tom_parker1

This obviously is a photo that will have historical significance, and not just the typical eye candy that one sees here. I love the distorted shadow which forms a mirror image of the pilot. The shadow almost seems symbolic of former days.

if I have any criticism of the image, it must be that the subject could be more prominent. Perhaps it could be archived with a wide angle lens? But, that's only a suggestion. I won't rate this photo because how do you rate things that cannot be valued.

Composition is fantastic. What lets this photo down is the harsh light. But, I bet you know that and probably did not have the luxury of waiting till sunset.

Well, Michael, you certainly have an eye. Not often do we see something original here. In my opinion, though, I think you should use a little bit less of the HDR effect and let the image speak for itself. 6/7 from me.

I agree with Donna. The concept is very good but the weeds just look a little bit too compressed.

Bear in mind that I'm being really tough on you because you are an accomplished photographer. This is an excellent shot otherwise with wonderful tonality. I especially like the mid tones on the weeds on the bottom left corner. Very few digital photographers/photoshopers seem to do it. Looks like Tri-x film. (I know cause I used to develop my own)

 

6/7 from me.

 

Cheers.

Nice tones. 10 out of 10 for that aspect. I just find the photo too busy. How do you with ink it would have looked without the boat? The photo appears to have two subjects: the boat and the bride. You really should have decided touch one you wanted to photograph.  Having said that, you're a better photographer than me, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

Herman,

you obviously have excellent technical skills. There is one thing that disturbs me when I look at this shot. Not enough contracts between the seats and the background. The seat on the right is the better of the two. Do you see what I mean?

This is a good photo but it could have been an excellent photo.

The good: excellent composition. Eyes in focus.

The bad: highlights a little too hot but not too bad. The biggest flaw is that the photo looks staged. "Okay now, look at me and smile". Try taking the shot again but without the girl knowing or, better still, take her by surprise. 

These are just my suggestions and I'm no artist. If you want proof of that look at my portfolio.

 

I get jealous when I see photographers who have a brilliant eye and excellent post-processing skills. Even your frame adds to this shot.

This is what I would call a good photo. Perhaps I would even say it's perfect. The lighting is just right and the proportions are as they should be; the main subject is not at the center of the photo, and the sky, water and land follow the rule of thirds. It is indeed the kind of photo that would find it's place in a 1950's post card. Whether or not it has the technical quality to make a poster sized print is something only you know, and for the purpose of this review is besides the point anyway.

 

 

Perfect light. Well done.

Hi Andrew,

 

I agree with you. The light is indeed very good, and in this respect you have a great instinct as a photographer. Many would say that "seeing the light" is 90% of photography, anyway.

 

If you were to ask me how this photo could be improved, I would suggest a tighter crop with more pig and less hay. In a perfect photographic world all of the hay would be in focus. Take a look at the lower left corner and you will see what I mean.

 

Of course, in the real world this may not be possible. I know because I've tried it with sleeping dogs. You could not have set up a tripod directly over the pig to take that perfect shot with perfect depth of field.

 

These suggestions are just my opinion and I'm no expert myself. In any case, you have captured some lovely tones and have made a very nice shot. If this is one of your first photos then I can see you growing into a very fine photographer.

Thanks for sharing your secret Daniel,

 

With so many people taking so many photos, you would think the world would run out of original ideas. But then, along comes something like this.

 

Perfect Daniel, just perfect.

 

Tom

Jamie,

 

Thanks for your advice. In actual fact I had to darken this photo and add contrast. I see what you mean about the colors being burnt out. It probably would not matter if the leaves were not the focal point of this shot. But, they are.

 

I wish I had taken this a stop lower to recover the highlights.

An excellent conversion to black and white, Mr. Brown. And may I say that it looks so much better in black and white than the colour version. In fact, the two photos could be used as a textbook example of when to use black and white.

Nice capture. A moment in time.

Daniel,

 

This is a very well composed photo. Looking at it I feel the proportions that you have used are right and pleasing. Many postcards or birthday cards have photos that are of this standard, so I think it is a skilfully executed shot.

 

Two things are needed to improve and perfect it. First, you need to increase the dynamic range so that the regions where the water bubbles and swirls are not blown out. Secondly, even though the tones are perfect, I feel that the colours are not. The base of the pond has a yellow, muddy kind of look. That might just be the way it was when you took the photo. You will have to either take this photo in different light, find another pond, or use Photoshop to fudge it.

 

And donﾒt forget that with these kinds of photos there is always a red leaf somewhere in the foreground. It gives contrast to the dark water and look wonderful.

 

Anyway, thatﾒs just my opinion. And in any case, I think youﾒve done well.

Not a perfect photo, but what would you do to improve it?

Now THAT is cute! 7/7

Amy,

Thank you for your suggestion. You have made an observation that I would never have considered and I appreciate your perspective. The exposure lasted about half a second. It was too short to give the water a misty look, but too long to freeze the motion of the waves. Next time I will commit myself to one mode or the other.

 

Jose,

Thank you very much. Im glad you like it. I had a peek at your wonderful portfolio and look forward to exploring it in the near future.

 

Vicente,

I appreciate your comments. When I look at your portfolio I feel humbled. Thank you.

You need to crop more. However, your tones and colors are spot on.

Looks like he's about to put a cap in your you know what.

Ivan, a great shot. 7/7 for the sunset. I feel you could do a bit more with the city, perhaps to create a nice HD photo. I'[d like to see you do it again. Still, very well done.

I know it's far from perfect, but how can this photo be improved, and

what mistakes have I made?

Golden Path Indeed! 7/7

Thanks Amber.

 

I was not sure if the background leaves made this photo better or worse. But I guess there is not enough contrast between the background leaves and the foreground leaves. So, yes, I think there is too much clutter in this photo.