I think I can take some more- whip #3

[gchappel]

I first want to thank this group for the time and effort they take to whip our images. I have taken a couple of photo courses in the past- and when I submit images all I get back is "nice shot" or something along those lines. Like most of us, I know what I like- and my photos usually try for a more artistic or graphic view of the world than reality. Here is another one- please whip away. This was shot as the koi were feeding, using the multiexposure mode in camera. I like the painting type effect it gives. I also am fascinated by some of the random details- and it is one of the prints that show me something new each time I look at it. Again, how can I make it better- my post processing skills don't approach many that post here.
Also, if you like it- or don't like it- please let me know why. I am trying to learn what Joe Public likes in photos.
Thanks again
Gary Chappel
gchappel
http://gchappel.smugmug.com/photos/143381282-L.jpg

[DavidTO]

:clap Gary! You're right. It's a great place we have here, where you get the straight-scoop-feedback.

That's a really interesting technique, and I think it works really well with the koi. How did you combine all the exposures?

As for whipping, I'm not really sure....I really like this shot. I think that as a straight-foward image it would be kind of boring, meaning that it's not the composition that is engaging about this pic, but the painterly technique. It gives me a sense of time, motion, fluidity and peace that I really like.

:thumb

[HarlanBear]

First off, I agree that this is a great forum. I'm fairly new to dgin and have belonged to other sites where you basically get the "good shot" talk and not much more. This is a real learning location and I appreciate that. :thumb

As for your image, I do like the painterly effect, especially as it affects the water and the general texture. But for me the effect is over-done. My first reaction was that these are really weird fish with all those fins along their bodies. Then I see it's an effect and the effect takes over. It also seems a bit busy with so many fish, like a feeding frenzy.

I work in TV and video production and this looks like the kind of imaging that has been treated simply because you can. Which is not necessarily bad. As a test of your skills, it works. But for me the effect becomes the focus rather than what the effect is meant to convey. I find that effects work best when they don't draw attention to themselves.

Perhaps if there was only one fish, or only one with the effect, it would have a different feel. It does have a feeling of motion, just too much for my tastes. And it certainly shows you can do it.

[Marc Muench]

Mick makes a great point regarding the technique being the focal point. However, I do believe this image is on the borderline of working with the technique. I would try some compositions with half the exposures in hopes of eliminating the focal point being on the trick, but even more important, to eliminate the weird effect of the multiple fins, which to my first impression, looked like some type of new species of centipede/fish.

Great idea:clap

[quark]

This is really cool. I like the mood and the processing is good.

I do find the white/smudge on the left distracting, possibly crop a bit. I also agree about possibly dropping a few exposures, some of them do look centipede-ish.

[gchappel]

Thanks for the comments. I didn't even notice the white on the left- I think it was bubbles. I will make those go away. I envisioned this as I took the picture. This was done with 8 exposures- I tried 2 and 4 and they didn't work, at least in my eyes. Thanks again for the insight. I'm working on another one for next week.
Thanks
Gary
gchappel

[Gary Glass]

A nice creative approach applied to just the right subject. It really invites me to see the motion of the fish and water. However, I agree with Marc that the technique would be stronger if the fins faded rather all being of equal valence.

[rutt]

Really cool and I just couldn't help but use this as a vehicle to play with some new post processing ideas. See this thread. (http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=529215#post529215)

[gchappel]

I have used this technique a longgggggg time ago with film, but this is really the only occasion I saw recently that I tried the digital incamera multi- exposure. The motion of the fish were at the correct speed and controllled that the technique worked for me. I like the idea of emphisizing one of the series- I think I can rig a flash to accomplish that.
I'll try that when I get back.
BTW I really like the pp that was linked to this thread- thanks!!
Gary
gchappel