All hat, no cattle

The_Traveler · Jun 25, 2007

I like this because, to me, it is composition over content - almost
Asian in simplicity. The lack of any real content should make it impossible for viewers to respond to anything but the design.

(Yes, B&W is a possibility also.)

newrmdmike · Jun 25, 2007

well., . . this photo really confuses me. i don't know if i like it or not yet.

but i do think i might like it better in bw. i feel like there is TOO much dead space in comparison with the elements. the curving of street and sidewalk i find quite unsettling, and thought at first crop it. but think not, bc there would be even less in the photo.

i can't get much further than that in my critique, and i guess i'll finish up saying if i had to give it a yes or no i'd give it a no for now.

PNA · Jun 25, 2007

Try taking out the curb leaving the sidewalk.....colors then blend better.

PNA · Jun 25, 2007

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And what I did.....Comments?

The_Traveler · Jun 25, 2007

I am a little disappointed that there was little talk about the picture itself and so much about the corrections I should make.

Why make those edits and what will it do?

EBphotography · Jun 25, 2007

Let me attempt to expand.

The idea is very good, because it really leads your eye around the photo and the negative space contributes nicely. In this photo you have a lot of straight lines, the bricks, window, the window panes individually, the cement sidewalk, etc. This curved driveway really doesn't fit this, do you think? Also by eliminating it you are having a solid color "background" for the stars, faucets, and windows. All beige.

PNA's edit eliminates the curve, and also enhances the lines of the bricks. By making the lines more prominent in the bricks, there is more texture. It also feels warmer in the edit. Hope that helps.

____

That being said: I also don't understand why Jeff's post was deleted when he just said a negative version of what Mike said. It's his opinion, not arguing.

Eric.

PNA · Jun 25, 2007

The_Traveler said:
I am a little disappointed that there was little talk about the picture itself and so much about the corrections I should make.

Why make those edits and what will it do?

I thought the idea behind this thread was to offer criticism in a constructive way. The edits listed give the results that I posted. You have every right not agree with my editing, but I have offered it for your consideration. If you are offended by my editing, suggestions and criticisms, my apologies to you sir....

If you don't care for me to edit you shots, I suggest you alter your signature to the red notice.

The_Traveler · Jun 25, 2007

PNA said:
If you are offended by my editing, suggestions and criticisms, my apologies to you sir....

I'm not offended at all, I just want to know what you actually think about the picture and why you want to make the edits.

The_Traveler · Jun 25, 2007

EBphotography said:
The idea is very good, because it really leads your eye around the photo and the negative space contributes nicely. In this photo you have a lot of straight lines, the bricks, window, the window panes individually, the cement sidewalk, etc. This curved driveway really doesn't fit this, do you think? Also by eliminating it you are having a solid color "background" for the stars, faucets, and windows. All beige.

PNA's edit eliminates the curve, and also enhances the lines of the bricks. By making the lines more prominent in the bricks, there is more texture. It also feels warmer in the edit. Hope that helps.

Eric.

Thanks for the explication of your thoughts - altho I respectfully disagree. IMO, the curve is discordant and so adds a vital something to what would otherwise be too bland. (Sort of the way that white cheese and guava paste go great together)

elsaspet · Jun 25, 2007

I guess I'm too old to "get this". I see a wall with some stars on it. An offwhite wall at that, with an off white sidewalk, and an off white street. The only color in the photo is a crooked window, and some rusty pipes.
But hey, I'm just an old fart, and I don't normally "get" what my kids would think is artistic.
Please take this as just an old woman's opinion. Thanks for sharing.

PNA · Jun 25, 2007

The_Traveler said:
I'm not offended at all, I just want to know what you actually think about the picture and why you want to make the edits.

There are others who have express opinions regarding you photo. Please consider their observations my reasons for editing your photo. The list of actions I provided are merely to demonstrate what steps I took using PhotoShop to achieve the edit.

Jeff Canes · Jun 25, 2007

PNA said:
You are well within your rights....!!!

Does that mean you prefer the original????

No, IMO, yours just seem to tight too me on the bottom, why I’m not sure, maybe that a foolish reason, but the color tweaking helped

The_Traveler said:
I am a little disappointed that there was little talk about the picture itself ---

Lou, I’m Ok with composition of the open space, but I think the colors and contrast need tweaking as PNA subjected, and maybe even a high contrast BW would be good, Simple subjects are the hardest deal with

Hope no one is offend

New England Moments · Jun 25, 2007

Well this is the kind of shot that I guess could grow on ya ...

I think what doesn't work for me is the color... the shot for me , I guess would fall short of artsy, and into a abstract category?? You mentioned , composition over content?? Which I don't understand ?? I have to totally love a scene before I can even begin to think composition.. if I don't love the subject I shoot, I walk away ? so not sure what your saying ??

I to think B+W on this shot..

The rework is very nice as it does seem to highlight more detail and texture..

motcon · Jun 25, 2007

The_Traveler said:
I am a little disappointed that there was little talk about the picture itself and so much about the corrections I should make.

Why make those edits and what will it do?

agreed. the guidelines and references clearly indicate that a critique is what is needed in this forum for the benefit of all. simply seeing an edited image does nothing for the learning environment.

the posts that are merely edits with no real valuable critique will, henceforth; be tagged.