Image P1010017

I like this shot a lot, Bulent. It's objective content wants to steer the viewer's reaction toward emptiness but the subjective feel of the image is exactly opposite, toward warmth and spring's unburdened sun. The composition is very well balanced, allowing the viewer to take in the wholeness of the scene without scattering the eye. It makes me feel good.

Two quibbles for your consideration. First, the upper quadrant tones look a bit harsh, which may be driven by JPG compression. Second, the blacks have a slight red color caste. One handy tip, if you use PS, is to use a selective color adjustment layer and "purify the blacks" by the numbers. (In this case a +3% adjustment to the cyan control to tamp down the reds.)

Thank you very much indeed for your comment on this one.

As you have noticed, the object of this photo was just the light&the mood it created; nothing more...

I must say, this was quite an experience/experiment for me: Just feeling the urge to take a photo of this scene and then, trying to show others how it looked to me!

My post processing included a slight toning of the darker range of tones (with a bit of red) which you have rightly spotted. I did that to add a bit more warmth. Now, after reading your comment, I think limiting this operation only to the midtones (sparing pure plack and very dark greys) might have been a better approach.

Bulent: I have a working theory about any kind of color caste which is have them if you will but spare the whites/near whites and blacks/near blacks. Our eyes lust for finding an image's black point and white point. It's the reference point for all other color. A caste allowed to permeate the extremes will tend to throw off all other visual balance. I have no scientific proof that this is so but I believe in my bones.

Exceptions do make the rule, though. Take a look at Jack's image here:

http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8920032

There's a strong yellow caste that does invade both whites and blacks but it also elevates the overall image, balance be damned. I'll be honest and tell you I do not know why it works so well here. I just see that it does.

I like light and mood, texture on the wall too. Just one little remark...maybe to crop left side, I think that wall is not needed.

Regards, Nebojsa.

Excellent picture and use of light, although a bit too sharp for my taste. Very interesting discussion which I follow as a child might follow a conversation on nuclear physics. I believe if I could study with Patricia for a year it would improve my photographic technique and post-production abilities immensely, and allow me to present my view of the world far more clearly. It's very hard to find a teacher over here.

As for the discussion of the picture she cited, I think it works only to the extent that it captures a bit of the over-cooked feeling of the world of Pachinko and the gaming arcade; it's almost like a side show poster.

I am grateful for your comments on this photo.

Patricia,

I understand what you're saying and I am ready to believe that it is a really helpful theory. Let me write it once again for future visitors of this thread:

A caste allowed to permeate the extremes (of blacks and whites) will tend to throw off all other visual balance. . However, this advice can be ignored creatively and on purpose by those who really know what they are doing.

Jack's photo is a good example of this.

Nebojsa.

I somehow think that the left border (especially the upper part) contributes the framing of the photo.

Jack,

You are probably right about the oversharpened look. I am trying to do it better.

I agree everything you said about Patricia.

I could not have expressed my feelings better.