RayPA
Ignore It (It'll go away)
Welcome to this critique thread. Please read the purpose statement and the guidelines/ground rules regarding participation.
Purpose
The primary purpose of this thread is to provide a forum where photographers can give and receive constructive criticism on one another's photographs. By setting up some basic guidelines we hope that this thread will provide a forum where the give and take of honest constructive criticism can help us become better photographers.
Guidelines/Ground Rules
The thread has very specific rules regarding participation. The one basic rule is that you cannot provide criticism on an image or comment in a critique thread unless you also have an image posted. To post an image to this thread you must be a participant. Participation in this thread is limited. Here are the guidelines and ground rules for participation:
• Participation in this thread is limited to 5 photographers
• Participants join the thread by posting their intention. You can simply reply with your intent to join by posting something like: "I'm joining," "I'm in," or just state your name
• Joining is on a "first come, first served" basis. The first 5 to reply become the participants.
• Please, only join this thread if you are able post an image within 24 hours of joining.
• Once the thread has 5 participants, no other photographers can join or participate in the thread
• Once the thread is full of participants all photographers will upload their image(s)
• Please abide by any thematic requirement (e.g., landscape, portrait, etc.)
•The number of photos for each participant is limited to one
• Photographers attach photos as thumbnails (no inline images or links)
• Photos should be standard screen resolution (72~90) and the longest side of the image approximately 10 inches in length. NOTE: New size limitations restrict attachment sizes to 300kb for jpegs. If you need help sizing your image for the web see THIS pdf.
• Photographers post their images supplying titles (if any) and other pertinent information (the amount of information should be minimal)
• Photographers can only comment on their own images and reply to comments only when everyone else in the thread has posted their comments on the image
• Every participant must comment on every photo (except their own—initially)
• Every participant must make at least two comments, one positive comment, and one constructive criticism (which is actually two positive comments)
• Once every photographer has commented then a free flowing discussion begins. It is at this point that every photographer can comment on their own work and reply to comments, ask questions, etc.
• The participants decide when the thread closes.
What's a Guest?
A guest is a participating member of the thread who does not need to post a picture. The guest is an exception to the guideline that states all participants must post an image. Guests provide criticism just as the other participants do. Guests are also encouraged to act as moderators, to encourage elaboration, to guide discussion and examine latent concepts brought about as a result of the discussion.
Note: Not all threads will have a guest. See the title/subject line for the '+Guest' designation.
If you'd like to participate in a critique thread and need some ideas about how to proceed with viewing images critically, you may find this thread helpful:
How do you look at photos
You can also provide feedback on critique threads here:
Critique Feedback Thread
If you need help sizing your image for the web see:
dcsang's pdf
Remember: Please do not provide criticism on an image or comment in a critique thread unless you also have an image posted.
This thread is now active, please follow the guidelines if you'd like to participate! Have Fun!
.
Purpose
The primary purpose of this thread is to provide a forum where photographers can give and receive constructive criticism on one another's photographs. By setting up some basic guidelines we hope that this thread will provide a forum where the give and take of honest constructive criticism can help us become better photographers.
Guidelines/Ground Rules
The thread has very specific rules regarding participation. The one basic rule is that you cannot provide criticism on an image or comment in a critique thread unless you also have an image posted. To post an image to this thread you must be a participant. Participation in this thread is limited. Here are the guidelines and ground rules for participation:
• Participation in this thread is limited to 5 photographers
• Participants join the thread by posting their intention. You can simply reply with your intent to join by posting something like: "I'm joining," "I'm in," or just state your name
• Joining is on a "first come, first served" basis. The first 5 to reply become the participants.
• Please, only join this thread if you are able post an image within 24 hours of joining.
• Once the thread has 5 participants, no other photographers can join or participate in the thread
• Once the thread is full of participants all photographers will upload their image(s)
• Please abide by any thematic requirement (e.g., landscape, portrait, etc.)
•The number of photos for each participant is limited to one
• Photographers attach photos as thumbnails (no inline images or links)
• Photos should be standard screen resolution (72~90) and the longest side of the image approximately 10 inches in length. NOTE: New size limitations restrict attachment sizes to 300kb for jpegs. If you need help sizing your image for the web see THIS pdf.
• Photographers post their images supplying titles (if any) and other pertinent information (the amount of information should be minimal)
• Photographers can only comment on their own images and reply to comments only when everyone else in the thread has posted their comments on the image
• Every participant must comment on every photo (except their own—initially)
• Every participant must make at least two comments, one positive comment, and one constructive criticism (which is actually two positive comments)
• Once every photographer has commented then a free flowing discussion begins. It is at this point that every photographer can comment on their own work and reply to comments, ask questions, etc.
