Fishing Anyone?

I like this quite a bit more than the other shot you had of the same subject. This straight on version simplifies the composition. This stuff is great in B&W!

Thank you, Lou Ann! I went back for the specific purpose of taking this shot straight on. My point in using the previous angle was to capture this unique cluster of posts, signs, and fishing items but also allow your eye to follow the walkway out to the pier. It was a valiant effort but I didn't think it was remarkably successful--my lens wasn't wide enough (you can't get but a few feet away on the dock) and it was trying to include too much. I thought the 45 degree vantage point may work well but it turns out I prefer the straight on version as well. If anyone is interested in seeing the old image I'll attach it to this link.

 

By the way, there will be much more "life on the docks" to come! I have always loved shrimp boats, fishing nets, crab pots, etc. so the last 3 days I've gone out every morning and spent a total of 11 hours shooting the docks/boats/etc. of 7 different seafood companies. I think I got many great shots--not sure everyone else who doesn't share my infatuation will like them as much but I've loved shooting them and look forward to getting feedback!

I thought this was a very unique arrangement of many assorted things

you would find on a dock/at a seafood company. I'm turning over a

new leaf and trying some shots in black and white--hope it works for

you in this shot. Any and all comments are GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks for taking the time to view my work!

Great B/W. Good lightning, and contrast. Good work. Best regards!

Smaller...

And again, for something different....

Lou Ann-Thanks for all the help! The other B&W shot you altered I liked better but I think this one I prefer the original version. The reason is that I like the light tones in the shot because (to me) it better portrays the direct sunlight that hits you when you're on the dock. I love sunshine so I guess I like this a bit brighter because, right or wrong, it gives me a warmer feeling. But, thanks for altering and reposting--perhaps some other people will have some different comments/opinions on it so we can all learn together. By the way, what exactly did you do that change those shots?

Yup - I always ask people to give me their "versions" of my shots ... sometimes I'll even post the original image so that they can play to their hearts' content. :-) I've seen some things that I like, and some things that I don't like. It's all part of the fun.

By the way ... if you like being on piers, etc., take a look at my Alaska folder. About two-thirds of the way down the page are some shots from Petersburg, a small fishing village in the Inside Passage. I loved that place ... wish I had been a better photographer (and using digital) when I was there three years ago. (I wish I were a better photographer now!!) I could have spent hours just photographing those traps (are they lobster or crab traps?) ... it was a blast. I also took this shot there ... put it in "my favorites" folder because I really, really like that shot. Keep shooting the docks & piers if that's what you like ... then your images will have lots of heart! :-)

I really need some feedback on this shot because it is a very new branch of photography for me but I only have 4 ratings and comments from 2 people (and I am greatly appreciative of EACH rating and comment!) Throw out some numbers and let me know what you think! Thanks a ton!

Tyler,

 

The framing of this photo is quite nice.

 

However, I have 3 comments.

 

1. The "Fishing Pier" sign seems to be a bit over-exposed. And hence I feel that the sign is less harmonic with the surroundings.

 

2. Although the framing is nice here, the content of the photo is not very interesting.

 

3. When capturing the environment, very often it is good to include some shadow, in order to increase the contrast and spacial depth of the photo. In your photo, the shadow of the objects are not obvious, and the whole scene is less 3D, but planar. Consider taking the photo in a different lighting conditions or a different angle.

 

Regards.

John--Thanks for your comments--they are greatly appreciated. A few responses:

 

1) The sign is a very pale red so it is not really "underexposed" and also very old and worn. I do see where it is striking but I did not alter the exposure because 1) I like the contrast it gives 2) I like the "worn out" or "old" age that it shows and 3) my goal in photography is always to recreate what I saw. But, I do see your point and can imagine that while I think it's a nice twist to the contrast, people like yourself may disagree.

 

2) John my buddy, I'm doing to have to definitely disagree with this one! :) I think you have to add "to me" to the end of your comment. Because, to ME, this subject matter could not be more interesting!!! I thought it was quite a unique blend of assorted fishing items and I LOVE being on waterfront docks, with fishing, crabbing, etc. I can see where some people may say it's boring, but to me (and a few other people I know) there could be no better photo than a fishing net! :) However, I appreciate your input--it's always good to be reminded that not all people share my idea of "interesting" or my passions.

 

3) I really like your suggestions in this comment. I don't think a photo in different lighting conditions would necessarily be "better" or "worse" but it would be different and most likely pleasing. I like the way this turned out without shadows because I wanted to give the feeling of bright sunshine on a fishing pier. But, I can see where some shadows would perhaps make things interested--it would probably give it a late evening feeling that, like I said, I think would be "different." Thanks for that suggestion--I'll likely try to get back there and get some shadows in the shot next time.

 

Lastly, thanks for all your critiques and comments--I have read and considered them all! They are very thoughtful and are greatly appreciated!