bother since it was just a snap for their photo albums.

[hondafans]

Here's one for you

[katsoulis]

Here's one for you

She's awfully cute - but terribly orange!

[hondafans]

She's awfully cute - but terribly orange!

Thanks. I made vibrance -1 & saturation -16 adjustments. Would you crop closer?

[Tigerkn]

Scott,
Please C&C these

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3806418997_df5a968e07_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3752290695_b346234541_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3746989162_607b0556f4_b.jpg

[Tom Reichner]

I'd love to know your thoughts on this one. It's only very lightly processed, as I only have iPhoto (no Photoshop or anything else like that). Would this image benefit form more rigorous post processing?

[stathunter]

ok scott....let her rip!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3858956485_c30e8714e5_o.jpg

Kevin - sounds like you are ok if I dig in a bit -- please do not take this personal but there are elements that can make this a good photo - but in my simple opinion this is not. The sunset could be nice - the texture of the building could be nice - the street also could be decent but in my opinion this is not a keeper.
I do like the lighting and how it really shows off the texture of the building(s) - but the perspective of the shot kind of kills it. Too much is happening but nothing compelling is really there -- the right side is in shadows and doesn't offer much to the viewer.
So I am going to have to say good try but not quite there - I can actually picture this being shot with a 5D and 17-40 from street level - straight on pointed at your middle building - capturing some sunset and the uniqueness of the building with lighting - dunno - just a thought.

[stathunter]

I wanted her in open shade with just a bit of back lighting but there were no catch lights in her eyes. I made her turn a bit and liked the lighting a bit better. But wasn't happy because it was just a quick snap. Thanks for the compliment about her cuteness. She absolutely hates her freckles.

I'll post the one that I took of my youngest one. This one here I used flash for fill. I metered for the sky with the speedlight turned off and used it in ttl. Didn't work out. The sky is blown, she looks flashy and there are shadows. Please don't mind the clothes line going threw her head. I was going to clone it out but didn't bother since it was just a snap for their photo albums.

Julie - she might hate her freckles but I noticed them right away - and they give her a very cute look - I would tell her from an outside perspective that her freckles make her who she is and that is a very cute girl.
The last photo here of your youngest - while she might be a cute girl - does not have the elements that the other shot has - is a bit more flat - and not a lot of depth to it - not as compelling a shot - and definitely more of a snapshot.

[stathunter]

Here's one for you

Honda - I agree with Kat on this one - cute girl but definitely a bit orange - this might be a good one for a b&w conversion - one minor but major thing is that she is not looking at the camera.

[stathunter]

Scott,
Please C&C these

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3806418997_df5a968e07_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3752290695_b346234541_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3746989162_607b0556f4_b.jpg

Tiger - My first thought on all 3 was over-saturated - I mentioned a little earlier that I am now on a personal project shooting black and white - why, well for me I find myself relying on color too much to make my stuff work - and sometimes find myself pushing up the saturation because I do not see much else in a photo that I like -- this "over-saturation" tendency of mine has pushed me to pull out my old film camera and load Black and White film in them -- bear with me on this - but in the film days you really did not do any "spray & pray" shooting - you relied on making that one shot count. So I am forcing myself with the B&W film to not only force myself to make the one shot count but to also do it with the composition of the shot and also not count on color - but to make the shot work on it's own merit.

Now on to a little critique of your shots -
The first - kind of suffers with one other shot today - while the dog is cute the shot itself is missing minor details that make it go from decent to really good - there is something behind the dogs head that stands out to me - and the dog is not looking in the direction of the camera -- which is fine but we do not know of anything interesting he/she is looking at - say if he was looking at a dog treat - well that would make a more interesting photo- that would stand on its own -- this one - in my opinion does not.

The second photo- this kind of works - again a bit over saturated - but kind of makes it interesting - but agin without color would this work?

the third - this one is a bit better- but I am kind of a sucker for wide angle work - it works here- but not the most compelling photo- but overall kind of works.

Keep on shooting! You cannot go wrong by trying new stuff!

[stathunter]

I'd love to know your thoughts on this one. It's only very lightly processed, as I only have iPhoto (no Photoshop or anything else like that). Would this image benefit form more rigorous post processing?

Tom - this one works very well. What would have made this one postcard material is if the owl was staring at you - but I like how sharp the eyes are - for me I ask what is the owl staring at? But I do like this - the owl is not in the center of the frame - while maybe not in the rule of 3rds -- this one works well - a little off center which creates more interest - I think it is processed perfectly and looks very natural. Good capture.

[stathunter]

as found - working stove - cross processed -- (for "as found" I use no rules)

Jet- well my mother said that if you have nothing good to say........ ha! I am only joking... I actually like this one. It show the perfections/imperfections in the stove/pot and is processed in a way that works well. This is a good shot - interesting perspective of imperfect objects - I like this.

[stathunter]

landscape - nicasio cows - chocolate brown toned

Jet- ok I see some very good elements in this photo -- but I also see things that don't work - at least in this size. The cows are a bit hard to see and don't complement the photo - where if there was maybe one cow - a bit closer that cow would offer much more to the photo than all of them.
The sky is obviously a strong point - the fence line/brush is another good point - the part that throws it a bit off the strong meter is the cows and the blobby brush in the lower right - but truth is I understand why you took this photo but in the end there might be minor details to keep this from being great. Again this is my subjective opinion. The processing does work though.

EDIT--
Jet - here is a very rough edit of what I was thinking might work - again very rough - the cow definitely would need real editing work:
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/nicasio-150k-smallcopy.jpg

[Tigerkn]

Thanks Scott for your C&C and direction!!!!!!!
Have a great long weekend.
Kevin

[hondafans]

Before and After

She's a little fish so she has more of a tan than most.

[stathunter]

Thanks Scott for your C&C and direction!!!!!!!
Have a great long weekend.
Kevin

No problem Tiger - I plan on doing a lot of shooting - most of which I am not getting paid for so I am shooting for myself and trying to think out of the box all weekend -- I am sure my wife will be doing a lot of eye rolling. :)
All the best!

[stathunter]

Honda - what about this, rough edit:
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/garagecopy.jpg

[hondafans]

Honda - what about this, rough edit:
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/garagecopy.jpg

I like it, but my wife is not a big fan of B&W.

I'd like to have a canvas done of this picture and give it to her for Christmas so it really needs to stay color. I've got CS4 and I'm still learning, so if picture two does not seem right I can certainly go back and try again. What do you guys think? I think I got a little to excited with the saturation slider in picture one. Both vibrance and saturation have been backed off to 0

[paintedbison]

I should probably lurk another year before jumping in. Day 1 on a SLR camera... http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/paintedbison/matthew6.jpg

[CoquetteRN]

oh no... I missed brutal friday! Next week. ; )

[JulieNick]

Julie - she might hate her freckles but I noticed them right away - and they give her a very cute look - I would tell her from an outside perspective that her freckles make her who she is and that is a very cute girl.
The last photo here of your youngest - while she might be a cute girl - does not have the elements that the other shot has - is a bit more flat - and not a lot of depth to it - not as compelling a shot - and definitely more of a snapshot.

The second photo I was trying to get her exposed and not blow out the sky in the time that they gave me to shoot them. It didn't work out. It's something that I've been working on for quite awhile and can't seem to get it. I'm not liking my speedlight.
Thanks for taking the time Scott :)