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Category: Constructive Critique

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Breaking Throught to the Light


 

BetterPhoto.com All Time Best Photo Contest Finalist BetterPhoto.com Photo Contest SECOND PLACE Winner  
Breaking Through to the Light
Breaking Through to the Light
f/13 - 1/250 sec - ISO 200, (1) SB800 to the left of the shot, fired remotely (to compensate for the bright sun in the background, and add fill) Only contrast and slight sharpness were adjusted in photoshop (Nothing was added to the picture). I went with a higher aperture so that the lower clouds at the horizon were clear, I'd hoped that this would add depth, and create a more dramatic lead-in from the foreground rocks. My first thought was to lower the aperture to blur the background, and give the tree more emphasis. After thinking about it I'm glad I shot it the way I did. I didn't have much time at each location, so quick decisions were a must. This was taken in Arizona (Montazuma's Well). One of the stops along the 15 States, and 5700 miles I photographed in 2 weeks.

Chuck S. Frizzell

 
 
 

Chuck S. Frizzell
 

I'd like to get some feedback on this. Let me know if you think I made the right choice. Thanks


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October 10, 2009

 

M.Christine Duncan
  I think you definitely made the right choice to keep your wide open aperture since your lighting provided perfect definition for you already!
What a dynamic shot Chuck... was this simply a trip you've always wanted to take or was this work? Looking forward to seeing more, I have to say! -DRU Club


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October 15, 2009

 

Kate Jackson
  At my photographic society the judges never seem to like you to leave the sun in the shot in situations like this. I do tend to agree with them that here the focus should be on the tree. A wonderful tree. Love the clouds too. I think the picture lies in the tree and if you crop out the sun at the top but leave the rays in we will not then be wondering what the main subject of the shot is.


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October 16, 2009

 

Chuck S. Frizzell
  Kate, I argued that same point with myself. But in the end, thought it added interest to the picture. Now I'm having second thoughts. Thank you very much for the comment.


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October 16, 2009

 

Chuck S. Frizzell
 
 
 
Here's the crop.


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October 16, 2009

 

Kate Jackson
  Personally I do prefer it without the sun. I know we are still wandering up to those lovely rays but mostly we are concentrating on the tree which is very expertly exposed.


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October 17, 2009

 

Chuck S. Frizzell
  Thank you Kate, for the wonderful advice.


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October 17, 2009

 

Dianna Murphy
  Wow great work, the light is superb.


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October 19, 2009

 

Chuck S. Frizzell
  Thank's Dianna.


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October 19, 2009

 

Lyn Darlington
  Congrats on your finalist!


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November 16, 2011

 

BetterPhoto Member
  Great move with the speedlight. Really transforms the scene.


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November 16, 2011

 

JO ANN CLEVELAND
  Big Congratulations on this awesome Gold 2nd Place Winner Chuck ...fantastic!!!

jo ann c.


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November 17, 2011

 

Katherine Kuhn
  Congratulations on your beautiful winner!


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November 17, 2011

 

David M. Montero
  Fantastic shot. Great work Chuck. Congratulations on scoring gold!


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November 18, 2011

 

Chuck S. Frizzell
  Wow, what an honor, Thanks everyone.


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November 18, 2011

 

Merna L. Nobile
  Congratulations!
You’re the kind of person who makes the world a better, brighter place…You worked hard for this, you made it happen, and you have a right to be proud. So enjoy these satisfying moments; you deserve every one! Merna


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November 18, 2011

 

Chuck S. Frizzell
  What a wonderfully nice comment Merna, thank you!


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November 18, 2011

 
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