Reflections

Any thoughts or comments are greatly appreciated!

I admit this is a bit of a test--this is the post-processed version of the first picture I ever posted on photo.net. My ratings were pretty low but a kind user took my shot, and processed it into the one you see above. The shot was remarkably improved and I must say that I absolutely love it! I'm just interested in what people have to say and what they think about the processed version. Just trying to get a feel if my problem was processing only or if I'm biased and it really is not an eye catching shot. Thanks for your ratings and comments--they are very much appreciated!

Great photo, IMO post processing is a nessesary part of digital photography. In the days of film there was a reason so many different types existed and there was no such thing as the perfect film for all photographers. I think you can compare post processing digital photos to chosing a certain film and processing that film to achieve the effect desired by the photographer.

Thanks Tom! I agree! Furthermore, since the camera can't capture what our eye can see I've come to see post-processing as a way of correcting instead of creating.

 

To whoever came along 10 HOURS after I posted this, went through all 500 photos that had been posted over that time, and gave me an anonymous 3/3...THANK YOU! I'm honored that you took your precious time to try to screw up my ratings but am amazed by the fact that you have nothing better to do with your time than spend 2 hours of your day clicking 3/3 for the last 800 photos posted. In the words of Jimmy Buffett "That's why it's still a mystery to me, why some people live like they do!"

Peter Meade , September 02, 2006; 02:58 P.M.

Hello Tyler, this is a sort of yes and no shot for me, the lighting comes from the golden hour and the colours are luxurient, but the shell its self is less sharp than I would like to see it. Some selective sharpening in PS would rectify that.

But it's a very pleasing first post.

 

Pete

 

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Thanks!

Tyler Wind , September 02, 2006; 10:54 P.M. (edit | delete)

Peter--Thanks for the critique and comments. I appreciate them and agree completely. I didn't think this was my best shot but I thought it was a bit interesting so I wanted to throw it out and see what people thought. Most all of my pictures are landscape shots with sunrise/sunset, etc. This picture is one of my only attempts at doing something slightly creative with a shell, reflection, conch, etc. It was just a snap shot made in the automatic modes with my old Canon Powershot (it was back in the first month I started trying to take artistic pictures and long before my Rebel XT). This picture was probably more unique and interesting to me because you NEVER see conch shells, much less live conchs at the beach here. So, I'm biased because it has non-artistic meaning to me and I was looking for some objective opinions--as always, I appreciate yours.

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Great Shot!

Mark Blackford , September 20, 2006; 02:27 P.M.

Tyler, I sort of agree with peter about the sharpness, but I think the shot is really good, i love reflections. I attached a photo that i adjusted, i added some modest gamma, and sharpness, and cropped the image slightly, i think that it helps. But that is only my opinion.

Image Attachment: 4876859-md.jpg

 

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Tyler Wind , September 20, 2006; 02:56 P.M. (edit | delete)

Mark--Thanks a lot! That was one of the most helpful reviews I've gotten on this site! You are right, that did help the shot a lot! I'm so new to everything right now--all I know how to do it snap the shutter. I haven't done a single (even small) manipulation to any of my pictures and don't own any filters. So, critiques like yours (and Peters) are most helpful. That was my point in posting this shot--I knew it wasn't great but I couldn't put my finger on "why?" You helped a lot--thank you! I would be very appreciative of any comments you have on my other photos. Many times I know they aren't "perfect" but can't figure out why until someone does a few alterations and I see what the image could look like. Again, thanks!

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Hi Tyler!

Torfinn Johannessen , September 26, 2006; 09:07 A.M.

Very nice shot. Good colours, composition, and reflections. Do you have PS? If so, you can fix sharpness and contrast, and those kind of things easily. I still like this one. Very pretty. Best regards from Sweden!

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Hi Tyler

Sylvie B鬡nger , November 27, 2006; 08:14 P.M.

Very nice reflexion ! The colors are great and the composition too. Congrats !

Contribute a critique

A beautiful shot Tyler. Good colours, composition, and reflections. Best regards, Torfinn.

very original.the reflection gives the depth.perfect picture.keep it going.

regards vinoth.

Excellent!. I like the warm light and the reflection. You might be able to crop a bit on the sides but it looks great as is.

Very much an eye catching shot, Tyler. I am not much on the technical stuff, but I know what I like and what I consider good photography. You have a nice image here. Kim

Did you get a better rating this time? either way i really like this photo and the origional.

Mark--Thanks for this and all of your other comments. I really do appreciate them! To answer your question, yes, I did get a FAR better rating this time (almost a point higher in both categories). I've tried this experiment a couple times and processing the images definitely raises you a point.

 

It's actually coincidental that you commented on this shot again today. Every year the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon's has an art exhibit displaying art by orthopaedic surgeons (which is what I do). I just got an email this morning that they saw this picture (along with a few others) and would like a print to display at next years annual meeting. The problem is that I don't think there is any way I could process it as well as you did, given that I'm still a PS rookie. Is there any way you would be willing to adjust my original file for me? This picture was taken with my Canon Powershot (3.2 megapixels) so it's not a large file (a couple MB) and will need good post processing in order to print decently. If it will take too much time or is too much to ask, I understand. But, if you wouldn't mind sharpening up the original, I'd be really appreciative. Drop me a follow-up or shoot me an email and let me know either way--I honestly feel a little bad asking because you've already done more than your fair share to help me!

 

Thanks for all your help and get some more pictures in your portfolio--I really enjoy taking a stroll through your work and would love to see more!