rachelfoster

Matt said, "Actually, if you visit the POTW threads, you'll usually text like this right at the top: "This photograph was chosen because the Elves think it is interesting and worthy of discussion."

 

I initially read that as "Elvis think." That gave me a laugh and I thought I'd share it. (Of course, my sense of humor is strange...)

Use the 60 macro for portraits! I'll be doggoned. I LOVE my 60 mac but never thought to shoot portraits with it! I typically use my 50mm/1.8 and my 55/250 IS telephoto. I'm going to give the 60 a spin as a portrait lens!

Ah, Roma! It is very difficult to photograph the well-known sites and not produce 'postcards,' but it can be done. I was there in March and shot this at the Coliseum (flickr link; <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacobelianaphotography/2335945589/" title="Coliseum Screams by ByRachel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2335945589_49d0d49b8f.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Coliseum Screams" /></a>

 

Now, many don't like this shot, and I only post it to show that you can shoot the well known in an unusual way.

 

 

You might try Ostia Antica (a short train ride from Rome near the airport). There are wonderful ancient ruins there as well as a medeival burg (the hotel Rodrigo de Vivar is there).

 

Enjoy!

Thanks, all!

Yes, if one has the right conditions when taking the shot, it helps immensely. I was more wondering about what editing could do when one doesn't have those conditions (as was the case when I shot this).

Thanks all! Everyone's comments have been very helpful.

I've got Photoshop cs 2 and just picked up Elements. Elements gets my vote hands down!

 

You might also want to download Picasa. It's very easy to use and does some basic editing well. Oh, and it's free.

You have a 50 mm 1.4? Color me JEALOUS!

Nice perspective, Lex!

Yes, that's getting there (and far better than the out-of-cam shots). Still, it lacks oomph. Any ideas how to redo this?

This one was closest to what I wanted, but it still doesn't get any where near what my mind's eye wanted to see.<div></div>

Thanks Patrick! That's a lot closer to what I was going for. I tried increasing contrast, but didn't hit the right combo.

Ah, I was trying for the frozen effect. The droplets enchant me...but it seems visually they are simply not going to have anything worth going after.

 

I did try to get lower to the water, but those shots are also dull. That may be more evidence that the frozen water thing is just not interesting.

I've taken some photos of the "surf" on Lake Michigan hitting some rocks.

However, the water is not as dramatic as I want it to be. It's really

rather...blah. I'm looking for general tips on editing such shots...contrast,

levels, etc.

 

Any ideas?

 

This is an example of what I'm trying to work with. It's......blah.

 

<img src="http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x153/annieblues/pnquestion.jpg">

Myself, I would like to see a category "rating only accompanied by comment."

Everyone...I should make clear that my own experience on PN has been very, very positive and I've had nothing but good interactions. My rant was posted in response to seeing the frustration/bad experiences others have had. Some have posted suggestions/criticisms and and been "blasted" for that. My own approach is that if someone takes the time to comment on one of my photos, that person has shown me a kindness --- whether she or he knows what he or she is talking about or not. I may or may not disagree with a comment, but one thing that is indisputable: taking the time to suggest a possible improvement must be seen as an attempt to be helpful. (Malicious or other negatively motivated comments are different. I've yet to receive such a comment, but I'm aware they do happen.)

 

In summary, my PN experience has been very, very positive. My rant is more about other folks' experience.

Why do you shoot? Answer that and it will answer your other questions.

Watch but shoot, too!

Sorry to hear of this.

Judith! You are a teacher indeed! I had a good laugh over that one. I also teach and the term papers can be painful to read. But the critique of papers and of photos really aren't that different, are they? Point out what's good, point out what needs improvement, and if one can, explain how that improvement can be accomplished.

I started this thread as a frustrated rant. The responses have been so thoughtful and thought provoking that I'm printing the discussion for further study.

 

While there are ... um .... sorry but I can't think of a better word --- idiots --- here, there is a good number of solid, talented, kind, helpful, intelligent people. This thread is evidence of that.

 

I have learned a tremendous amount from my interactions on PN. Several of my "mentors" have commented here. Fred Goldsmith in particular has been a gift to me and my photography. Throw Gordon in to that mix, add a little Charles Webster, and...and...and....well, my mentors know who they are and they know how much I appreciate them.

 

Thank you all for this discussion.

John, you make an important point. If not for those kind souls willing to comment on my photos I would not have made the progress I've made.

 

As to people leaving in frustration, your point is also well-taken. But it still pisses me off to lose good people because they critique and were chastised because the photographer really meant "Praise me."

Ummm..I meant "stay out of the kitchen!"

 

Mixed metaphors again.....sigh.

And I found this helpful as well.

Thank you all for your comments. We're adults and we share a passion. Or we should if we're here, yes?

 

Sadly, this has been addressed many times before. For example, http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00HztT.