One a day from a week away...

***Steve*** · 20-04-2005, 22:33

Having just spent a week with some time to devote to my thoughts and photography I though that since I regularly critique your photos I will offer a few of my efforts for the culling. To start with we have a typical scenic picture of a boat house on Ullswater in the Lake District. This was shot with the 20D, 17-40L, tripod, remote shutter release, ND filters and other than conversion, crop and borders has had nothing done to it.

All comments and critique is warmly welcomed…

I will add a few more over the next few nights. One a day.

TerraS · 20-04-2005, 22:38

Very nice. Do you think it is better to have a reflection exactly half way, or to use the rule of thirds as you have done here?

IanC_UK · 20-04-2005, 22:39

Its rubbish Steve !!!

Actually, I really like it !

Not sure if it needs much doing to be honest ! a teeny touch lighter maybe, but not sure if that would ruin the effect !

***Steve*** · 20-04-2005, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

Very nice. Do you think it is better to have a reflection exactly half way, or to use the rule of thirds as you have done here?

I chose this crop to have the mountain reflection on the lower left lead your eye into the picture. The reflections add to the picture rather than make it for me and when viewed fully (as in the original) the symitry actually distracts rather than adds. The horizon falling into the rules of thirds also makes it a more conforming and appealing picture.

CT · 20-04-2005, 23:00

Steve - it's a lovely well thought out shot - I really like the subdued almost pastel tones, but my eye is drawn like a magnet to that blank white bit of sky. Photoshop is your friend! :lol:

Matty · 20-04-2005, 23:03

nice image steve, very pleasing

IanC_UK · 20-04-2005, 23:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT

Steve - it's a lovely well thought out shot - I really like the subdued almost pastel tones, but my eye is drawn like a magnet to that blank white bit of sky. Photoshop is your friend! :lol:

Maybe thats what my problem with it is ! It seems to overpower the other parts of the picture ! Is why i though it may need lightening up a bit, maybe its just that bright bit of sky that needs knocking downa peg !

***Steve*** · 20-04-2005, 23:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT

Steve - it's a lovely well thought out shot - I really like the subdued almost pastel tones, but my eye is drawn like a magnet to that blank white bit of sky. Photoshop is your friend! :lol:

Cheers, closely followed by you if you keep offering spot on advice like that!!

I will load it into Photoshop tomorrow and see what I can do :wink:

petemc · 21-04-2005, 10:53

I'm not sure if its my monitor, but its a bit dark?

CT · 21-04-2005, 11:21

It just lacks a bit of punch I reckon. I'd go for...

or even...

Lovely shot which would be a good candidate for the freebie Epson jumbo print and a nice frame?

Gary Bagshawe · 21-04-2005, 12:35

Fantastic composition but as others have said, it appears a little too dark.

KenCo1964 · 21-04-2005, 13:29

I know I am going to be way off the mark but, I would like to see the boat house stand out that little more.
This is a wonderful shot and CT. is right with regards the pastel tones, very tranquil.
Now it means something to me with the new camera, is there any chance of letting me in on the settings? Please.

CT · 21-04-2005, 13:42

If I were you Ken, I'd put the camera on AP (Aperture priority)- select a small aperture for max DOF, and let the camera sort out the shutter speed. Your camera will go to 30 seconds in AP mode, and there's enough exposure latitude with digital to make any adjustments necessary in PS later, but I find the long exposures down to 30 secs are pretty accurate anyway.

Obviously, a tripod is essential for exposures of that length. If you need to go longer than 30 secs switch to Manual Mode and B then it gets very hi tech - you use our wrist watch! :lol: A lockable cable release is needed over 30 secs too.

ppuga · 21-04-2005, 17:40

NICE PICTURE.

I think as the others may be a little to dark, but its great any way.

Cheers!

Matt · 21-04-2005, 17:53

Great shot Steve, of a great place.
I'm glad you got the weather , as it was terrible here last week.

All that is needed on this image IMO is a little saturation boost.
Then using the marquee tool select the middle band of the image and adjust the levels, using an adlustment layer.
This will bring some of the detail out in the darker areas.

I'd then apply usm at 20%/30/1 to rid the image of the digital haze.

HTH

***Steve*** · 21-04-2005, 22:37

Thanks for all the comments and fantastic advice. I have just had a terrible day at work and only just got in but intend to attempt some of the suggestions you have made over the weekend.

Thanks CT for the alterations and the conversion to B&W in your examples. Although the B&W does work I have taken a few shots over the last week specifically for B&W, watch this thread during the next few days as they might get shown here. I also have taken a shot that I will be getting printed by Epson and their generous free offer. Unfortunately I am unable to show that as it includes a personal friend as the subject and she has not given permission for public display of the picture.

Ok on with tonight’s offering, again shot last week with the 20D and 17-40L.

Again if I receive feedback similar to the above I would be eternally grateful.