mikemorrell

Hi Nick, I actually looked at your other 'fall' photo (under 'seeking critique') before finding this one in your portfolio. Of the two, this one is IMHO much stronger by far. I like the composition and the group of people adds interest and gives the photo a strong 'focal point' for the viewer. The group immediately draws the viewers attention. The colors in this photo also look much 'fresher' and more vibrant than in the other fall photo.

Very effective PP for this photo, Laurent! The association I have is 'flailing'. Like the Whomping Willow in the Harry Potter books.

Wonderful fall colors in this photo. I like the 2 trees in the frame too. A minor point: if you have something like Photoshop (elements) I would have "replaced the edge of the chair/bench" in PP.

Another great abstract, Michael!

Hi commented on your "Hillside Church" photo. I'm less enthusiastic about this one. It's a record of a street scene that may well have some documentary importance. But as far as I can tell, nothing much is happening in the photo.

Hi, when I saw the thumbnail of this photo I thought 'oh, another tree bark photo'. But your photo does highlight a very intricate texture in the bark. The bluish split adds interest (as does the background). So it's IMHO a very worthwhile photo. One I would also have taken if I'd seen it.

 

You have an amazing portfolio (which I've just seen) and perhaps this photo fits well into this. But as many photographers say, 'there's strength in numbers'. In other words, this photo might be 'stronger' in your portfolio if it was supported by 2 - 4 other 'bark texture' photos'. You're a better photographer than I am so you're the best judge of this.

 

I'm glad that this photo introduced me to your portfolio!

 

Mike

Sorry Guillermo, but for me this photo looks WAY over-processed (saturation, sharpening) compared to real photos of the beach. I have no problem with photo 'enhancements' or even 'artistic renditions'. But to me, this photo is neither. It just looks completely unnatural.

 

My intention with is comment is not to criticize but just to give you my personal feedback. If this is your 'style', then that's fine with me. But personally, I would suggest 'dialing back' the post-processing. Just my opinion.

 

Mike

Hi Gregory and/or Sevena, I really like the way this photo shows the 'reality' of the scene! Good contrast between the 'neat hillside church' and the messy yard of its neighboring gas station. Not to mention the telephone wires. It reminds me of some of Stephen Shore's photos in which he illustrated the 'banality' of much of the US.

 

Mike

I really like this photo, Sergio! The scenery (valley, mountains) is magnificent. Above all, you've captured 'the experience' of hiking this trail really well. Many years ago, I used to hike valley trails in the Italian Dolomites. This photo brings back happy memories! Thanks for sharing this.

Mike

Very creative (and skilled) work Gary! love it!

The thumbnail didn't look all that interesting but I like the 'full view' version! It's sharp where it needs to be and I like the unfocused background. The bee is a hidden gem! I do wonder whether the dynamic range (levels) could be greater. But the purple and grey shades on the flow are delicate so there may be a good reason for not boosting the 'whites'. There's an awful lot of 'green' in the background. You might want to consider reducing its saturation slightly and maybe darkening it. I enjoyed viewing the photo!

Oh, this is just beautiful Stephen! So subtle and restrained in the grey tones. Again, it's a wonderful composition of lines and textures. Despite the fact that there are trees in the photo, the way you've captured the photo makes (to me) everything look so 'fragile'. Compliments!

Hi Stephen, I noticed your 'like' on my comment on street photography and decided to look you up. I like most of your photos and you obviously have 'street' experience. This one jumped out at me for the reasons that have already been given: the 'dark, moody' atmosphere. I also like how the photo invites the viewer to create his/her own story of who's in the photo, what are they doing on such a deserted platform in the dark and why? The closed train doors make me wonder whether the doors are about to open, whether it's a train that's pulling away. I really like the composition!

Hi George, no 'critique' from me. I think this a truly excellent image: artistically, visually and in terms of expression. I'm in awe of your talents!

 

Mike

Hi Liao,

 

I really like this photo but because it shows very different textures. My only feedback is that contrast (black/white) seems quite high. If that's your intention then fine. If not, consider reducing the contrast.

I like this photo. The reflection breaks the vertical lines. I should perhaps mention that 'reflected buildings/people' have become something of a cliche in amateur photography. In this case, I think it's a good choice.

I like the subtle nuances in tone and color in this photo. The green background makes the subject stand out well. In general, the DOF is fine in blurring the background. If I was to nitpick, I'd say that at the front and back of the flower, the focus is 'soft' while the middle is sharp.