• The participants decide when the thread closes.
What's a Guest?
A guest is a participating member of the thread who does not need to post a picture. The guest is an exception to the guideline that states all participants must post an image. Guests provide criticism just as the other participants do. Guests are also encouraged to act as moderators, to encourage elaboration, to guide discussion and examine latent concepts brought about as a result of the discussion.
Note: Not all threads will have a guest. See the title/subject line for the '+Guest' designation.
If you'd like to participate in a critique thread and need some ideas about how to proceed with viewing images critically, you may find this thread helpful:
How do you look at photos
You can also provide feedback on critique threads here:
Critique Feedback Thread
If you need help sizing your image for the web see:
dcsang's pdf
Remember: Please do not provide criticism on an image or comment in a critique thread unless you also have an image posted.
This thread is now active, please follow the guidelines if you'd like to participate! Have Fun!
.
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
I'm in. 
PlantedTao
Well-known
count me in.
V
varjag
Guest
Let me try.
BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
Me too, please!
back alley
IMAGES
me too!
joe
joe
raid
Dad Photographer
I'm in too. I haven't participated in a street photography thread for some time.
Raid
Raid
BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
V
varjag
Guest
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
back alley
IMAGES
back alley
IMAGES
raid, i think you are number 6 on the list.
raid
Dad Photographer
Joe: You are right; I counted incorrectly. I have removed my entry photo.
Raid
Raid
PlantedTao
Well-known
V
varjag
Guest
Ok, I'll try
PlantedTao, the shot has strong geometry of the structures and cast shadow. The shadow of sufficient area also defines tonal contrast in the image. The person in the left third certainly brings this shot out of cityscapes realm into street. That said I would burn the shadow (and person in it) more, to the point of nearly black. Perhaps bump the highlights up too. Half-lit, half-silhouette the person might be more visually entertaining if I may say so.
Joe, my eyes wander among three points in your shot: the person in the middle, bus front wheel and wheel-shaped garland on the lightpole. Another garland is visible further but too distant to complete a rythm.. in a longer focal it could be more obvious, or could not (was that 35mm?). The man's silhouette against the fence partially reflects in bus window, but is unfortunately obstructed. If it was fully visible it could add to the impact. The rightmost part doesn't have much weight in the photo, other than adding white background to the darker tones at left.
Gabriel, it is the man and the light above him that make your shot to me. The focus is placed on him, his face looks idle and peaceful. Triangle-shaped lights panel engulfs his had in its far corner, and combined with man's peaceful look reminds me a halo. (As a remark it would be interesting to know if it's just my association, cultural thing or universal). Other persons secondary here; woman's gesture supports man's importance in the shot, and young man's glance at right returns us back in the frame.
BJ Bingell, I have to agree that smiles are central here. Camera tilt and obvious subject movement amplify that effect adding a certain energy. In contrast imagine how would the image look with people frozen and horizont level. My eye travels left to right, from dark to lighter part, down the slope, and then held (and pushed back) by three persons moving in opposite direction. I think it gives viewer a feel of immediacy and involvement.
PlantedTao, the shot has strong geometry of the structures and cast shadow. The shadow of sufficient area also defines tonal contrast in the image. The person in the left third certainly brings this shot out of cityscapes realm into street. That said I would burn the shadow (and person in it) more, to the point of nearly black. Perhaps bump the highlights up too. Half-lit, half-silhouette the person might be more visually entertaining if I may say so.
Joe, my eyes wander among three points in your shot: the person in the middle, bus front wheel and wheel-shaped garland on the lightpole. Another garland is visible further but too distant to complete a rythm.. in a longer focal it could be more obvious, or could not (was that 35mm?). The man's silhouette against the fence partially reflects in bus window, but is unfortunately obstructed. If it was fully visible it could add to the impact. The rightmost part doesn't have much weight in the photo, other than adding white background to the darker tones at left.
Gabriel, it is the man and the light above him that make your shot to me. The focus is placed on him, his face looks idle and peaceful. Triangle-shaped lights panel engulfs his had in its far corner, and combined with man's peaceful look reminds me a halo. (As a remark it would be interesting to know if it's just my association, cultural thing or universal). Other persons secondary here; woman's gesture supports man's importance in the shot, and young man's glance at right returns us back in the frame.
BJ Bingell, I have to agree that smiles are central here. Camera tilt and obvious subject movement amplify that effect adding a certain energy. In contrast imagine how would the image look with people frozen and horizont level. My eye travels left to right, from dark to lighter part, down the slope, and then held (and pushed back) by three persons moving in opposite direction. I think it gives viewer a feel of immediacy and involvement.
BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
I'll start my comments with a disclaimer about Joe's picture:
The strong point of photograph is that there appears to be some tension between the two main actors: the bus, and the old man. Unfortunately, we're too far away, and we can't clearly see the old man's expression. Is he angry, annoyed, or even just being chatty?
Gabriel: "Beautiful" That's the first word that comes to my mind; you've done an excellent job of capturing a night street scene, getting the exposure right. The lights look perfect, and the main subject is well-focused and sharp.
My problem with the main subject is, "Where are my feet!?" You've chopped off the man's feet (we can almost see them) to have a bit more marquee, but I think this was a mistake. Seeing his feet with a bit of concrete underneath them would guarantee that your subject takes centre stage; right now, he's fighting for attention with the other elements in the picture.
Eugene: I'll be honest and say that I don't find your photograph particularly strong. Technically, there are two big problems that make the photograph difficult to enjoy. First, the exposure (or scanning) is not right, making the whole scene very white, and low in contrast. Second, the photograph is tilted quite far to the right; the surface of the river appears to slope across the scene, and this is a bit disconcerting. Both of these problems can - and should - be corrected for presentation.
What I do like about your picture, though, is the obvious subject: A couple in love or, at least, in lust! It appears to be cold, and despite the hard concrete setting, they still have time to stop for a kiss. We can't see if these people are 15 or 55; this makes it possible for any one of us to personalise the image, and put ourselves in their place.
PlantedTao: The shadow line leading across the foreground, and the placement of your subject in that shadow, make for a strong start to the photograph. It would be nice if his hands were also in the shadow, but there is little you could have done about that, I'm sure.
The problem is that the photograph feels cluttered. The shelter to the right and the background sign on the far left are distracting and take away from the simpler lines in the photograph. I don't know what is outside of the frame to the right, but placing your main subject closer to the left edge might have made for a stronger photograph.
Joe: Technically, the photograph appears to be excellent. The tones are well represented on my monitor, and you've obviously done a good job of scanning. Visually, the line of the bus entering the frame to the left is roughly mirrored by the fence on the right; this gives the photograph an internal frame of sorts.
The strong point of photograph is that there appears to be some tension between the two main actors: the bus, and the old man. Unfortunately, we're too far away, and we can't clearly see the old man's expression. Is he angry, annoyed, or even just being chatty?
Gabriel: "Beautiful" That's the first word that comes to my mind; you've done an excellent job of capturing a night street scene, getting the exposure right. The lights look perfect, and the main subject is well-focused and sharp.
My problem with the main subject is, "Where are my feet!?" You've chopped off the man's feet (we can almost see them) to have a bit more marquee, but I think this was a mistake. Seeing his feet with a bit of concrete underneath them would guarantee that your subject takes centre stage; right now, he's fighting for attention with the other elements in the picture.
Eugene: I'll be honest and say that I don't find your photograph particularly strong. Technically, there are two big problems that make the photograph difficult to enjoy. First, the exposure (or scanning) is not right, making the whole scene very white, and low in contrast. Second, the photograph is tilted quite far to the right; the surface of the river appears to slope across the scene, and this is a bit disconcerting. Both of these problems can - and should - be corrected for presentation.
What I do like about your picture, though, is the obvious subject: A couple in love or, at least, in lust! It appears to be cold, and despite the hard concrete setting, they still have time to stop for a kiss. We can't see if these people are 15 or 55; this makes it possible for any one of us to personalise the image, and put ourselves in their place.
PlantedTao: The shadow line leading across the foreground, and the placement of your subject in that shadow, make for a strong start to the photograph. It would be nice if his hands were also in the shadow, but there is little you could have done about that, I'm sure.
The problem is that the photograph feels cluttered. The shelter to the right and the background sign on the far left are distracting and take away from the simpler lines in the photograph. I don't know what is outside of the frame to the right, but placing your main subject closer to the left edge might have made for a stronger photograph.
back alley
IMAGES
i'm at a training course all day and will be away from my computer till tonight. sorry that i have to delay my feedback till then.
PlantedTao
Well-known
BJ
I like the composition and hip shot style of this photo...the tilt adds to the overall compsition and keeps the eye interested. The smiles and placement of the subject also hold the attention and make the photo. I don't think the person walking out of the frame (left) adds anything to the photo and is a bit of a distraction, I would rather see the movement not be obscured by the "ending" of the photo...a slight crop would fix this.
joe
nice tones and white snow. The lines are very nice in this photo and lead me to the man and the sidewalk with peds. Everything to be nicely framed by the elements you chose. However, I do feel you are to far away from the subjects to make this work. This feeling goes out to the viewer and makes the photo seem uninteresting after looking at it. Getting a bit closer could of improved this.
