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Discussion Board -> Request for Comment -> what am i not seeing?

what am i not seeing?

::third_eye
02/23/07 9:18 PM GMT
I usually don't ask for comments or critiques, mostly because I haven't really given any lately, so I feel I shouldn't ask for any. These two images, though, both got what I feel are sub-par scores, in the 40's. So I'm wondering what it is that perhaps I'm not seeing. Neither image should get a 90, I guess, but I can't help but feel I got lowballed.

you are here

the icicle plant

Be honest, If it's just an iffy image,or you see something I could improve on, I'd really like to know.

Thanks
Rob
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Hi,my name is Rob..ok, so I'm not the greatest at replies and comments. Sorry. For anyone needing to contact me, my email is back up in my profile. >> my cluttered mess of a gallery

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::purmusic
02/23/07 11:13 PM GMT
Hey Rob,

Ok, buckle up (it's not that bad, just kidding a little ... read on if you will) ...

"you are here" ... Ok, it's a shot of a metal sculpture ... and?

Now mind you, it is a good technical shot and as mentioned in the commentaries that I read, you captured some very good detail and the light play worked well in highlighting the topographical aspects.

How to kick it up a bit? Capture the map areas of North America for one. Ahhh, I know ... subtle and wth?? is he talking about?? Give your viewing audience something to relate to. It is too sterile of an image in my very, very humble opinion.

I think you did it justice for sure technically ... but it is an image of a metal sculpture shot straight on ... and??

I don't normally do this, in fact I don't think I ever have ... but for you ... I will. I would have scored this a solid 6.

"the icicle plant" ... a little too tight on the DOF/focal point and the left hand side gets mired in obscurity ... and don't take this personally, as you have no control over this aspect and I do believe the colouration is very natural ... that colour of water looks like dishwashing slop.

Yeah, I know a little harsh ... just trying to shake up your eyes a little. Only intent really. I think ... think I know how one can fall in love with a concept, an idea, an image ... and lose objectivity. Just an observation, take it for what you wish.

I think this would have made a better macro, now then, out goes the idea of 'plant' ... but, there you have it, a suggestion 'tis all.

If I were to pick the one thing that makes the image here less palatable visually ... it's the colourations present. Kind of in the 'grey' spectrum, if you understand me. No slight really ... the subject matter is interesting ... I would have played around with this one definitely in Photoshop.

Score - 5. More like 5.5. It does deserve more than just a passing grade. However, I know ... absolutely know ... you can shoot better and do and have.

Alllll offered and submitted with the utmost respect for your work. You should know that I do enjoy your images and actually like that you push the envelope ... so, don't stop doing that please. My words here are specific to your request and not a wide sweeping generalization by any ... any stretch of the imagination.

'K, hope this helps your 'perspective.'

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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. - Marcel Proust
::third_eye
02/23/07 11:28 PM GMT
helps tons, Les. And this is why I sought input in the first place. Heck, it's all pretty much explained in the title. ;) So thank you very much. If anyone else has anything to add, I'd be really happy to know what, if anything, it might be.
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Hi,my name is Rob..ok, so I'm not the greatest at replies and comments. Sorry. For anyone needing to contact me, my email is back up in my profile. >> my cluttered mess of a gallery
.noahnott
02/23/07 11:58 PM GMT
My turn! Strap on your 4 point seatbelts and helmet. Pull on the loose ends to tighten.

The first one I actually kindof like. I will say I tend to vote slightly lower on pieces where the photo is of something that you did not create. Here it's a straight on metal structure; similar to taking a picture of Starry/Stary Night. I do give points for creativness (perspective on a skyscraper for example). I do like how the background is black. I would have given it a 6 in the voting booth.

The Icicle image...hmm. I would have prefered it in B&W since the colors look...um...boring. I personally think it looks like a snapshot. The lighting is harsh and the contrast is sortof flat. I would vote a 4.

Maybe if you waiting *edit* you wait until it was *edit* is dark (exactly when the sun falls below the horizon, and maybe a little more), set the camera closer to the ground to get a new perspective and shoot a 15-30ish second exposure to get the water to look like mist below the ice <-- Makes things look cold and the ice blobs stand out more. You may have to overexpose a stop or two since by the time your shutter gets down to 15-30 secs then it will be fairly dark.

Don't get me wrong, I don't feel the same way towards your other photos. :-D

my 2 cents.
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&KEIFER
02/24/07 2:47 AM GMT
(*without reading the above comments*)


You Are Here ... A little too bleak on its own (for ME) ... the only thing that comes to mind would be to try and make an image with blue sky and clouds .. I think blue and white sky would still allow the sculpture to remain the subject .. and stand half a chance of creating a bit of sci-fi whimsy .... the artifact appears to contain a good amount of detail and may avail itself of a few pseudo-macros

The Icicle Plant ... As a Nature study, I think it's fascinating ... as a DESKTOP (and I feel you will always need to apply this measure) .. as a desktop it fails (for ME) ... in fact, it looks like Manhattan after the Canary Islands decide to blow .... oh, perhaps that's a little too doomsday'ish ... :o)


of the two images ... If I were to find them in a mail-order bride catalogue .. I would "send for" ... You are Here
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*---===>>>>>(¯`·._(¯`·._.: :o) <---- OBLIGATORY SMILEY :._.·´¯)_.·´¯)<<<<<===---*
::purmusic
02/24/07 10:08 AM GMT
Back again, like a bad hangnail. :oP

Re: "you are here"

I just took another closer look. Even before, with your narrative something told me I was missing an element or two. It was difficult to tell ... but, I turned up my contrast and can now see the 'setting' in the background.

Hell of an editing job Rob. Give yourself another point on that aspect from magnanimous me. At least a 7. At least.

Now of course, it begs the question ... artistic licence? ... or was the background kind of dull and uninteresting and removed for this reason?

As a suggestion ... the use of one of the blur filters ... hmm ... probably the radial would be best to preserve the integrity of the sculpture. 'Zoom' or 'spin' might sufficiently blur the background elements, while maintaining some of the colours present. Dial in a number above 20 methinks and/or play around with that setting.

Now having seen what is behind ... the possibilities open up. I kind of like the monochrome thing. Keep the focus on the sculpture. Just some thoughts.

My sincere apologies for not having seen this before. Usually you do offer some information in your narratives and provide a great leaping off point into commentating. I overlooked it this time. :o(
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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. - Marcel Proust
.Blumie
02/25/07 2:44 AM GMT
I love you are here, because the whole pic looks like an artwork. It could be a computer graphic of a very good artist also. The other one was very interesting for me, since I have never ever seen something like that - but is it beautiful? Not that much as the other one. I hope it helps you. I have given you are here ten points, but if I would have seen the other one in the VB, I would have given it six points.
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I would be happy, seeing you in my galerie. Today I've posted Double Burden

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