Probably not worth C&C

tom beard · Jul 23, 2009

I've been with TPF for some time now, and can finally post. So, I'm doing this because I can. A foggy day in the mountains. The inspiration for this was LeFoto's "Lower Saxony #6". Shot with a ten yr old Olympus 3.3 dig/zoom. I posted one in color and the other in B&W and think the B&W looks gimmicky. I'm a retired documentary photographer and have to re-learn everything. I'll post more when I get the real camera I'm saving for.

Tom Beard

kreuzberg · Jul 23, 2009

I think the colour one would have been lovely if the fog wasnt so thick, it mutes the colour a bit too much.

I'm only a beginner though so what do I know :lol:

choudhrysaab · Jul 23, 2009

first pic is better for sure ... a bit of color looks good!

rufus5150 · Jul 23, 2009

You could try pulling in the blacks a little bit and it might improve the first image.

rufus5150 · Jul 23, 2009

So if you have photoshop, try a levels adjustment with 46/0.94/232 on photo #1. (I'd post an edit but you're flagged as not allowing.) I think you'd be satisfied with the results. This de-hazes the foreground about ripe with the ROT (which wasn't intentional, but hey...).

Billhyco · Jul 23, 2009

first let me say I think if you want C&C then EVERY photo is worth it. For now, C&C is really my only means of learning and helping me figure out what I am doing wrong. Granted you have to understand there is a lot of personal feeling with forum C&C but I love the fact that I can get so many different perspectives all at once.

secondly I like #1 as well, enhance the blacks and I think it would pretty decent. I only wish I had a foggy area like such to work with.

tom beard · Jul 23, 2009

The reason I thought this photo wasn't worth it, is that I'm not able to take advice to fix it because I don't have the technology. Lousy 3.3 MP camera and no software to use to apply your good advice. Until I can get a good dslr (where I can probably fix a lot in the camera) and software, it's just a snapshot. As to the fog, I live in the mountains at 6,000 ft. (in So. California no less), and in spring we can be in a cloud for a week at a time. Several weeks ago some body got advice about free imaging software. I searched back about five weeks, and couldn't find it. Have you any suggestions? I'm saving every penny I can to get a decent Canon or Nikon. Thanks for your input, it's really appreciated.

Tom Beard

PS: My last MRI showed evidence of the lobotomy. The rest was blank.

Bitter Jeweler · Jul 23, 2009

Samanax · Jul 23, 2009

Free Photo Editors For Windows

Sachphotography · Jul 23, 2009

NEVER SAY NEVER
Just FYI. It is not good to rely on the camera for photo fixes. I have never use on camera fixes. Ever. Though I am sure some people may use them. IDK. Me.. I do not rec omened it but hey....to each his own. C&C... I would crank the contrast and make it B&W and then soften the image slightly. But thats me....

Cheers

Baaaark · Jul 24, 2009

These photos are good! They're better than a lot of stuff I put on here, so if anything don't feel like you're alone in that respect.

So I'm going to be the black (and white) sheep and say I like the second more. But the biggest issue I have with it isn't the fog. I like the fog! I would say its the foreground. It looks like you shot this at head or chest level, and maybe, perhaps maybe, it would look better shot at a lower angle (like around the knees or so). This might help it look more ominous, too. I don't know this for a fact, but my point is to try out different angles. There are so many photos taken at eye level, that taking a shot at a different angle will a lot of times add interest to the photo by itself. Taking a photo with a different perspective won't make it great by itself, but its a good start.

Overall I'd say you did a great job for your skill level.

Edited to add: You could try (if you feel the same way I do) cropping the bottom of the photo a little. Maybe take out some of the ground to put the emphasis on that SPOOKY house in the background.