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ckurz7000 |
Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:50 pm Post subject: Another tree |
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Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 51
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Today was beautiful and I went out looking at some property to buy when I noticed this cherry tree. I had my camera with me and put a pol filter on for the deep blue sky. Since I shoot in RAW, i did some post processing but only to correct the exposure and sharpen it some.
The problem is that I want it pretty dark but just light enough that you can make out details in the tree trunk and stacks of wood to the right. Unfortunately, this depends very sensitively on the monitor you happen to view this shot on. I got it just right on mine but can make no guarantees -- your viewing experience might vary :-)
Have at it, -- Chris. |
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natureaddict |
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 3:50 am Post subject: |
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Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 174
Location: Pa.
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| I think this is beautiful! I really like the lighting. |
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JLW |
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:51 am Post subject: |
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Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 163
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Hey Chris
I’m gonna give you two takes on this shot.
First impression.. I like the feel and mood of this shot, I love the sky and the clouds… it has great color, good light/exposure and decent composition. Overall a very good shot.
Now… putting on my nit picking hat… and don’t take this too serious it’s just my opinion.
I think this tree standing in silhouette against that great sky is enough.
The area of the trunk that was pushed for the detail looks out of sync with the shadows cast in this photo. There doesn’t appear to be a light source that would account for the bright detail just on the front of the tree trunk.
I think the shot could be cropped a lil tighter losing some of the right side field and sky, it doesn’t really add anything.
Finally… I personally think that some of the visual impact of the tree is lost because my attention is drawn away from the central subject (tree) to the two piles of wood stacked out on the left. My brain (what there is left of it) keeps trying to figure out why they are there and what is their connection to the scene I’m looking at.
Just one persons (I think I’m down to) .005 cents worth.
JLW _________________ Orville Wright didn’t have a pilot's license. |
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ckurz7000 |
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:18 am Post subject: |
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Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 51
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| JLW wrote: |
| Now… putting on my nit picking hat… and don’t take this too serious it’s just my opinion. |
I like nit picking and can stand being nit picked myself. So no need to shrink wrap your opinion, just cut to the chase. :)
Could you change the image so that I can better see what you mean? I hear you say that you'd like it a bit darker, which makes me suspect that maybe on your monitor it's too light. If you could change the brightness so that it's just right for you on your monitor then would have a better idea.
Regarding the two piles of wood...I would've preferred if they hadn't been there, but -- to tell the truth -- I was too lazy to move them and my wife wouldn't lift a finger when I asked her to help me :) But, yes, I see it the same way. The shot would've gained some impact had the piles not been there.
On the expanse of blue sky to the right of the tree: I had one shot taken in portrait format, with the tree filling the available viewing area. I didn't like it. No breathing room, it felt fenced in. I deleted this version but maybe I can dig it up still sitting in the recycle bin. If so, I'll post it so that you can see what I mean. The busy criss crossing pattern of the branches needed to be balanced by something calm and serene. But maybe you are seeing it differently. Again, if you can find the time to post how you'd go about this shot, I'd be grateful.
Thanks for your opinion, -- Chris. |
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lastar811 |
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 10:11 am Post subject: |
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Devotee
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 41
Location: Oklahoma
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| I am actually like the portrait framed tree picture better because it takes out the empty space, and I love the color of the sky in the back directly behind the tree. |
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JLW |
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 2:38 pm Post subject: |
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Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 163
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Chris
I agree with you about the portrait shot.. That one is a lil too tight. Just a lil off the right side on the original.
As for your wife....sorry you are on your own. Mine probably wouldn't have moved more than a dozen boards before I was abandond.
Sometimes mother nature just doesn't offer up the lighting at just the right spot for a great composition.
JLW _________________ Orville Wright didn’t have a pilot's license. |
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ckurz7000 |
Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 8:14 am Post subject: |
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Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 51
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Your weather making abilities are admirable, JLW. Unfortunately, I can't bring myself to stick a cloud where none was when I released the shutter. But it helped me understand how your sense for symmetry works. My own sense prefers slightly off center compositions ("rule of third-ish"). I find them more dynamic, they have a sense of motion in them, particularly in this picture, where the tree looks like it's swept to the left. I like this quality in this shot, which is less prominent if the tree were featured in the center of the image.
Anyway words are mere justifications in hindsight what one feels or thinks at the moment the shot was taken.
Thanks for your comments, I really appreciate them, -- Chris.
P.S.: To replenish your critique account: here are U$ 0.02. Use them wisely and don't spend everything at once. |
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JLW |
Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:53 am Post subject: |
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Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 163
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| ckurz7000 wrote: |
Your weather making abilities are admirable, JLW. Unfortunately, I can't bring myself to stick a cloud where none was when I released the shutter. But it helped me understand how your sense for symmetry works. My own sense prefers slightly off center compositions ("rule of third-ish"). I find them more dynamic, they have a sense of motion in them, particularly in this picture, where the tree looks like it's swept to the left. I like this quality in this shot, which is less prominent if the tree were featured in the center of the image.
Anyway words are mere justifications in hindsight what one feels or thinks at the moment the shot was taken.
Thanks for your comments, I really appreciate them, -- Chris.
P.S.: To replenish your critique account: here are U$ 0.02. Use them wisely and don't spend everything at once. |
You should never give me an additional 2 cents..
First rule of photography...ignore the rules. _________________ Orville Wright didn’t have a pilot's license. |
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chieflong |
Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 3:46 am Post subject: |
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Fanatic
Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 181
Location: Renfrew, Ontario
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Oh no - look out folks - Jim's got another 2¢ to blow away on comments!!
Guy _________________ There's only one YOU so make it count!
Amatures built the Arc, Professionals built the Titanic! |
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chieflong |
Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 3:49 am Post subject: |
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Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 181
Location: Renfrew, Ontario
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Chris - I like the original. I like the negative space on the right. It also allows for some wording (would make a great backdrop for a poem).
Guy _________________ There's only one YOU so make it count!
Amatures built the Arc, Professionals built the Titanic! |
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