Tall Ships

[saxman]

Hello Folks,
I've been reading posts on this forum for quite a while and have decided to finally jump in.
Here are two pics taken last summer during the Tall Ships Festival in Halifax NS.
I am experimenting with different PP looks.
Any comments are appreciated

[texaskev]

Welcome to POTN! I'm sure someone will not like the background in either shot but when you shoot stuff like this you don't have much control over that. I like the first shot best but its pretty soft. 2nd shot is pretty sharp and sort of a cool compisition.

[saxman]

Thanks for that Tex.
How about PP, is it too much for you?

[Flo]

Welcome to POTN;)

As mentioned, the first shot is out of foucs...I would really like to see the second in color.

[texaskev]

I like the vintage look that you managed with #1. Sort of a little sepia look to it. A sharp version of that would really be nice. But then someone would remark that its a vintage look with a current US flag on it. lol

#2, I'd like to see it in color. The way the light is bouncing around in the sails is really interesting!

[saxman]

Thanks.
OOF is the bane of my existence!!
Here's the original color pic.

[saxman]

Feel free to PP yourselves.
I'm open to any new ideas.
Cheers!

[saxman]

Hmmmm
Upon further review HERE is the original

[saxman]

Here's another

[stsva]

I like the look of both shots. I added a curves adjustment layer and a black and white conversion layer (in soft light blending mode) to the second shot to try to separate the ship from the buildings a little more.

[skygod44]

Wow! Welcome to POTN and well done for capturing such stunning ships!

But I have to agree with the above comments:
1) Try to get your focus dead-on, otherwise the image might as well go straight in the recycle bin.
2) Consider more what's behind the main subject. You've got a lot in the frame that's distracting from the shape and details of the ships.
3) Lighting, lighting, lighting! Shooting early in the day and/or near sunset can really enhance shots like these and give a "feeling" to the image that lifts it to something really special.

Keep at it, and everyone here will help whenever needed.

Regards,
Simon
:D