• Photos

  • Level

  • Score

Leo the Great Altar, St. Peter's Basilica, Rom

© Stephen Shoff

Leo the Great Altar, St. Peter's Basilica, Rom

Uploaded: September 06, 2013

Description

f/4.0, 1/60sec, ISO 1600; ef 17-40 f4L @ 37mm

Exif: F Number: 4, Exposure Bias Value: -0.67, ExposureTime: 1/60 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 1600, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 37.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D

Comments

Dale Hardin September 07, 2013

I really like the POV you've chosen for this Stephen. Most would be tempted to shoot this straight on for a more symmetrical view, but would miss all the drama that you've managed to capture.

It would also be tempting to use the distort tool to correct some perspective issues but that would lose a lot of details on the right especially.

Although I don't think it would hurt to clone out the lone candle in lower right because it draws the eye. And a little sharpening might work well also.

Excellent capture, my friend. Like it. #1543546

Stephen Shoff September 07, 2013

I've already applied a lot of straightening with, as you described, loas of some interesting detail on the right.

Can you provide a little more detail on where you think additional sharpening might help? I've already applied generous clarity in ACR and some very selective high-pass filter sharpening on the hands and faces of the two main characters to increase the separation from the background relief.

During my visit to to St. Peter's, I had about 3 early morning hours almost to myself. It was wonderful. The artwork like this was a real revelation to me. This altar with its 3-dimensionality was what I found most impressive. That was what I was trying to capture in this POV.
#10836112

Dale Hardin September 07, 2013

Nothing specific Stephen. On the reduced resolution of the BP image my screen grab looked better using a bit of high pass filtering. #10836211

Kalena Randall September 07, 2013

Stephen, I really like the the composition on this. I'm not partial to straight on shots. They lose depth and look flat. The candles at the base are awesome in symmetrical way.

Great shot!

:-) #10836456

Stephen Shoff September 07, 2013

Thank you, Kalena. I agree on the candles. Notice that this ended up a vertical 16:9 crop ratio (i.e., HD dimensions). The candles really jumped out as needing to be "complete" as I was trying to frame the picture to optimize the content on the right. The typical 3:2 ratio put the diagonal of the shelf fairly nicely at the corner but left the candles incomplete.

If I work this any more, I am unlikely to clone out the one candle Dale mentioned because I think it will unbalance the symmetry and leave a blank spot, but I may tone down its brightness so it isn't quite so eye-catching. Thank's for the catch, Dale. #10836627

Michael Kelly level-deluxe September 08, 2013

Nice job Stephen. I might not have even tried this much of an angle because of the distortion but you seem to have been able to bring it in where it looks perfectly acceptable. Next time we are together you have to give me a lesson on doing distortion correction (something I have a lot of trouble with).

Other than the candle in the lower right which caught my eye as out of place the shot looks good to me. Interesting that you were able to get some time without a lot of tourists in a tourist spot. One of the problems I have had doing travel photography is that any time there is access to a tourist location it is full of people. One of the reasons I liked Africa is there are no people mixed in with the wild animals. And yes, before anyone comments, I know I am one of the tourists too.
#10837144

Elaine Hessler September 08, 2013

Yep, I get frustrated with that too. Cause it is all about me taking pictures:)

This is very beautiful Stephen. I do love the shadows that bring out the fine detail in this carved work of art. Very nice job. Glad you had some peace and quiet to enjoy this. #10837284


To discuss, first log in or sign up (buttons are at top center of page).

Get Constructive Critiques

Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.


 

Did You Know?

Discussions by Category: You can view photo discussions on various themes in the Community > Photo Discussions section of the site.

BetterPhoto Websites: If you see an orange website link directly under the photographer's name, it's totally okay. It's not spam. The reason: BetterPhoto is the one that offers these personal photography websites. We are supporting our clients with those links.

Unavailable EXIF: If there is no other information but 'Unavailable' in the EXIF (meaning no EXIF data exists with the photo), the 'Unavailable' blurb is not displayed. If there is any info, it shows. Many photos have the EXIF stripped out when people modify the image and resave it, before uploading.


 

The following truth is one of the core philosophies of BetterPhoto:

I hear, I forget.
I see, I remember.
I do, I understand.

You learn by doing. Take your next online photography class.

You &

Love It!


Copyright for this photo belongs solely to Stephen Shoff.
Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.