 

An aperture of 9.9 should be plenty to get the whole flower sharp. So I don't have any explanations or suggestions. It's worth think about what distance you were to the flower when you took the photo. And what l;ens you were using,

Second attempt at posting this!

 

In the series Eilean Glas, I this this is the strongest composition because"

- the sweeping curve of the coastline physically connects the foreground to the island (the curve - as a form - is visually interesting in itself!

- the rocks and sea foam of the island are repeated in the foreground; again a strong visual; connection

 

For these 2 reasons, I think that this composition is stronger and more integrated than other photos in the series.

 

I enjoyed viewing the whole series and deciding which composition I preferred and why.

I'm Welsh but have lived in NL for 40+ years. Over the years, I've hiked quite a few times on Skye and on the west coast of the mainland, But I've never visited Harris or other 'Outer' islands.

 

I still feel great affection for this part of the world and its people.

 

Cheers,

 

Mike

I've seen, loved and commented on your portfolio as a whole. This was the image which (thankfully) led me towards it. It's one of the very few genuinely creative and original images I'd ever seen. Until I saw your other work. You have IMHO enormous talent as a visual artist. I'm delighted that your 'creative vision' takes precedence over tech in your image capture. I'm guessing that you're a Wizard in PP. If you have other work on the net and not on PN, please send me a PM. I'm already a big fan. If not, many thanks for sharing your work here. As I mentioned on your portfolio, it's truly inspirational. I truly hope that you have the artistic recognition that you deserve.

 

Mike

I agree entirely with Laurent. This is a wonderful abstract in terms of texture and color. The red chain makes it special. What I also really like is that - close up - each individual link has its own unique texture and color patterns. So there are 2 levels of texture/colors: the chains side by side and the individual links. Well Done!

 

Mike

One of my 2 daughters was a ballet dancer. This is one of the very best 'ballerina' photos that I've seen.

 

Mike

Love this photo, Greg. Photographically (movement, intimacy, depth). For a while (many years ago), I played sax in a local marching band. One of my daughters played flute. Your photo is of a very different band in a different time and place. A different country too. But for me, the personal experience of 'playing in a marching band' comes across perfectly. I could details but these wouldn't add much to the quality of the photo.

 

Mike

Excellent, Franz! Fave on might have been even better but I can understand the reasons why you might not want that published. Even so, wonderful backlighting and an a wonderful atmosphere in the photo. One to be proud of.

I like 'people photos' more than most others and this one is IMHO excellent! Everything about it (man and dog both dozing, the intimacy of the paw on the shoulder) show that they're both totally in synch. If I'm not mistaken, the dog in the photo is a "Blindenführhund" - a guide dog for a blind person. By implication, the man sleeping has a visual disability and this is his guide dog. This makes the photo (and the relationship between the man and dog) very special.

 

Off topic, but I do voluntary work as an amateur photographer. I live in the Netherlands. One of my recent interviews/photoshoots was with 2 people who had serious hearing disabilities. One of them had a personal 'guide dog' too.

 

My congratulations on this probably unique photo!

 

Mike

Just some feedback, Franz. This is an interesting mix of textures and for that reason an interesting photo. I understand why you'd want to highlight the grain in the wood and metal. And highlight the edges of the stones. Having said that, the combination of 'edge sharpness' and high contrast looks a bit too harsh (through PP) to my eyes. The same applies to your your 'post' photo. My suggestion is to experiment with a 'softer touch'. But that's just my personal taste :)

 

From the photo, it's difficult to see that the railway is 'narrow gauge''. Simply because there's nothing in the photo that gives it a sense of scale or perspective. It's only the title that tells me that it's narrow gauge.

 

I don't know what your intention was with photo or what the the original framing was. Just as 'an interesting texture photo', you might want to consider just including the top rail with a bit more 'beam' (and stones) at the top. In this photo, the top (and especially the bottom) rails look - to my eye - 'marginalised' (top and bottom) . It could well be that this 'framing' is what you want. Just be aware that if the rails act as 'frames', it's difficult to see them part of the subject too. Personally just the top rail (with beam) is enough to get the message across that it's a railway. Bringing the top rail down would IHMO make it a more inclusive part of the subject. Showing a 'cross' between a lowered top rail and the beam would give the an added (implied) dimension.

 

I hope this helps you consider alternatives. As always, the choice is yours as a photographer!

 

Best wishes,

 

Mike

 

PS. Posting a photo for 'critique' makes members like me look up your portfolio. You have some fine photos and I enjoyed browsing through them!

implied)