Action and Abstract

[Adam Jones]

I don't normally feel this ambivalent about my photos. Usually I can tell right away whether or not a shot should head for the trash heap or the (flawed) keeper pile. Lately, that hasn't been so easy. Maybe I'm trying too hard to hang on to shots, or my radar has gone haywire. Whatever the case...that's why I'm here, so you guys can help me out. :)

First-up: the action shot. I like this photo for several reasons: first and foremost, the subject (hey, I'm biased), but also because I felt that focus was good -- right on the eyes -- and exposure was spot on (am I wrong on that?). The light was flat due to overcast skies. With that said, I'm aware that there are elements that are probably technically incorrect: first of all, the motion blur in the grass (I was panning) and on the dog's paws and ear. I'm not sure if the crop does anything -- all that empty grass on the side -- and she is looking out of the frame. Nevertheless, the photo calls to me. Maybe just as a personal snapshot? I'm interested in your opinions.

(A saturation-bumped version can be seen here (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4489118064_2a54592904_o.jpg).)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4493984101_01edda5842_o.jpg

Secondly, an abstract. This is totally out of my comfort zone, but I did have fun processing the shot. Overdone? Overdone in the wrong way? Boring? Interesting? I'm having a hard time being objective on this one, which should probably tell me something... Either way, opinions on what to do better next time would be welcome. I do enjoy these kinds of shots as well.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4498990520_da820fa837_o.jpg

Thanks for looking.

[Flo]

I have tons of dog and ball shots.lol.so I know where you are coming from.I like gthe other version you linked to.and I think a 16X9 crop would give it a more balanced feel.just me.

Second photo is fun, I have an '84 Chev that I am constantly clicking at.;) Its all personal preference, I like them both.

[Flo]

Here's the crop, saturation and sharp on eyes......
http://macymae.smugmug.com/Animals/Animals/449398410101edda5842o/830350831_4PpLZ-L.jpg

[crashthenet44]

What about the second qualifies it as abstract? The heavy overdone processing? I'd like to see this shot with a more conservative edit, possibly in B&W.

[Adam Jones]

Thanks for the comments. @crash: Well, I guess I'm not exactly sure why I thought that. Maybe "still life" would be a better categorization?

[argyle]

I don't normally feel this ambivalent about my photos. Usually I can tell right away whether or not a shot should head for the trash heap or the (flawed) keeper pile. Lately, that hasn't been so easy. Maybe I'm trying too hard to hang on to shots, or my radar has gone haywire. Whatever the case...that's why I'm here, so you guys can help me out. :)

First-up: the action shot. I like this photo for several reasons: first and foremost, the subject (hey, I'm biased), but also because I felt that focus was good -- right on the eyes -- and exposure was spot on (am I wrong on that?). The light was flat due to overcast skies. With that said, I'm aware that there are elements that are probably technically incorrect: first of all, the motion blur in the grass (I was panning) and on the dog's paws and ear. I'm not sure if the crop does anything -- all that empty grass on the side -- and she is looking out of the frame. Nevertheless, the photo calls to me. Maybe just as a personal snapshot? I'm interested in your opinions.


Doesn't matter...if she was looking into the frame, we'd see her butt instead. ;) Besides, aren't people "looking out of the frame" in portraits as well (generally speaking)?

[TheArtfulBurner]

It seems to me you've been listening to and having your confidence undermined by a bunch of jumped up experts. Is this good? Is this correct? Bull****. You decide. You be the judge. Others my ooh and ah or try and look down on you from pretended altitude but there are only two people who matter in terms of judgement. Yourself and your intended audience. You should be happy with your product and your intended audience should "get" what you intended them to get.

So with that out of the way here are my thoughts on your pictures.

The dog shot is certainly a keeper, especially if he's your dog. Great focus. If he were looking at you it might have been better because you would have felt more engaged with him when you look at the picture. But it doesn't mean this picture is crap. The ears have motion blur. Is that a crime around here? The dog was in motion. Maybe you wanted to show he was in motion. Would a frozen dog look better? It really depends on your purpose. I thought the crop that Flo applied was better. Anyway twenty years from now you'll look at this and it may bring a tear to your eye. Not because the ears have a bit of motion blur but because it shows a friend you loved in the prime of life and will remind you of happy times spent with him.

[mattaura]

^ couldn't have said it better.

I think it could be improved as well with a bit more warm of a cast...just very slight....maybe a little sharpening. something like:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/mat987/OTHERS%20EDITS%20-%20NOT%20MY%20PHOTOS/dog.jpg

[Adam Jones]

Lol, thanks guys -- especially Burner. I definitely appreciate the input.

[JimFly]

On the dog shot, nice capture of a moment & focus
About the abstract - B&W for my taste

Thanks for sharing

[vdubgrub]

Dog-good capture. Maybe an even lower POV would be more interesting?