Feedback Wanted

I rarely shoot in an urban environment. I have, however, recently started venturing out during lunch on Fridays with a friend that works near me. I don't really know what to look for, how to process or even really compose urban shots.

Here's one I took last week, I'd like some feedback on it.
Here's something I already noticed, I shot with the 10-20 Sigma, which seems to have distorted things a bit. What is a good focal length for shooting things straight on like this?

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theague wrote in post #7198285
Here's something I already noticed, I shot with the 10-20 Sigma, which seems to have distorted things a bit. What is a good focal length for shooting things straight on like this?

You can use any focal length for shooting straight on like this. The distortion is because you did not actually shoot "straight on". Had you kept your camera level, as well as perpendicular to the door, you would have had minimimal barrel/pincushion distortion that is easily corrected in post.

The distortion you're seeing is called keystoning, and is caused by not keeping your camera level. In this case you were pointing your camera down. The effect is seen in all lenses, but gets magnified as the angles get wider.

As for the subject, I think the only way this works is if it's presented as a series of doors. Perhaps all sorts of different doors in the city. As a single image, it lacks much impact.

Thanks for the feedback LeuceDeuce, good information that I wasn't quite aware of. I also like the idea of a series of doors, I'll work on that. I might have to go back and shoot this one again as well to fix the problem.

would make a good back drop for an edgy photoshoot.

Per LD's suggestion I have been looking for interesting doors in Tacoma... Here's another one. I tried my best to get the correct angles on this one so it didn't look oddly distorted. I go out every Friday at lunch-time with a friend now. Set can be seen here on flickr.

Watch your step!

Nice job with the verticals.

thanks.

I've got a few more prospects to shoot, I'll update this thread as I get around to more doors in T-Town.