my first edited photos - feedback please

sideburn · Mar 25, 2013

hi these are my first edited photos and I would like some feedback on them to see what I've done well, what I've done bad and how I can improve

The first photo I used:
f/22
1/8sec
ISO 100
focal length 35mm

I made the photo black and white and changed the levels

The second photo I used
f/22
1/30sec
ISO 100
focal length 21mm

I made the photo black and white changed the levels and the brightness

Rick58 · Mar 25, 2013

You should really allow editing to get the most out of feedback. But...
#1. There's really not a point of interest. I found a small portion of the frame that may have been interesting but, apparently, it was snowing and the slow shutter speed captured the blowing snow. The part I was looking at was the trees almost dead center. The stickish trees and snow may have pulled a nice winter scene.

#2 I'm afraid it's dark and you cut the top off.

It sucks getting bad feedback, but sometimes you just have to climb back on the horse and try again. I think this is one of those times. Good luck!

snowbear · Mar 26, 2013

You might be able to use the wall to help the composition and focal point in first shot. I kind of like the second one but agree about cutting off the top of the tower. Try cropping out the left 1/4 to 1/3, and some off the bottom (changes it to portrait mode) - make the second tower the focal point.

sideburn · Mar 26, 2013

Ok thanks for your advice i'll edit them and include those points. But I was trying to use a long shutter speed to show the motion of the snow, did I do it wrong as it is hard to see?

AnnieHuley · Mar 26, 2013

Motion of snow usually ends up looking like rain in my opinion... I usually go for a fast shutter speed to freeze the flakes in place so you can tell it is snow. Always gives a fun "floating" look... here's an example...

10/365 Stuck in a Blizzard by Annie Huley, on Flickr

EDIT: I also think on both I would have used an aperture closer to f/10, f/14? I think it would be sharper in that range.

Don't be disheartened by lots of feedback. Take it in stride, keep learning. I'm no good at landscape work, these are a lot better than most of mine! Just offering the same advice to you as I came upon for myself.

Another edit:

I think the second photo shows great potential. I like the area and I think the road could serve as a really nice focal point! Would be nice to see it brighter, sharper and maybe a slightly different angle... if you backed up and shot from lower, you could get more of the road, possibly more of the building too!