A Lovely Dat at The Park

[midgeman]

-A Lovely *DAY at The Park

With the weather being so beautiful and tantalizingly warm this weekend, I made a trip out to Long Hunter State Park with my wife and daughter. I also brought along my AE-1 and ran a roll of cheapo film through, the second roll since my ownership. Once again, I'm pretty pleased with the results, though I would prefer just a bit more contrast. A CPL may be in my future. C&C always welcome.


Pensive Rocky Waters by ImidgeryByKMidgett, on Flickr


Over The Hills & Through The Woods... by ImidgeryByKMidgett, on Flickr

 

[midgeman]

So these are either perfect, or not worth critiquing? Bueller...

 

[PropilotBW]

Respectfully:
You mentioned the weather being warm, however, there is nothing in your pictures that portrays this warmth. I don't know much about film results, but the photos just appear dull. They may look better in black and white?
In the rock photo, your family is full of shadows. Next time consider the sun to your back. This may help draw a viewers eye in to your family, versus wandering around the rocks and lake wondering where to focus...

 

[midgeman]

By tantalizingly warm, I meant just on the brink of warm, like cool crisp air but hot sun. It's been freezing here and I can't wait for it to warm up. I could see how her jacket might lend to colder conditions, but the images themselves are of a "warmer" WB, or no?

The "dull", or slightly washed out appearance is due to the film. I have no hand in developing them, so maybe that is something that can be corrected in processing or with a CPL. I would prefer a bit more contrast as well.

I chose to share that one because I prefer the composition overall, even though their faces are shaded. I could see how that would be a problem.
I took this one with them looking towards the sun, but I don't think the composition is as strong even though the light is better. Maybe others disagree?


Sun Bathing by ImidgeryByKMidgett, on Flickr

 

[epeddy1]

From a newb, I like the first one better. Harsh shadows are harsh, and it seems the first one makes them blend into the scene better. Or maybe it's the distracting colors in the second (maybe go B&W?).

Also, they have a strange effect, where the blacks aren't quite black. Maybe that's from developing? With digital, you could probably create the same effect by adjusting the blacks. Neat effect, but for some reason makes me feel like I'm looking through dirty glasses or a dirty windshield.

 

[KmH]

With film we are taught- "expose for the shadows and let the highlights take care of themselves".
With digital it's exactly opposite - "expose for the highlights and let the shadows take care of themselves".

All of the photos are 'hazy' and lack contrast.
The lack of contrast could be the (un-stated) film used, and/or the film developing.

Direct sunlight is not usually considered 'quality' light and light quality and direction have a lot to do with how pleasing photographs look.

Composition wise the photos are fine.

 

[paigew]

I really like the first. It has a very dreamy feel. The second photo has a lot of distracting elements (trash cans/tables). I also like the last one, besides the man in the distance.

 

[midgeman]

With film we are taught- "expose for the shadows and let the highlights take care of themselves".
With digital it's exactly opposite - "expose for the highlights and let the shadows take care of themselves".

I am aware of this. I was afraid that if I exposed for the shadows I would blow out the sky and other details, and since I have no control of the developing process I compromised. I am still VERY new to film.

All of the photos are 'hazy' and lack contrast.
The lack of contrast could be the (un-stated) film used, and/or the film developing.

I'm guessing it's a combination of both. I actually don't mind it, but it's obviously complete personal preference and I could see how others would not like it. Do you think a filter could help with this?

Direct sunlight is not usually considered 'quality' light and light quality and direction have a lot to do with how pleasing photographs look.

Direct, as in them looking directly into the sun? This was taken in the late afternoon shortly before sunset.

I really like the first. It has a very dreamy feel. The second photo has a lot of distracting elements (trash cans/tables). I also like the last one, besides the man in the distance.

Thank you for the comments. I wish that man wasn't there, but what can you do...

 

[Aakajx]

I do like the first picture, yes it may have shadows but it does look relaxing and warm with the sun on her back.

You know people say have the sun to your back but if someone's looking at you the sun can be right in their face and it makes the photo more awkward I feel.

with the second picture if you could crop it I think it would look nicer