Critique #41 *Open Theme*-5 Participants

[RayPA]

Welcome to this critique thread. Please read the purpose statement and the guidelines/ground rules regarding participation.

Purpose
The primary purpose of this thread is to provide a forum where photographers can give and receive constructive criticism on one another's photographs. By setting up some basic guidelines we hope that this thread will provide a forum where the give and take of honest constructive criticism can help us become better photographers.

Guidelines/Ground Rules
The thread has very specific rules regarding participation. The one basic rule is that you cannot provide criticism on an image or comment in a critique thread unless you also have an image posted. To post an image to this thread you must be a participant. Participation in this thread is limited. Here are the guidelines and ground rules for participation:

• Participation in this thread is limited to 5 photographers
• Participants join the thread by posting their intention. You can simply reply with your intent to join by posting something like: "I'm joining," "I'm in," or just state your name
• Joining is on a "first come, first served" basis. The first 5 to reply become the participants.
• Please, only join this thread if you are able post an image within 24 hours of joining.
• Once the thread has 5 participants, no other photographers can join or participate in the thread
• Once the thread is full of participants all photographers will upload their image(s)
• Please abide by any thematic requirement (e.g., landscape, portrait, etc.)
•The number of photos for each participant is limited to one
• Photographers attach photos as thumbnails (no inline images or links)
• Photos should be standard screen resolution (72~90) and the longest side of the image approximately 10 inches in length.
• Photographers post their images supplying titles (if any) and other pertinent information (the amount of information should be minimal)
• Photographers can only comment on their own images and reply to comments only when everyone else in the thread has posted their comments on the image
• Every participant must comment on every photo (except their own—initially)
• Every participant must make at least two comments, one positive comment, and one constructive criticism (which is actually two positive comments)
• Once every photographer has commented then a free flowing discussion begins. It is at this point that every photographer can comment on their own work and reply to comments, ask questions, etc.
• The participants decide when the thread closes.


If you'd like to participate in a critique thread and need some ideas about how to proceed with viewing images critically, you may find this thread helpful:

How do you look at photos (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26459)

You can also provide feedback on critique threads here:

Critique Feedback Thread (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26611)

Remember: Please do not provide criticism on an image or comment in a critique thread unless you also have an image posted.

This thread is now active, please follow the guidelines if you'd like to participate! Have Fun!



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[venchka]

# 1 that's me

[Gabriel M.A.]

OK, before it gets filled-up by the usual suspects. I'm in.

[raid]

I'm in.

Raid

[Rafael]

I'll go again.

[foolproof]

ill go too

[jonasv]

blub, too late... have fun!

[foolproof]

think we can go - heres mine :

[Rafael]

Here's mine (M4, 50/2 Summicron, Kodak BW400CN).

[venchka]

Canon EF
Canon FD 50mm 1:1.4 S.S.C.
Kodak BW400CN @ 320

Thanks for looking.

[Gabriel M.A.]

Here's mine:

Leica M6, 35mm CV Ultron, med. yellow filter, Ilford XP2

[raid]

Here is mine ....


Camera: Yashica GSN
When: Last week.

[raid]

think we can go - heres mine :


foolproof: The three people have an interaction going on between them. The policeman on the loef has his arms behind his back, indicating his patience or attempt to have partience. The second policeman is not concerned; he looks sideways. The young man's face is clearly illuminated while the background is all black. I like it. This is a story telling image to my eyes.


Raid

[raid]

Here's mine:

Leica M6, 35mm CV Ultron, med. yellow filter, Ilford XP2


Gabriel: The photo looks too flat and too dark on my monitor. What should be standing out ? There is not enough definition that gets through to me.

Raid

[raid]

Canon EF
Canon FD 50mm 1:1.4 S.S.C.
Kodak BW400CN @ 320

Thanks for looking.

Wayne: I love the pool table scenario, but there is a distracting broom like background to the left of the lady.

Raid

[raid]

Here's mine (M4, 50/2 Summicron, Kodak BW400CN).


Rafael: The image is fine as is, but I am wondering how to make it stronger now after the photo has been taken.The elbows of the man on the right are distracting from the interaction between man and woman on the left. Maybe crop from the top down and to the man's waistline [on the right]. The other option is to let the two men corner the photo and to crop out the girl from the left. This photo would be interesting when taken vertically with the man on the right totally in. Anyways, this is a good image.

Raid

[Rafael]

Foolproof: Very interesting image. I agree with Raid, this shot really tells a story. I particularly like the way you have framed the boy's head in between the two police officers and against the black background. One has to be very careful shooting images of police officers these days. I know how little time one has to get shots like this. So, given the circumstances, I think that you have done particularly well to get this shot.

