People that are better than me

[XterraJohn]

There's a neat bridge in Fort Worth, so I decided to take a picture of it. Here's what I came back with:

http://blog.johnhodgephotography.com/images/pvp-fail.jpg


After looking at it and talking about it on POTN, I wasn't really all that happy with it. I tried a few things in an image editor, but overall, it just wasn't happening, so, I went out and tried taking a picture of it again, this time at a time of day when the lighting was a little better. Here's what I came back with after that trip:

http://blog.johnhodgephotography.com/wp-content/uploads/yapb_cache/paddock_viaduct_img_0457_copy.a0ouw3zrriwcgo0k8og8 sokgg.6yqnw46uyjk0c8okws0wwwg48.th.jpeg


I was actually pretty happy with that one. I would look at it from time to time and think about how much better it was than my first attempt. I decided to search Google for the name of the bridge to see where my website would rank on the list. What I found was greatly disturbing. Below, please find a picture from some other photographer of the exact same bridge, only SOOOO much better:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38504997@N04/3562013416/sizes/m/

I just don't know what to say. :(

[gcflora]

I just don't know what to say. :(

Your photos are great.

To answer your rhetorical question, what you should say is: damn them all I am going to do better! Then you go out and do it.

It might take years to do better but that's the fun! And if you set yourself that goal I have no doubt that you WILL achieve what you want to do ;)

Cheers, Craig

[binlerne]

They are really two completely different visions of the bridge. All you can do is look at photos others have taken and say, "Why do I like this photo better than one I took?" Then without copying it exactly, use some of those techniques in your own photography to experiment until you are happy with what you come up with.

[ralff]

the "better" photo has lots of PP, maybe an HDR image, at least blended layers. Do you own a copy of PS CS4 and know how to use it? If not don't feel too bad, need to learn how to do the PP work to get that version. IMO

[rsscp1]

I think the other guy's photo is indeed HDR. Some people like HDR, some don't. I'm not a huge fan myself. I like both your attempts and I can definitely see an improvement from the first one to the second one. Keep shooting.

[snyderman]

Interesting that in photo #2 you can clearly see the bridge is wooden. Not so much in the first!

Great 2nd attempt.

dave

[DC Fan]

I just don't know what to say. :(

Learn to read and understand the light.

The first two images were taken from the shadow side of the bridge, so the pictures emphasize shapes in shadow. The image listed at the Flickr link is taken from the side of the bridge that is illuminated in sunshine, so the bridge's arch and shape is emphasized in the sun. Some luck with timing and light -- possibly the sun angle was low and the sky darker than usual -- completed the effect.

The picture at the Flickr link likely came from someone who understands the area's light and knows how to use it to best impact. That probably means the photographer understands how light works and how to use it to define shapes in contrast with the surroundings. Only experience with photography and a sensitivity to the workings of light can give you that ability.

[nicksan]

The reflection is what makes the photo from the other person.
Plus the HDR or HDR-like PP adds to the drama, as does the sky.

I think it's about lighting, composition, perspective and other things coming together.

[DStanic]

All about the lighting.....

Your photo is fine, nothing "wrong" with it. The "better" photo looks like it was taken earlier or later in the day, when the sun was lower... giving it a nice golden look.

[birdfromboat]

nice shots, great thread, inspirational responses. Thanks to all that have posted here, I am going to go get some better images NOW.

[ozziepuppy]

Your second is much more appealing than the first. Yes, the one you link to is quite striking (especially with the reflection) but your second one is also very nice. If I were you I would go back to that bridge again and experiment, experiment, experiment. :)

Edit: Oh, and post more of the same bridge here!

[XterraJohn]

Thanks for all of the great replies everyone. I definitely intend to go back and experiment on the light side of the bridge as opposed to the shadow side. One area that I want to improve is the water. Both of my pics look rather cesspoolish, while the water in the linked shot appears to be reflecting the sky.

[PhotosGuy]

I definitely intend to go back and experiment on the light side of the bridge as opposed to the shadow side. Good idea. First, find the right light; See the "Tips" link in my Sig, & then
MOVE YOUR FEET! (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=536323)
Both of my pics look rather cesspoolish, while the water in the linked shot appears to be reflecting the sky. If you use one, take the CP (polarizer) off.