----- Original Message ----- From: "Eric Featherstone"
Subject: learning composition (was Re: PESO: Automaton)
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2829464
No real subject, not enough detail in the shadows. Sorry, this one's a mess.
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2815949
Nice simple composition. The asymmetry was a good idea.
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=1695498
Doesn't do much for me.
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3012317
You may not think it is interesting, but I like this sort of stuff.
This one is spoiled by the right side being out of focus. I think a healthy crop of the bottom right would be an inmprovement.
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2437740
Not sharp, the highlights are blown, and there sin't enough shadow detail.
This one would have worked better if you had done just about everything but the composition differently.
More exposure to bring up the shadows, less development to tame the hightlights, and a smaller aperture to tighten up the lens.
This type of picture is about technical proficiency, and your representation isn't up to it.
Sorry to be so blunt.
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=1654796
You say you put some thought into this one, and it shows. There are some irritants in the scene itself. The plaque is quite ugly, and the dark thing near the upper left corner is annoying.
At the same time, the picture needs the area above the steps, and the feeling of depth that is conveyed in the composition you chose.
I think you were wise to bite the bullet and just include the plaque.
Sometimes we just have to accept that the scene is what it is, we can't do anything about it, and so we should just try to present what is there as nicely as we can.
You have done a good job on this one.
Overall, the picture looks a little soft to me, and could really use a little more oomph.
Were I printing this one, I would split contrast print it to get a little more out of the brick detail, Perhaps burn the street area and sidewalk with a #5 filter to dress it up a bit.
This one just needs a bit of refinement, and perhaps a bit of revisionism with a cloning tool if you are taking a digital approach to the process (lose the plaque).
Did you explore the area more?
It looks like there are a plethora of photo opportunities there.
William Robb
