Thinking spring -Tulips

Electricseashell · #2 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 05:17 PM

Love it Hate it? I think it got lost when we moved CC please?

Dnoces · #3 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 05:27 PM

Love it... Except for the power lines in the background and the car. Otherwise very captivating. Cheers

PhotosbyChuck · #4 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 05:29 PM

Coming from G1, where most shots posted are intended to be well thought-out professional images, I struggle a bit with how to critique some shots. I didn't comment on this before because ultimately this is a snapshot. I'm not sure how to critique such a thing.

I could say that the SUV doesn't belong or suggest PSing the wire and blue banner out -- but that won't change the shot materially. It also would fail to recognize the fact that you likely saw some pretty flowers while you were out, shot them from an angle you liked and then kept walking. My critique would make it seem like you didn't plan the shot well...when that was never your intent.

It would honestly help me to hear what you'd like to learn from a shot like this and the comments of those of us who view it. I can then "critique" the shot within that context.

Electricseashell · #5 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhotosbyChuck

Coming from G1, where most shots posted are intended to be well thought-out professional images, I struggle a bit with how to critique some shots. I didn't comment on this before because ultimately this is a snapshot. I'm not sure how to critique such a thing.

I could say that the SUV doesn't belong or suggest PSing the wire and blue banner out -- but that won't change the shot materially. It also would fail to recognize the fact that you likely saw some pretty flowers while you were out, shot them from an angle you liked and then kept walking. My critique would make it seem like you didn't plan the shot well...when that was never your intent.

It would honestly help me to hear what you'd like to learn from a shot like this and the comments of those of us who view it. I can then "critique" the shot within that context.

Actually I intended to have this well thought out.. lol It's cool remember I'm a shutterbug.
I actually took over thirty shots that day of that particular corner the power lines and the cars I did my best to minimize. Since its not a professional shoot I can't stop traffic.
I can from your brief CC see that the fact that the SUV does show in the photo it ruins it. I'm also not that good at PS So is this better? :

PhotosbyChuck · #6 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 05:55 PM

I like your original better than the vignette.

I don't think the SUV ruins the shot, per se. It really depends on the use of the shot. Your photo is great as it is for a local, "Spring Returns to Downtown" newspaper shot. The backdrop of the downtown in that context is perfect. However, if this is a shot about tulips, it's too busy (in my opinion) and the buildings become clutter. In that case, I'd suggest you shoot from an angle that emphasize the flowers rather than the buildings across the street since the setting would be unimportant.

But without knowing your goals for the photo, it's hard to critique it. Maybe it would help for you to post a few sentences with the photo explaining your goals for the image. For example, "I shot this intending to show Spring returning to suburban America." That would tell me the buildings are necessary. In that case, even the SUV is less a problem.

I hope I'm being clear and not just coming off as a grump!

Electricseashell · #7 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 06:16 PM

Thanks chuck.. I would like to get good enough to submit photos to local papers. I used to live in Big Rapids which is where the photo was taken. The building in the background was recently refurbished and was being talked about in the small town. The tulips were also a new addition in new planters a beautification attempt. Of course I didnt even attempt to contact the paper I wasn't confidant that my photo was any good.

Now I sound like a whiny shutterbug.. but this isn't G1 it does include us shutterbugs. So I'll retract my claws get into my thick skin and learn better posting skills

PhotosbyChuck · #8 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electricseashell

Now I sound like a whiny shutterbug.. but this isn't G1 it does include us shutterbugs. So I'll retract my claws get into my thick skin and learn better posting skills

You're welcome at G1 too if you're interested in glamour photography. Not everyone there is living solely off of their skills as a photographer. In fact, very few are. I'm not one of them.

Arbib · #9 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 08:43 PM

I like it...
As P'Chuck was saying..a bit of Post will tighten up a potentially great shot..
1) Clone out the Blue Sign and Roof line of the SUV
2) Crop off some of the building to just above the Tulips..

The Clone tool is not too hard to use...
1) Select the SUV with a 2-4 pixel feather
2) Use the Clone tool in the aligned mode
3) Carefully clone out the by moving the tool as it copies the brick in line with the bricks..
The sign will be more difficult (Window and brick to clone out)...But uses the same technique..
Be sure to enlarge the image area to 80-150% for accurate placement of the tool.

The Clone Tool is a valuable tool in many "Out of Studio" photo's..and is worth the time to learn how to use it.

PhotosbyChuck · #10 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 09:17 PM

It can be really challenging to clone around brick! With this photo, I'd just suggest a crop. Something like this might keep the emphasis on the tulips and yet still provide the downtown setting.