A little criticism please

[peter nap]

I just finished reading Scott Kelby's book, "The Digital Photography Book". Because of what he wrote and many of the posts here, I left the camera shop with $250.00 worth of tripod and a ballhead today, So I took a field trip to Colonial Williamsburg to try it out.

It was drizzling today but in between showers, I got about 60 pictures. This one was taken from the tripod (actually I took a bunch at different exposures) Aperture priority and a polarizing filter.

In photoshop, I added a little contrast, darkened the shadow under the carriage and sharpened it.

If you could tell me what I did wrong, I'd appreciate it.

[peter nap]

I put this in the wrong Forum. Moderator, could you move it for me. Sorry!

[noreturnphotos]

Well Peter,
From my monitor the exposure and colors all look real good.What really detracts is the setting.
Your main focus is the carriage... Butt everything to the right is very distracting and takes away from the "theme" to me.
I would crop down from the top to the window on the right just below the lights. I think this would spread the photo out and give it, the carriage, a little room to breathe. Then crop over to the right edge of the horse and remove the stroller.
That is a beautiful piece of history, sure wish there was something like that around here!
You have a good start hope this helps!
Just my .02's worth.
Royce

[bob_r]

I just finished reading Scott Kelby's book, "The Digital Photography Book". Because of what he wrote and many of the posts here, I left the camera shop with $250.00 worth of tripod and a ballhead today, So I took a field trip to Colonial Williamsburg to try it out.

It was drizzling today but in between showers, I got about 60 pictures. This one was taken from the tripod (actually I took a bunch at different exposures) Aperture priority and a polarizing filter.

In photoshop, I added a little contrast, darkened the shadow under the carriage and sharpened it.

If you could tell me what I did wrong, I'd appreciate it.

Peter,

If it were drizzling while you were shooting, it's very doubtful that you needed a polarizer. Using a polarizer normally costs you at least one stop and normally a stop and a half and is normally used to reduce glare. Since it was drizzling, I doubt that glare was an issue. You shot this at 1/80s with a 55mm lens, so you probably could have eliminated the tripod for this shot. You definitely could have eliminated it if you had removed the polarizer. If you had closed the shutter down to f/8 or f/11, a tripod may have been necessary. The normal rule for when to use a tripod is anytime your shutter speed is less than the focal length of your lens.

Royce noted some compositon suggestions, but the main one I'd suggest is try not to include the back end of the horses. Try to get in front of the carriage or get to the side. I love horses, but don't think you've captured any of their best features. I do like the shot of the carriage itself. It's nice and sharp with enough DOF to keep all of it in focus. I agree with Royce's suggestion to crop the stroller and the pole, but I think the window adds to the composition. It is a feature that helps date the building and ties it in with the horses and carriage to suggest a period in history rather than a modern setting.

I think you did a nice job with your PS editing. Nothing in the pic to suggest that you manipulated anything. I liked Scott Kelby's book too and think he offered some excellent suggestions. I've incorporated a number of them into my post processing routines.

[peter nap]

Thanks Guys!

I took all the comments and played with some cropping. I see exactly what you were saying.

[gldiana]

I hope you're looking for critique, rather than criticism

[peter nap]

I hope you're looking for critique, rather than criticism

6 of one and half dozen of the other. I know my technique has light years to improve and I am not an artistic person. I build heavy sturdy things and think they look good....so no matter if it's critique or criticism, it's helpful.

[gldiana]

Criticism wouldn't be useful, it entails negative connotations to mock or denigrate the person/object being criticized. Critiquing on the other hand is an analysis of someone's work.

[noreturnphotos]

Hey Peter,
I apoligize if anything I said, appears as criticism. I'm a rookie photog and I really have no business saying anything about someone elses work. I'm very sorry if I offended you!
Bob-r did a much better job of expressing what I was trying to say in fewer words.
Your off to a real good start and the "pros" here will make the learning curve alot easier.
Congrats on the new equip you'll love it dn the road. A good investment in yourself!
Have a good one all! I'm outta here
Royce

[bob_r]

Hey Peter,
I apoligize if anything I said, appears as criticism. I'm a rookie photog and I really have no business saying anything about someone elses work. I'm very sorry if I offended you!
Bob-r did a much better job of expressing what I was trying to say in fewer words.
Your off to a real good start and the "pros" here will make the learning curve alot easier.
Congrats on the new equip you'll love it dn the road. A good investment in yourself!
Have a good one all! I'm outta here
Royce

Royce,

I think Luca was questioning the title of the thread rather than anyone's response. I don't see how any of the reponses could be considered anything but helpful critiques. BTW, critiques are simply ones opinions and others may or may not agree with them, but it does give different view points to be considered. I don't always agree with everyone's opinions, but I always appreciate them giving me their honest opinions. Be sure to continue offering your opinions, Royce and remember that even "rookie photog"s have eyes and opinions and should be encouraged to express their opinions as seen through their eyes. Keep them coming, Royce.

Bob

[peter nap]

Hey Peter,
I apoligize if anything I said, appears as criticism. I'm a rookie photog and I really have no business saying anything about someone elses work. I'm very sorry if I offended you!
Bob-r did a much better job of expressing what I was trying to say in fewer words.
Your off to a real good start and the "pros" here will make the learning curve alot easier.
Congrats on the new equip you'll love it dn the road. A good investment in yourself!
Have a good one all! I'm outta here
Royce

Royce,

I think Luca was questioning the title of the thread rather than anyone's response. I don't see how any of the reponses could be considered anything but helpful critiques. BTW, critiques are simply ones opinions and others may or may not agree with them, but it does give different view points to be considered. I don't always agree with everyone's opinions, but I always appreciate them giving me their honest opinions. Be sure to continue offering your opinions, Royce and remember that even "rookie photog"s have eyes and opinions and should be encouraged to express their opinions as seen through their eyes. Keep them coming, Royce.

Bob

Exactly Bob!
Nothing said was offensive in any way. Syntax aside, the comments made were nothing but helpful. I have a tendency to look at a small part of a picture and miss the "Big Picture". Observations from someone else makes me realize what I've done and hopefully avoid it in the future. I over sharpened the Mennonite Buggy in a post in the scenes forum but didn't see it until I had looked at it a couple of dozen times.

I certainly hope Royce, yourself and everyone else continue being honest about a submission. The help is appreciated.

[gldiana]

I think Luca was questioning the title of the thread rather than anyone's response.
Bob

But of course, thanks Bob for clarifying that.