ferider
Veteran
Nothing stops us to try this again, right ?
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.
• 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.
Some Resources
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!
Who wants to play ?
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.
• 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.
Some Resources
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!
Who wants to play ?
infrequent
Well-known
i am in. will post an image shortly.
ferider
Veteran
I'm in, too. Infrequent, we should wait with posting pics until we have 5 participants.
3 more ...
3 more ...
Morca007
Matt
I am in, if that's alright.
jbf
||||||
I am in so long as the heme is open to anything.
ClaremontPhoto
Jon Claremont
I'm in at #5. Let's go.
ClaremontPhoto
Jon Claremont
infrequent
Well-known
jbf
||||||
Morca007
Matt
infrequent
Well-known
@morca007 - ooo...i have that 50mm nikkor and love it to death. oof is beautifully soft...sexy shot!
ferider
Veteran
Here is mine. Reala 100, Summicron 90/2. If you like it, please let me also know
if you prefer it Color or B+W. Thanks.
if you prefer it Color or B+W. Thanks.
Morca007
Matt
Jon- I'm interested to read why you selected this shot, because nothing about it really jumps out at me. I think I see what you are going for here, but unless what I see as deficiencies are intentional, I'm at a bit of a loss.
Compositionally, I see several elements emerging, the symmetry of the building, and the path leading the eye to just down and right of center.
However, the symmetry is incomplete, and yet not totally asymmetrical. Further, the path simply ends, I am looking for a focal point, but not finding one. Finally, the horizon is uneven, but I can't see why...
Exposure-wise, the scene is washed out, with (2 o clock?) sun casting small shadows, but leaving us without contrast. I would have advised slight underexposure here, though ideally the light/time would need to change.
infrequent- I really like your photo.
It hits all of the traditional compositional ques, with a superb placement of the child's head aligned between the first two coin, right along the golden mean on two dimensions. Heck, he's even got his head tilted the opposite direction, giving us an interesting conflict.
The only thing I would change here is the slight forward tilt. I want to see this from an eye level with the wall.
jbf- This photo certainly looks like a part of a series. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it stands on it's own.
Judging from the framing, and your past work, you know how to compose. This is skillfully done here, but I feel like there is some drama that I am missing out on. The subject's hand, ever so slightly curled, makes me want to know what is happening out of the frame.
From a technical standpoint, I would like to see a little bit more contrast, which I think would add some of the drama, maybe make the 'missing' bit work for it to create a feeling of unease.
ferider- Even though I normally dislike conversion from colour to B/W, I think the change takes your photo from "nice beach scene" to "powerful."
I very much enjoy the feeling of tension I get, looking at this. The juxtaposition of the frozen surf with the misted, fading cliffs makes me think of the the past and the present. The curving line of the water flows right into the cliffs, which lead it right back out.
The only constructive criticism I can think of is to frame it slightly lower. I find the break in the cloud at the top slightly distracting, I'd prefer and all white cloud ending to the frame.
Compositionally, I see several elements emerging, the symmetry of the building, and the path leading the eye to just down and right of center.
However, the symmetry is incomplete, and yet not totally asymmetrical. Further, the path simply ends, I am looking for a focal point, but not finding one. Finally, the horizon is uneven, but I can't see why...
Exposure-wise, the scene is washed out, with (2 o clock?) sun casting small shadows, but leaving us without contrast. I would have advised slight underexposure here, though ideally the light/time would need to change.
infrequent- I really like your photo.
It hits all of the traditional compositional ques, with a superb placement of the child's head aligned between the first two coin, right along the golden mean on two dimensions. Heck, he's even got his head tilted the opposite direction, giving us an interesting conflict.
The only thing I would change here is the slight forward tilt. I want to see this from an eye level with the wall.
jbf- This photo certainly looks like a part of a series. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it stands on it's own.
Judging from the framing, and your past work, you know how to compose. This is skillfully done here, but I feel like there is some drama that I am missing out on. The subject's hand, ever so slightly curled, makes me want to know what is happening out of the frame.
From a technical standpoint, I would like to see a little bit more contrast, which I think would add some of the drama, maybe make the 'missing' bit work for it to create a feeling of unease.
ferider- Even though I normally dislike conversion from colour to B/W, I think the change takes your photo from "nice beach scene" to "powerful."