Gabriel
Nice tones and exposure. I like the precious focus on this photo and that is what really has captured my interest. I like how I just focus on the man and the rest of the photo provides a nice back drop that I explore later. Although it holds my interest, I do think that being closer or a more dramatic angle would have helped to bring this photo over the top. Very nicely done (I have not been able to pull off a nite shot as well as this).
Eugene
I really like this photo...it provides interest for me, maybe because it seems humorous. The kissing scene that is in so many streetphotos, but in the cold with the people all bundled up. The harsh enviroment adds to the coldness. All your elements of interest are very nicely placed.
I would try to get more out of the background and burn it in including the sky...The foreground seems to need a nice strong backdrop. Great job, I like this photo.
Great job everyone!
Cheers.
Jason
I like the composition and hip shot style of this photo...the tilt adds to the overall compsition and keeps the eye interested. The smiles and placement of the subject also hold the attention and make the photo. I don't think the person walking out of the frame (left) adds anything to the photo and is a bit of a distraction, I would rather see the movement not be obscured by the "ending" of the photo...a slight crop would fix this.
joe
nice tones and white snow. The lines are very nice in this photo and lead me to the man and the sidewalk with peds. Everything to be nicely framed by the elements you chose. However, I do feel you are to far away from the subjects to make this work. This feeling goes out to the viewer and makes the photo seem uninteresting after looking at it. Getting a bit closer could of improved this.
Gabriel
Nice tones and exposure. I like the precious focus on this photo and that is what really has captured my interest. I like how I just focus on the man and the rest of the photo provides a nice back drop that I explore later. Although it holds my interest, I do think that being closer or a more dramatic angle would have helped to bring this photo over the top. Very nicely done (I have not been able to pull off a nite shot as well as this).
Eugene
I really like this photo...it provides interest for me, maybe because it seems humorous. The kissing scene that is in so many streetphotos, but in the cold with the people all bundled up. The harsh enviroment adds to the coldness. All your elements of interest are very nicely placed.
I would try to get more out of the background and burn it in including the sky...The foreground seems to need a nice strong backdrop. Great job, I like this photo.
Great job everyone!
Cheers.
Jason
back alley
IMAGES
too many cold pills...i almost forgot about this...
bj -
good exposure
good catch
i like the 'off' angle
i wish there was less movement
too much blur in josie's (sp?) face and i would like her feet in the shot
that being said, overall, i like the shot, i like the feel of it, happy people moving along in the city.
eugene -
contrast is a bit low for my liking, i prefer a bit more drama
horizon is off and for this shot i would like it even
the idea is great and the 'catch' is very good, hugging in winter coats, reminds me of eskimos rubbing noses for some reason
i think overall impact could be upped with some post processing
gabriel -
great shot, good catch, right on exposure and dramatic contrast
there is a bit of a story, with the woman handing something to the man and the young boy looking at the camera
my only criticism is i would like the man's feet in the pic
planted tao -
overall good shot
i would like more contrast or drama in the upper half of the shot
i love how the shadow leads to the standing man
i too would have preferred his hands not be in the sun but really not much could have been about that
joe
bj -
good exposure
good catch
i like the 'off' angle
i wish there was less movement
too much blur in josie's (sp?) face and i would like her feet in the shot
that being said, overall, i like the shot, i like the feel of it, happy people moving along in the city.
eugene -
contrast is a bit low for my liking, i prefer a bit more drama
horizon is off and for this shot i would like it even
the idea is great and the 'catch' is very good, hugging in winter coats, reminds me of eskimos rubbing noses for some reason
i think overall impact could be upped with some post processing
gabriel -
great shot, good catch, right on exposure and dramatic contrast
there is a bit of a story, with the woman handing something to the man and the young boy looking at the camera
my only criticism is i would like the man's feet in the pic
planted tao -
overall good shot
i would like more contrast or drama in the upper half of the shot
i love how the shadow leads to the standing man
i too would have preferred his hands not be in the sun but really not much could have been about that
joe
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
BJ Bignell said:
I like the feeling in this photo. There certainly some "technical" issues with this. Being petty and ordinary, I wonder if there would be some that would ask why you cut off the woman's foot off the frame. But looking at "the big picture", I see it gives it a further sense of motion, the action is in the frame, and moving out of it.
It looks like a "hip" shot, yet there's a sense of conscious composition decision due to the zoning by the sidewalk, street, and bridge.