Cant get the picture....

[Gazzah]

There two locations that I pass by everyday. One is near work, a dark dirty alleyway with an abandoned office block at the end, the ground floor is used by Cancer Concern. I know there is an image there but try as I might I just cant capture it.
The other is in a local park, there is an old wooden seat under a tree, again I know there is an image there and despite going back again and again, taking it from all sorts of angles with and with out people, in all weathers I still cant get the image I want..

Is anyone else haunted by scenes like these, where you know there is an image there but just cant find it?

Gary H

 

[robklurfield]

Keep shooting. You'll get it eventually. Or, maybe you'll capture something unexpected the exceeds what you're hoping for now.

There two locations that I pass by everyday. One is near work, a dark dirty alleyway with an abandoned office block at the end, the ground floor is used by Cancer Concern. I know there is an image there but try as I might I just cant capture it.
The other is in a local park, there is an old wooden seat under a tree, again I know there is an image there and despite going back again and again, taking it from all sorts of angles with and with out people, in all weathers I still cant get the image I want..

Is anyone else haunted by scenes like these, where you know there is an image there but just cant find it?

Gary H

 

[kdemas]

Try using a focal length you might not usually use. It may give you a fresh perspective.

 

[Ducky]

Try using a focal length you might not usually use. It may give you a fresh perspective.

+1, this works wonders.

 

[shadowfox]

1. Look closer. You sense an image in there, it's time to explore it further.

2. Memorize it for that once in a year lighting or weather condition.

3. Try large format with old, old barrel lens, that usually brings out some inspiration, not to mention sweat 🙂

 

[Gazzah]

Rob - I have got some interesting shots - just not the ones I went for... ho hum - just have to keep trying.

kdemas - I have tried every lens I own (or very nearly everyone -just have to wait fo r the weather to change and try them all again 🙂

Shadowfax - Yea, I will try moving around the sceen a bit more - I know its there somewhere! I havnt tried my 120 folders in the back alley as yet - might be worth a try. I dont have anything bigger than that !

Thanks all - just have to try try try again...!


Gary H

 

[Pickett Wilson]

A different focal length lens is a good idea. If you think it would look best with a wide angle, use a long telephoto! 🙂

The other thing is to just stay on it. Watch the bench for two hours. Wait for something to happen. Someone or something will come along that makes the shot. Your muse will honor your patience!

 

[ederek]

Gazzah - there is only one option left 😱 -> shoot the scenes in HDR! 😛

hehe - might want to try the other suggestions first though.

There are 3 or 4 scenes I've watched for a couple years now, with a couple involving salt water so they really vary from high to low tide (one with a bridge, the other a sort of marsh area). I've taken blurry sketches while passing by quite a few times. These scenes will require parking and extensive walking, or a highway drop-off by a friend. 😀

Haven't been willing to go through this level of effort to capture a 35mm image, so just held out for "some day". Well, a 4x5 Toyo Field camera is on the way, so I guess they've moved to the short list.. 😎 I do fear that a couple background elements in one of the scenes may result in an image that never lives up to how I see it, but perhaps...

 

[Haigh]

I know what you mean. The lighting is what would do it for me so try different times of day and even in all sorts of weather. Be encouraged,at least your noticing things that many would probably not much care about.

 

[oftheherd]

I've had the same problem. I think you just have to keep trying. Sometimes just some little thing will make the difference. Some times I have just never found what I wanted. I hope you have better luck.

 

[jsrockit]

Yeah, I think everyone's been there... I have a store window that I just can't seem to get right one block from my Apartment. I've tried all sorts of weather and lighting, different focal lengths, moving out far from it, getting up close, etc. I'll get it one day.

 

[lynnb]

perhaps there is potential for an interesting night photo in either location - either with existing light, moonlight, street lamps or a portable strobe?