I very much enjoy the feeling of tension I get, looking at this. The juxtaposition of the frozen surf with the misted, fading cliffs makes me think of the the past and the present. The curving line of the water flows right into the cliffs, which lead it right back out.
The only constructive criticism I can think of is to frame it slightly lower. I find the break in the cloud at the top slightly distracting, I'd prefer and all white cloud ending to the frame.
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ClaremontPhoto
Jon Claremont
infrequent:
I like the focus and exposure on the exhibits, not the kid.
Have you tried cropping out the wall to the left to make it more 2D than 3D?
I like the focus and exposure on the exhibits, not the kid.
Have you tried cropping out the wall to the left to make it more 2D than 3D?
ClaremontPhoto
Jon Claremont
jbf:
The idea of a themed series is interesting. I like this for the everyday nature of the photo.
Another time would you consider getting in closer and just get the guy on the chair but not the supplies?
I look forward to seeing this set when it's ready.
The idea of a themed series is interesting. I like this for the everyday nature of the photo.
Another time would you consider getting in closer and just get the guy on the chair but not the supplies?
I look forward to seeing this set when it's ready.
ClaremontPhoto
Jon Claremont
Morca007:
I like this photo because I don't know whether she's teasing the camera or if she's caught off guard. The ambiguity is nice.
The framing is good, but next time maybe it would be better with a plain background.
I like this photo because I don't know whether she's teasing the camera or if she's caught off guard. The ambiguity is nice.
The framing is good, but next time maybe it would be better with a plain background.
ClaremontPhoto
Jon Claremont
ferider:
The color works best for me. There's hardly any color there anyway.
A fine dramatic photo on just the right day at just the right time. I'd buy a postcard of this.
There's nothing I can say about how to make it better - it's just fine as it is.
What's the location?
The color works best for me. There's hardly any color there anyway.
A fine dramatic photo on just the right day at just the right time. I'd buy a postcard of this.
There's nothing I can say about how to make it better - it's just fine as it is.
What's the location?
infrequent
Well-known
@jon - i like the snaking path and the row of benches and maybe concentrating on just that could improve the shot. the symmetry of the building is nice but it just overshadows the real interesting bit -- the path, the benches and the lights.
regarding my shot, i agree that a crop would make it better. i have actually two crops (and a b+w conversion) of it in aperture. but i come back to the original because of a bit of romanticism. it was a fleeting moment when i captured it. i was walking through the door, saw the scene and took a snapshot. even before i could reframe, the boy was gone! it was also one of my first shots with the dslr and very memorable.
@jbf - interesting subject. as a fan of gangster epics and the role a barbershop plays in the life of a mafia boss, i can understand your interest in them. i think this shot will definitely work in a series of environmental portraits. i will definitely work some people into the frame to make it stand out.
i am personally thinking about doing a project on traditional movie theatres. a few of them are around in adelaide even with the domination of the movieplexes. capture a bit of the nostalgia and romance of the cinemas. access might be the issue but i need to make a good plan.
@morca007 - thanks for your kind words. i think i have gushed enough about your photo. will add that sometimes photos grab you and make you pause for a few seconds. even the thumbnail captured my attention!
the only thing i can add in my defense is that it was a bit of a grab shot. the photo is a constant reminder of being alert and attentive to such scenes. next time i will be ready!
@ferider - might i ask where is this lovely place? the mist is lovely and the light is beautiful. i am a bit torn between the colour and the b+w but as jon mentioned, its as close as a mono colour shot! brilliant work.
also was this taken with the hexar? after contemplating it for months, i have just won a hexar af on ebay. but its not as customised as yours (is that snakeskin?!). ; )
regarding my shot, i agree that a crop would make it better. i have actually two crops (and a b+w conversion) of it in aperture. but i come back to the original because of a bit of romanticism. it was a fleeting moment when i captured it. i was walking through the door, saw the scene and took a snapshot. even before i could reframe, the boy was gone! it was also one of my first shots with the dslr and very memorable.
