Retired Rope

You have GOT to be kidding me!! I have never had anyone react negatively to my taking photos of innocent stuff ... flowers in someone's front yard, etc. AMAZING! I think that you should print out the shots you have and give them to him and be super polite, "Thank you so much - see these great shots!" LOL!!

 

I actually like this a lot. The background doesn't distract at all, and you need the negative space in the sky and the darkness of the trees behind the lightness of the rope. The frayed parts of the rope make it a classic. Apparently the guy wasn't an artist!

I love this shot! You have an incredible portfolio for being as new as you are to photography!

Melissa and Lou Ann--thank you very much for your kind comments! I thought this shot turned out remarkably well. The lighting really helped me out a lot--I love how the rope is brighter white at the top where the sun is hitting it and has several shades of white. I was also pleased with how I was able to include the background but also blur it so it wouldn't distract--that is a skill I've just recently learned and have been working to refine with mixed success recently. The other thing I thought was neat with this shot is the sharpness--this image has not had any sharpening, although every time I look at it I double check my original file. I'm not sure why it came out so sharp but I was pleased that it did. I guess this might just go to show that "even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then." :) Thanks for the feedback and kind remarks!

This is one of my first attempts at a subject other than a landscape

and also one of my first attempts at B&W. I would appreciate all the

comments and ratings I can get! Thanks!

Tyler, it could be he was upset and all self-conscious about leaving his rope out to rot.

Tom-You may be right, although he described his business site and dock as a "junkyard." There is a boat rotting the marsh and trash everywhere--I had to crop out some parts of an old truck hood and grill when I was taking pictures of some of the fishing nets! :) Regardless, the "junk" made for nice B&W pictures that show a bit of history how things used to be. Thanks for your comment!

Very nice B/W shot. Good light, contrast, and details. I like it. Best regards from Sweden!

Great Black and White, The lighting for this one makes it a really strong image, I love the many types of wood used to make the fence, seems really old fashioned. Great capture, and way to use some new skills.. :) Thanks for sharing.. Cole

Much better contrast! Makes for a stronger statement.

Ken-Thank you for your kind words--I'm very happy to see I am showing some improvement! I have a follow up for you (or anyone else that wants to answer). I can see that this image is a bit more crisp and has better contrast--my question is "Why?" Was it better lighting? Better contrast of colors to start with? I guess I'm trying to learn when and how to shoot B&W. As of now, I basically do it in 3 instances: 1) There is something I want to show as "antique," "from the past," or "aged." 2) I like a composition but there are lots of brown and gray colors that make a color shot boring and 3) When the sun gets too high and starts to washout some of the colors and the lighting is less than ideal. Is this logical at all or are the best B&W shots generally also shots that would look great in color? I've just been shooting a lot and then reviewing what I shoot--I can see good and bad and am trying to find out what the reasons are for each. Thanks for the input and kind words!

Torfinn and Cole--Thanks to both of you for your comments. The two of you have been great about leaving comments on many of my pictures. They have been remarkably helpful/encouraging and I appreciate each and every one! If you ever have a minute and want to comment on any of my portfolio images please know they will be greatly appreciated and respected!

 

PS-Torfinn, I just have to tell you that I keep looking at your "left behind" shot of that boat every day and every day it gets better...it is honestly one of my favorite pictures I've ever seen, pro or amateur!

This shot was in direct sunlight compared to the first photo I commented on which was on a cloudy day. You can see how the light had an impact on how the two pictures came out. I suggest reading articles here on light and lighting. Keep experimenting, look at a scene and know how the picture will come out before you squeeze the shutter. I am sure others could recommend books on the subject but you can find more than enough info on the web.

 

 

You have a fine eye for compostion, but as others have suggested more thought in lighting and definition, amazing first portfolio...........

Guy--Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your comments. Could you please explain a little more about what I should be looking for or doing to improve my "lighting and definition?" I know I have plenty of room for improvement but I'm not sure HOW to improve on these shots--what type of lighting should I be looking for on a B&W shot like this? Is the definition a problem with my focus or post-processing (I don't really do any post-processing so I can fix that). You are obviously an outstanding photographer, especially when it comes to B&W so I would appreciate any input of suggestions you have. Thanks for stopping by and lending your expertise!