maxz

Ahem... Why is it obvious that someone rating this photo as 2/2 has not read the comments? IMHO the rating should be given without regards to any comments or have I misunderstood the rating system completely? The ratings are given to the picture not the text.

Sure, the picture is somewhat original, but for aestethics? Personally, I do not like the burned out highlights and poor tonality of the picture. I do not know if this is due to the exposure or post processing, but _IF_ I rated photos, it would not get above average in this category.

But your comments are very interesting and gives this photo, that I would otherwise find rather uninteresting, new light. Without them I wouldn't bother looking at it a second time. My 2 cents.

Having said that, you might be right though. Many raters have a very interesting view of how to rate, which is the reason to why I boycott the system.

I look forward to seeing what you write in ten days.

It is part of an art exhibition. Nearby there was other installations. On both sides of this installation there were some "whispering tubes" where you could whisper to the sea. I cant recall, but there were some more. I read about them in the paper.

Some time ago they had a similar installation where a man stood on a raft looking down, pondering, into the water where arms with open hand were reaching out (as if reaching for help). It seems like there are new open-air exhibitions each year here in Stockholm. Since the city is surrounded by water it is a natural element to use.

Actually, Andrea, the portrait is not as spontaneous as you may believe. I took one and a half roll (first one half b&w and then switched to the slide film I was about to cross process, that's when forgot the K2-filter) at this location, but she was very easy to work with and didn't stare into the camera or feel uncomfortable in front of the lens. Most of the time we just chatted and she looked at the surrounding activity. It took very little directing (I should really say none) from my side and most of the time I had to concentrate on adjusting the reflector, that balanced on the legs of my tripod, to fill in the shadows.

For me this was a great learning experience, and would love to get another chance, but unfortunately I have had no-one that wanted to model for me...

But I agree with you, I like the effect and this photo. So this shows that even mistakes can result in photos you like. Thanks for your comment.

I think it is very, very good. You have captured a moment and the mood is very well conveyed. If I dare to come with comments I think the strand of hair covering her face is too thick, hiding too much, but I like it there. Also, the persons, especially the girls head and to some extent also her dress, blends too well with the background. Some separation light here could perhaps help. But this is far better than anything I have done so take my critisism lightly.

Hope to see more from fellow Swedes!

If you get some side lighting the carved letters should be more visible. I would go back at some other time during the day and perhaps when the lighting is less diffuse.

Another approach would be to use a flash or a reflector off on one side.

Digital editing and photography are two different, but slightly overlapping arts. I personally consider myself to belong to the group often referred to as "purists", that is, I want to belong in one of the above artforms at a given time, unless there is a very strong reason not to. I find no pride in being "purist" just because, just as I find no wrong in not being. But before you choose, please stop and think twice, so that you at least can say to yourself why you chose as you did.

I am not an expert photographer, not by far. So when I take a good picture I find great joy in that I could do it without having to resort to a computer and PhotoShop to make it great (I am much better at handling a computer and digital manipulation software than taking pictures). Of course, the things you easily can do in a lab (cropping, contrast, etc.) you should not necessarily restrain yourself from doing with Photoshop. But when you start removing things from photos because you don't like them in your photo, you cross that thin line between photo enhancement and into photo manipulation. I don't say that it is wrong, but please think twice. Why not reshoot the photo or if you are really into it, try to do it in a lab using "old" manipulation techniques? I think that would give more satisfaction.

As for filters and choosing film for the moment: it is all part of the craft.

I wish that I one day will become good enough to be able create great photos and personally, taking the hard way is a goal itself for me.

And about the photo: Great! I love it. A really interesting and innovative photo.