Challenge 40 Critique

[Higgmeister]

Hi All,
Do you feel the danger?
http://www.pbase.com/higgmeister/image/44541875.jpg

Now that you've seen it, here is where I'm at. Artistically, it leaves me wanting. The only focus I find is in the shapes and textures, but is that enough? Do you feel you are in danger?

This shot constitutes stupidity:uhoh, but it's so much fun. It's an abandoned mine in NW Nevada (Majuba Hill) and is a world class mineral collecting location. Unfortunately, it has seen better days and will eventually be too dangerous for mineral collecting (probably is already :cry ). The colors are accurate. The minerals are secondary copper deposits which are predominantly blues and greens. If you look closely above the orange "DE", you'll see the timber is splitting. Not a good sign for the future.

I have a few others from this site, but think the danger is most recognizable in this shot.

Comments are welcome,
Chris

Shot taken with a Sony V3 and external flash (manual).
1/40s,f2.8,-1.3ev, ISO100

[ian408]

I fear the trap that is the timbers. Otherwise, I'm not getting a lot from this.

Maybe a a shot that's done down low to the ground so we see the tunnel
this timber holds up. Also, I'd take the flash down to maybe 1/8-1/4 power
so the timber is barely lit. Darkness implies fear.

If you can't adjust the flash, try building a snoot out of cardboard or something
to direct the flash more down the tunnel and less onto the timber.

The shadow created by the flash is also annoying. But with less light, a
diffuser/snoot, this should fix itself right up.

You're on the right track with the subject. Give it another whirl.

Ian

[Stan]

I get a sense of claustrophobia but not of imminent tunnel collapse, either try as Ian said, a lower perspective, or step back a little to see more of the structure

Stan

[Higgmeister]

As for the shot, the mine is several hours away and I won't be able to get back before the challenge is over, but after is always good:clap. Unfortunately, the material in this and many mines is not very reflective. I was using a diffuser (home made) for these shots, but it was still too harsh. I have a few others I'll try with. I'll chalk this shot up as a document of the mine for posterity which was it's original intent:thumb.

Thanks again for the comments,
Chris

[bochie]

Chris,
I agree with Ian's comment about the darker mood.
For me the light is a bit too strong to imply the sense of danger.
Maybe you can try long exposure if there is some light, use a candle or maybe flashlight to light just certain part.
Try as many angle as possible, even if you think it's odd or normal.
You'd be surprised how it turns out.