@jbf - interesting subject. as a fan of gangster epics and the role a barbershop plays in the life of a mafia boss, i can understand your interest in them. i think this shot will definitely work in a series of environmental portraits. i will definitely work some people into the frame to make it stand out.
i am personally thinking about doing a project on traditional movie theatres. a few of them are around in adelaide even with the domination of the movieplexes. capture a bit of the nostalgia and romance of the cinemas. access might be the issue but i need to make a good plan.
@morca007 - thanks for your kind words. i think i have gushed enough about your photo. will add that sometimes photos grab you and make you pause for a few seconds. even the thumbnail captured my attention!
the only thing i can add in my defense is that it was a bit of a grab shot. the photo is a constant reminder of being alert and attentive to such scenes. next time i will be ready!
@ferider - might i ask where is this lovely place? the mist is lovely and the light is beautiful. i am a bit torn between the colour and the b+w but as jon mentioned, its as close as a mono colour shot! brilliant work.
also was this taken with the hexar? after contemplating it for months, i have just won a hexar af on ebay. but its not as customised as yours (is that snakeskin?!). ; )
jbf
||||||
Claremont Photo: While in many ways some may not find the photo you posted incredibly unique, it does have it's merits. The way the walkway takes your eyes from the foreground into the background is very nice. Also the repetition of benches is also something that caught my eye. The lack of people also adds to it's ambiguity and give me a somewhat uneasy feel. I think the photo's strong points are the lines of the composition. You've got some interesting perspective going on from the vanishing point of the railings on the wall as well as the nice pathway and benches (mentioned earlier) that lead your eye through the frame.
The only thing, is that I think that there could be other ways to compose your photograph which could lead to an even more interesting photograph. I would possibly compose the photo in a portrait fashion and possibly shift my position around until I could put even more emphasis on the winding pathway with the benches in order to give an even stronger effect of the pathway as well as the perspective leading your eye to the background and the repetition of benches. It could help give the photo a very strong sense of design.
Infrequent: Love the repetition of the three art pieces on the back wall. It is said that photographs of odd number things are always better than even. From my own experiences of taking photos and looking at others work I gotta say that i whole heartedly believe this 'rule'. Love the framing of the boy as well as the backlighting as well.
My only complaints or rather observations are that I would probably leave the photo a bit larger than 500 pixels wide. With the way web images are displayed (white behind them) it can make it harder to pick out the details within the photo. I also think this photo would benefit from being black and white. But then again, I'm a stickler for B&W and for the most part only shoot in B&W.
Morcoa07: Nice framing and good use of depth of field. I love the suggestion of the feet in the background and the tilting of the head in the frame. Definately helps the eye move through the frame. The simplicity of the background is definately working for the photo as well, but the corner of the room through her head does bother me somewhat. I would have to say though that I feel like the photo is slightly out of focus, unfortunately. But hey, what can you do. You got the shot, and at the end of the day I'd say who cares. Life isnt all about sharpness and 100% technical perfectness.
The one thing I might change however, is the expression. I somewhat feel like the expression is lacking something. While I do love her gaze and the sense of ambiguity, it somewhat feels like you may have caught her inbetween poses possibly. I would be interested to see what the few shost after or before this might hold in store as far as her expressions and look goes.
Ferider: As always You've got some very nice beach and other landscape exposures. While the color is really nice, I personally like the B&W shot. I've always loved the way mist and water spray looks on black and white. You caught the beach at a great time of day, as the lighting is really superb. Love the gradations of tonality in the sand as well as the atmospheric perspective and changes in the cliffs in the background. I might have left some of the foreground a little darker (burned just a tad probably), but that is a trivial matter. I think the shot is composed very well and ultimately I think it's a great example of some of the landscape work that you do. Very nice.
All In all I'd say all of the photographs posted have some really nice merits. A nice range of subject matter and different styles, etc. Very nice to everyone!
The only thing, is that I think that there could be other ways to compose your photograph which could lead to an even more interesting photograph. I would possibly compose the photo in a portrait fashion and possibly shift my position around until I could put even more emphasis on the winding pathway with the benches in order to give an even stronger effect of the pathway as well as the perspective leading your eye to the background and the repetition of benches. It could help give the photo a very strong sense of design.