My primary quibble is with the inclusion of the boy's jacket in the image. I know there was probably very little that you could have done about that. But I do find it distracting. Moving a little bit to your left might have allowed you to hide the jacket behind the policeman's legs. But I am not sure. Anyway, very nicely captured image.


Wayne: I really like this one. The diagonal composition is very strong. And your exposure seems to be quite good, especially given the difficult lighting situation. Her hand is a little bit blown out. But there is still plenty of detail there. And you have managed to capture great tones and detail on her face and back. Her expression is also great and, for me, actually makes the shot.

I think that I might have gone for a slightly longer lens here. The large out of focus portion at the bottom of the frame is a bit distracting. The longer lens would have eliminated the distractions in close to the camera. Alternatively, you could just crop out the very bottom of this image. Come to think of it, the best crop might be a square (very close to what you have for your avatar). Yes, take the bottom off of your avatar in order to square it up and I think you have my favourite crop of this image. Anyway, well done. I think you have a real winner here.


Gabriel: It took me a few moments to get it. I spent more time with this image than with any other in the thread. But I really quite like this image. It has a very calm feeling to it which is, of course, accentuated by your inclusion of the word "Stillwater" on the trolley car. I really like the angles in this shot. They give the viewer the feeling that he or she is entering a new place. I also really like the lighting and the tones you've captured here. This looks like a dusk shot, a personal favourite of mine.

My biggest complaint centers on your inclusion of the bright spot in the middle of the frame (a light maybe?). I think that you could easily have tucked it in behind the second trolleycar. Of course, maybe then you would not have gotten the straight on shot of that car. But I actually doubt it. In any case, I do find the light to be bothersome. Otherwise, I really like the image. In fact, I find myself liking it more and more the more I look at it.


Raid: This shot reminds me a lot of the image you entered in the critique forum a few weeks back. Is it taken at the same window? In any case, I like this one infinitely better than the last. Your daughter is so photogenic! And the lighting here is sensational. My eye goes straight to the wonderful expression she has on her face. Great shot!

For the most part, I think that your composition is very good. But I do have one quibble (don't I always?) It does bother me to see the flagpole on the wall growing out of the back of your daughter's head. It was difficult to avoid. I know that you do not pose your daughters for these shots. And hey, there are a lot of flagpoles on that wall!! Still, a tiny step to your right would have placed your daughter's head between the two poles. Apart from that little complaint though, I really like this shot.

[raid]

Rafael: Thanks for the detailed comments; we all benefit from such commenting.

Raid

[venchka]

You do find interesting subjects on the street.

I hope the young lad isn't in deep fertilizer. Those GARDA guys look big! You used their location to good advantage to make them look bigger and the "civilian" much smaller. Good job! Don't see anything I would change.

[venchka]

As a photograph it's technically precise. I'm an old dog. I'm just becoming aware of the whole notion of "street photography". I suppose I squandered 30+ years of opportunities in the French Quarter in New Orleans. My brain is more tuned in to the natural world. I think I would like to know more about the parts you don't show.

[venchka]

I'm puzzled. That's good. It'a taking me a while to piece this together. Bits and pieces keep emerging from the darkness.

Stillwater Trolley Co. Oklahoma? I'm sure the original looks better than what I'm seeing on my computer. I'm not sure that opening up the shadows is the answer. If you made everything obvious at the beginning, there wouldn't be any puzzle. Right?

[venchka]

Raid, Raid, Raid. You know I'm a pushover for pictures of little girls. Your daughter is about the same age as my granddaughter. I wish she were close enough to photograph all the time. I envy you.

What can I say. Great picture! Totally candid or posed. Either way it works.

[Gabriel M.A.]

Gabriel: The photo looks too flat and too dark on my monitor. What should be standing out ? There is not enough definition that gets through to me.
It looks pretty good on mine. Check your settings, Raid.

[Gabriel M.A.]

think we can go - heres mine :

There is a story, a kid in trouble with the law? Or is the kid just chatting with the policemen? We don't know. The tones of the picture make up for a lot, gives it a "memory" feel to it.

[Gabriel M.A.]

Here's mine (M4, 50/2 Summicron, Kodak BW400CN).
I really don't know what to make of this one. Cropping for so that the left top quadrant of the image is isolated would perhaps focus the viewer better. I'm not sure.

It is very interesting to have these people with such advertisement about "cancer". That makes this shot.

[Gabriel M.A.]

Here is mine ....


Camera: Yashica GSN
When: Last week.

I could say "I can't see the details of the hair". I could say "I can't see what she's looking at". I could say "the highlights coming from outside is blown out"

But that would miss the point.

[Gabriel M.A.]

Canon EF
Canon FD 50mm 1:1.4 S.S.C.
Kodak BW400CN @ 320

Thanks for looking.

