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Category: Problems with Images

Photography Question 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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You Critique needed


 
 
This is to solicit Critique on one of my images that did not get an EP last month.

Would really like to know what is wrong here. I can take it and will really appreciate your honest criticism!

Thanks.

UB.


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December 02, 2009

 

Kathryn Wesserling
  Usman - It's a visually beautiful image. I tried hard to find things to nitpick. The only possibilities that come to mind are...

1] There might be too much in it. I'd crop it from the left just to where the first heavier pillar begins (eliminate the street lights on that side.)

2] Crop from the right side so that only four people show (group of 3 and single figure.)

3] To keep the ratio aspect of your original, then crop some from the bottom, and the rest from the top. You won't lose much of either of these.

What this cropping might accomplish is to narrow the scope of the scene, make the horizon seem more level, lessen the impact of those strong streaks of orange light to the right, and finally to get rid of that uneven tree.

This is a powerful sunset especially in relationship to the Shakar Parian. Imo, panoramic look to the original weakened the true "star of the show."

Hopefully, others will chime in with their opinions. Personally, I'd reenter this one (or the revised edition) often!


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December 02, 2009

 

Bob Cammarata
  I like the overall composition and color tone of the sunset but the people in the foreground are a distraction. (In my opinion, silhouettes should be primary points of interest, not incidental elements.)

Also, in reading your caption, I can also offer a valuable piece of advice someone once taught me...
"Unless someone asks, don't try to explain why or how you took a photo. Just throw it up there and let it stand on its own merit. Your audience will get the message if the photo is good enough".


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December 02, 2009

 
- Dennis Flanagan

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  The colors are very rich and it's a nice location but overall, this isn't much more than a snapshot. I don't see a clear subject matter for my eye to gravitate to or follow through the picture. Does that mean it's not an EP??? Not at all. If you think it's worthy, enter it again.


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December 02, 2009

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  Thank you Kathy, Bob and Dennis for your insightful feedback. It really helped me understand some of the things that I should have done in the first place.

Its always great to get honest feedback from seasoned professionals.

Thanks again!

UB.


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December 02, 2009

 

Kathryn Wesserling
  Usman - never in my wildest dreams would I expect someone to group me with BobC as a professional! lollllllllll Judging from Dennis' Gallery (love the Invisible Man series!), he belongs up there, too. I am simply an enthusiastic (obsessive?) hobbyist, who is struggling to learn.

However, thank you for the lovely compliment.


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December 02, 2009

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  Shall resubmit after some tweaking with the original!


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December 03, 2009

 

Clayton T. Williams
  I totally agree with everyone on here. The colors are great it just needs some minor tweaking.

Dennis,
This is a question for you. You have GREAT work and lighting. What lighting setup do you have?

Travis


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December 03, 2009

 
- Dennis Flanagan

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  In studio and some location shoots I use a Calumet Travelite 2250ws three head portrait kit. I also own a number of backgrounds from Backdrop Outlet. If I have to use on camera flash, I use a flash extender and a Nikon SB-900 Speedlight. If needed I also use a 36in reflector to either block unwanted light or as a fill reflector.


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December 04, 2009

 
- Kenneth De Pree

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  There is a lot to like about this photo, but it is not a show stopper. I think the photo should have been taken closer to the monument, making it larger and the center of focus. As it stands, the build is too small and there are too many distractions. Since you can only post an 800x600 image, you probably have enough to work with. Cut from the right side and from the concrete in front of the monument. The concrete is ugly and adds nothing to the photo. Cut out as much of it as you can. Make the building and beautiful sky stand out.


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December 10, 2009

 
- Kenneth De Pree

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To balance what needs to be cut from the right, including that miserable tree part, you will also have to cut from the sky since there is not enough concrete. But you have lots of sky so you can easily spare some.


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December 10, 2009

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  Thanks Ken for your observations which are very helpful.


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December 10, 2009

 

Meghan Gonski
  Usman,

Not everyone can get an EP. I have seen photos that definetly deserve an EP and didn't get one. Sometimes it's just entered at the wrong time. Othertimes it has to do with the photo, it's not at it's best.
For your photo, I would suggest cropping both sides of the photo to eliminate the distracting tree and short walking-light. Eliminating the tree with focus the eye on the building and sunset. You could try intensifying the colors in editing program also. Lastly, try entering it again. Some photos do well a second time around.
Good luck
Meghan


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December 28, 2009

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  Thanks Meghan for your inputs and time!

UB.


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December 29, 2009

 
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