Infrequent: Love the repetition of the three art pieces on the back wall. It is said that photographs of odd number things are always better than even. From my own experiences of taking photos and looking at others work I gotta say that i whole heartedly believe this 'rule'. Love the framing of the boy as well as the backlighting as well.
My only complaints or rather observations are that I would probably leave the photo a bit larger than 500 pixels wide. With the way web images are displayed (white behind them) it can make it harder to pick out the details within the photo. I also think this photo would benefit from being black and white. But then again, I'm a stickler for B&W and for the most part only shoot in B&W.
Morcoa07: Nice framing and good use of depth of field. I love the suggestion of the feet in the background and the tilting of the head in the frame. Definately helps the eye move through the frame. The simplicity of the background is definately working for the photo as well, but the corner of the room through her head does bother me somewhat. I would have to say though that I feel like the photo is slightly out of focus, unfortunately. But hey, what can you do. You got the shot, and at the end of the day I'd say who cares. Life isnt all about sharpness and 100% technical perfectness.
The one thing I might change however, is the expression. I somewhat feel like the expression is lacking something. While I do love her gaze and the sense of ambiguity, it somewhat feels like you may have caught her inbetween poses possibly. I would be interested to see what the few shost after or before this might hold in store as far as her expressions and look goes.
Ferider: As always You've got some very nice beach and other landscape exposures. While the color is really nice, I personally like the B&W shot. I've always loved the way mist and water spray looks on black and white. You caught the beach at a great time of day, as the lighting is really superb. Love the gradations of tonality in the sand as well as the atmospheric perspective and changes in the cliffs in the background. I might have left some of the foreground a little darker (burned just a tad probably), but that is a trivial matter. I think the shot is composed very well and ultimately I think it's a great example of some of the landscape work that you do. Very nice.
All In all I'd say all of the photographs posted have some really nice merits. A nice range of subject matter and different styles, etc. Very nice to everyone!
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ferider
Veteran
My feedback
My feedback
chair_hair2.jpg
I like this. I feel dragged into the picture, like being at the barbershop myself, trying to get it over with. Not looking at other people, but at the details I see in the shop, the chemicals under the sink, etc. What really makes the picture for me are the B+W tones.
kiddo.jpg
I found this very interesting, compositionally, as idea, and in colors. Clearly, the composition attracts me to the three different pictures on the wall. The kid in the foreground is background for me, just to remember where I am and giving the pictures scale.
Newly_Built_Apartments.jpg
Very geometric and abstract, like many of your gallery pictures, Jon. I like the composition and the mellow colors, and feel surreal and slightly amused when looking at this. Like watching a Tati movie, and then wondering if the picture actually is for fun or showing isolation/loneliness. Cool that all the window shutters are closed. Maybe I can suggest a slight twist CCW ?
Untitled-14.jpg
A pretty woman with an interesting expression, she doesn’t look too happy, but her body language is playful. Frankly, it bothers me that the face is somewhat out of focus, and I would like to see a little more of her left shoulder. Hope you don't mind me saying this, Matt. You have great pictures in your gallery.
My feedback
chair_hair2.jpg
I like this. I feel dragged into the picture, like being at the barbershop myself, trying to get it over with. Not looking at other people, but at the details I see in the shop, the chemicals under the sink, etc. What really makes the picture for me are the B+W tones.
kiddo.jpg
I found this very interesting, compositionally, as idea, and in colors. Clearly, the composition attracts me to the three different pictures on the wall. The kid in the foreground is background for me, just to remember where I am and giving the pictures scale.
Newly_Built_Apartments.jpg
Very geometric and abstract, like many of your gallery pictures, Jon. I like the composition and the mellow colors, and feel surreal and slightly amused when looking at this. Like watching a Tati movie, and then wondering if the picture actually is for fun or showing isolation/loneliness. Cool that all the window shutters are closed. Maybe I can suggest a slight twist CCW ?
Untitled-14.jpg
A pretty woman with an interesting expression, she doesn’t look too happy, but her body language is playful. Frankly, it bothers me that the face is somewhat out of focus, and I would like to see a little more of her left shoulder. Hope you don't mind me saying this, Matt. You have great pictures in your gallery.
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