I like the smoothness of all here, but I can't shake the feeling that this could just use a little bit more contrast; the shadows are a bit dull.

That aside, I like the placement of the elements in a "Z". The center of the image is void of elements, and the edges of the frame are full of elements; yet, the focus is on the woman, about to shoot, and you look at her, then the table, then her environment.

[Gabriel M.A.]

Thank you to those of you who can actually exercise the positive, and not get too hung up on the negative (per the rules).

[Gabriel M.A.]

I'm puzzled. That's good. It'a taking me a while to piece this together. Bits and pieces keep emerging from the darkness.

Stillwater Trolley Co. Oklahoma? I'm sure the original looks better than what I'm seeing on my computer. I'm not sure that opening up the shadows is the answer. If you made everything obvious at the beginning, there wouldn't be any puzzle. Right?
Good, you're getting it. Not the "wham bam!" I'll-have-fries-with-that effect that everybody seeks with pictures most of the time; that's what's intended with this one. Not your typical sunset picture.

It's Stillwater, Minnesota. It was a cold evening, very quiet. But less quiet than the previous months, for the snow was melting; it was the first nonofficial week of Spring, and a certain happy, yet melancholy calm was in the evening dusk.

[raid]

I could say "I can't see the details of the hair". I could say "I can't see what she's looking at". I could say "the highlights coming from outside is blown out"

But that would miss the point.


Gabriel ... your point is well taken :D

Raid

[foolproof]

rafael : strangly composed image, but i like the confusion of limbs - suits the type of young people in the image.

venchka : looks flat on my monitor. and d blacks are brown also(althought this may be your intentions)

gabrielma : took a shine to this immediately. dunno why really. maybe it reminds me of something. i just new when i opened it i liked it straight away. i think it reminds me of an old fairground in american hich country. dont ask me why....

raid amin : nice playful portrait. i might have liked it more if i hadnt seen the other versions of it prior to this critic, but i like it none the less. well exposed and nice colour rendition.

[raid]

I do not intend to make anyone upset in a critique session, and I am not looking for negative things to state. Gabriel's image looked very dark on my laptop at home. On my desktop at work, the image looks better defined.

My appologies to Grabriel if I seemed negative.

Raid

[Rafael]

Thanks to all of you for your comments. I am not usually in favour of taking photographs of the homeless. But in this case, as Gabriel noted, I thought that the arrangement of the individuals around that particular advertisement raised questions about the ways in which our societies often treat the homeless as "cancers." I realise that the crop is a bit unorthodox. However, I like the way in which the man's crossed arms convey a sense of defiance. And I would not want to crop out the girl on the left as her interaction with her boyfriend is, in my opinion, essential to the shot. I would probably agree that the feet on the far right should be cropped out. Again, thanks for your comments.

[venchka]

Thanks everyone. A pleasant and painless learning experience.

As for how to do the pool table picture over/better let me say a few things about the photograph. That was my first ever foray into a bar with a loaded camera. I had new toys to play with-the 50/1.4 and BW400CN. The young lady was a friend's date, very camera shy PLUS about two Texas Ice Teas (like Long Island Ice Tea only bigger) past hope. :D This was the definition of grab shot. I had to shoot before she grabbed the camera away from me. I feel extremely fortunate to have gotten anything at all. Beginner's luck for sure!

If I had PhotoShop I might be able to make something more with this negative. For now, what I shoot is what I get.

Thanks again and all the best!

[Gabriel M.A.]

Thanks all for your comments too.

Raid: I did not get offended at all. My point was that sometimes you get hung up on details that don't have anything to do with the photograph, and you don't provide a critique, but a complaint about how something wasn't done to your liking.

I think that's why Ray had meticulously put together the rules he did, that people tend to forget to read and follow. The critical one is to do a constructive criticism, rather than say "this is wrong" or "I can't see x" or "there's a broom there". Why is that bad? How could it be improved? Is it necessarily bad? Is it not bad that you are mentioning it?

After dozens of critique participations, I had hoped a few would have adhered to the rules.

I don't expect praises. But when somebody throws the towel on little details and has nothing or little else to say, that, to me, is not a critique, and misses the point entirely.

So it was a critique on the critique. I hope you didn't get offended either. Sometimes we need to say these things. I hold you in esteem, Raid.

If I get offended about something, I'll say it (well, I hope I don't forget to). ;)

[raid]

We all learn in the process. I am not offended, Gabriel.

Raid

[venchka]

Until I get PhotoShop, this is my final crop as posted in my Leica User's Gallery. If I ever get my hands on a 75mm Summilux, I will try shooting pool players with it.:)

http://gallery.leica-users.org/d/52312-1/Pool+table.jpg

Cheers Y'all!