single photos Autumn Scene from Scott's View.JPG

I simply need to know what somebody with an understanding of what

makes a "good picture" thinks of my efforts. Understanding where I have

gone wrong (or possibly right) may help me to take better photographs.

Tim as promised: There are several ways that this photograph could be approached for a critique and there are probably even more ways than I have found. The most common is technique. As far as composition, point of view there is nothing that, IMO, needs to be changed. It is a very straight forward well done image. It is of course visually weighted to the right because of the position of the house but there is enough detail over all to keep the eye moving around the composition so that it does not seem unbalanced. Were it mine I would pick up both the contrast and the color. If you have looked at my portfolio you are aware that I like photographs to be darker than probably most people do. Generally my first step is to open the histogram and pull the black slider over to “kiss” the edge of the upward slope of the graph. Actually, I generally bring the black just inside the slope. If you are concerned about plugged shadows you probably should just let it “kiss.” I pull the white slider over to “kiss” the end of the downward slope. It is always good to check for blown highlights and plugged shadows after you make these adjustment and then make any corrections you feel necessary. In my photographs I am always concerned about blown highlights but have a good deal of tolerance for plugged shadows. Some people do not. I also like rich color so generally my first step toward that is to push the histogram’s midtones slider slightly toward the dark/black. Most photographs respond well to this histogram treatment and it is easy to adjust the tones to your liking. You can of course achieve similar if not identical results in either levels or curves. I just find working the histogram the easiest.  

Having said that, to me, this photograph is on the flat side. So in addition to the histogram adjustment I would apply just a slight amount to added contrast. Since this is a Fall scene and the highlight of Fall is the autumn colors I would also increase the color even more. For that I do not use saturation because, again IMO, increasing saturation can quickly become garish. I prefer to use Vibrancy which seems to affect the warm colors slightly more than the cool colors. Again, Tim, this is simply the way I see your photograph. It is not carved in stone. If a photographer likes a flatter contrast there is absolutely nothing wrong with that—it is simply a matter of opinion/preference/the individual way of seeing. All I wish to do is to tell you how I see your photograph, not how you should see your photograph. Also in viewing images on the web, it can be to a great extent the differences in our monitors or in the ways our monitors are adjusted. What I am seeing as flat you may be seeing with more contrast and color.

My primary interest in a photograph is not the technique necessarily but what the technique adds or detracts from the statement of the photograph. As I see it this photograph has two statements, one about the autumn, one about the house. The autumn is well covered in the warm Fall colors of the image. The house being partially obscured suggests that this is a very private place, sit away in the hills and trees to assure privacy. It is something that most of us long for at some time or other so it gives a very positive, pleasant comment on the house. It also says that the house is an elegant building and from the number of chimneys most likely a building that has been there for a long time. It obviously suggests that this is a grand country home. The point of view with the building partially obscured suggests that the viewer is somewhat privileged in viewing this private location. In all it is a simple but very upbeat image.

As I said, Tim, this is opinion. I hope it aids you in seeing your photograph from possibly different points of view.

Tim, I look at 2 aspects when evaluating a photo: composition and technical quality. I find this shot is well composed. The house is not in the center thus adding interest (see rule of thirds). The house is tucked away in the trees. This sets a rural mood for the shot. There are a few leafless tress which is distracting but real. You might try a different angle to get rid of them. Many times you need to move your position to get a truely great shot. Some call this working the shot - try different angels and perspectives.

As for the technical quality, the color is washed out. It needs to be brighter and have more contrast and more saturation. You may have taken this during the mid part of the day - not a good time for landscapes. Just after sunup or just before sundown are the best. Colors are more satuated and the shadows provide contrast.

Here a photoshop enhancemnet to show what I mean. Godd luck and have a great time shooting. Dave

I think you received good advice regarding color and contrast.  I'd guess that Gary might apply the mid-tone darkening to Dave's rendition.  Be careful not to oversharpen so that the image starts to get a gritty quality to it; I often apply the shadows/highlight tool after sharpening to remove only some of the brightest highlights (which are often accentuated with sharpening.  Personally, I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the house, but Gary makes a good case for your particular depiction.