Week number 2!

[Mike Lane]

Well this time last week I posted a black and white mountain shot that and learned a lot from everyone. This week, I'm continuing in the B&W mindset. A friend of mine asked if I could do a Tacoma in B&W series for him. I thought that was a grand idea. I haven't gotten very far just yet so I may as well see if you guys think I'm on the right track.

http://mikelane.smugmug.com/photos/26024212-L.jpg
Date Taken: 2005-05-25 08:11:05 Date Modified: 2005-05-28 11:34:33 Make: Canon Model: Canon EOS 20D Size: 3504x2336 Bytes: 1726774 Aperture: f/5.6 ISO: 100 Focal Length: 85mm Exposure Time: 0.002s (1/500) Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode Exposure Program: Aperture priority Exposure Bias: 0 ColorSpace: sRGB
This image was taken just off of Tacoma's Point Defiance Park (actually if you're familiar with the area it is a dock right next to Anthony's seafood restaurant looking North at Vashon Island).

What I was going for:
A high contrast image that depicted a somewhat common sight in Tacoma. I don't necessarily need the shot to scream "I was taken in Tacoma!!!" but I would like it to be something that you may happen across while taking a stroll.

I like the strong lines and the textures in the posts and the ropes particularly with the out of focus hillside in the background.

What I don't like is that the sky is boring. There's not a whole lot to this shot, maybe I could set myself up so I can get an oof ferry or some other boat passing by.

So what do you think?

[Eric&Susan]

I'm by no means an expert but I like the B/W treatment on this.:clap On the other hand I do agree about the empty sky and maybe needing a oof boat. I'm not sure what but for me it needs something else.


Eric

[Sam]

Mike,


Don't take this as gospel, but my first impressions are too much depth of field, I think the photo would benifit if the main subject were more isolated, and the vertical flat plate along with the horizontal pipe are blown out.

That said I think the B&W works well.

Sam

[Khaos]

I don't see any major issues with the photograph. I would keep trying on it with various angles.

The sky is a bugger when there aren't any clouds and it plays a big background part in the photo. I have a ton of pics that would of looked better if there would of been some clouds at the time I took them.

To combat that, the subject has to be extremely interesting. To me, this one isn't. In B&W varying degrees of light and\or a lot of texture help. I want to see deeper texture on the wooden poles and the rope. I want more detail from the subject and I'm only getting a hint of it. The right of the pic doesn't help. Again, its that, you like the subject, but the background doesn't help, but you take the pic anyway. I'm guilty of that a lot also. This might have been better taken vertical instead.

I think the B&W doesn't help the pic and that a vertical shot would of been better.

[Shay Stephens]

Try hitting the sky with a gradient to spice things up.

[Mike Lane]

I'm hesitating to post this one, I'm sure someone will let me know if I've broken the rules by doing so (and I'll promptly remove this post).

Does this shot (of the same dock) address any concerns that you have about my previously posted shot?

http://mikelane.smugmug.com/photos/26024215-L.jpg
Date Taken: 2005-05-25 08:10:55 Date Modified: 2005-05-28 11:39:17 Make: Canon Model: Canon EOS 20D Size: 3504x2336 Bytes: 1466507 Aperture: f/4.0 ISO: 100 Focal Length: 17mm Exposure Time: 0.0012s (1/800) Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode Exposure Program: Aperture priority Exposure Bias: 0 ColorSpace: sRGB

I think when I get a chance I'll do the shot over again at a much smaller aperture. And I'll wait for a more dynamic sky. Maybe in the morning.

[Shay Stephens]

Yes, totally. Closer is not always better! This is a perfect example. By pulling away, you have more context. It makes more sense if you will.

I like it!

[Sam]

Yes, the second shot is much better in my opinion. (Is the horizon a little off?)

Sam

As for the rules, there are rules?

[Mike Lane]

Yes, the second shot is much better in my opinion. (Is the horizon a little off?)

Sam

As for the rules, there are rules?
Thanks. The horizon is a little tough to gage on this shot I think, you may be right.

The rules are that you can only submit one photo per week. There are two photos that I submitted on this topic. :dunno

[Khaos]

:thumb Oh yeah, that second shot works. Very interesting and leads you into the picture. Nice water texture.

[mercphoto]

Second shot is much nicer for mulitple reasons. One is improved texture on the water. Two is more dynamic range in the shot. There is interesting detail in the brights (walkway) and in the darks (the twin poles). If Mother Nature had cooperated with clouds, but oh well.

The first shot could be made better if you could find a way to tweak the color channels to separate the water from the green of the background trees. Depending on how blue or green the water started, this might be easy or difficult.