Signpost

deeky · Jul 5, 2012

I was out here anyway, so I took the camera along. Two different looks. Let me know what you think.

Bitter Jeweler · Jul 5, 2012

What do you think? Which do you like better, and why?
What do you think these images convey to the viewer?
Is one image "stronger" than the other, and what may make that so?

charlie76 · Jul 6, 2012

I think that grass and wood always look good together in B and W. The thing on the post might take attention from the rest of the scene

Jaemie · Jul 6, 2012

I'm not getting anything from this.

KenC · Jul 6, 2012

There are so many questions you have to ask yourself to decide how the image should look, for example: is it important to you that the whole post be in the image? how much depth of field do you need (e.g., should the stems behind the post be more in focus or less?)? do you need the sky in the image, and if so, how much? how much contrast do you want in the post, and should that be different than the rest of the image? Your two images appear to address two other questions: vertical or horizontal, and whether the top of the post is above or below the horizon. On the latter point, most people would choose not to have it very close to the horizon in either case, but like everything else, this is something you have to decide for yourself. As it is, neither image does much for me either, I think because they don't show that choices were made or that there's a particular way you want us to look at this scene.

deeky · Jul 6, 2012

Thanks for all of the feedback. It's not what I had in mind when I posted, but has given me a whole lot to think about. It's a shift from image photography to story photography. One more thing to wrap my head around.........

Thanks again for the help.

Bitter Jeweler · Jul 6, 2012

Can you answer my questions?

Jaemie · Jul 6, 2012

deeky said:
It's a shift from image photography to story photography.

Not necessarily, perhaps. I don't think there has to be a "story" for this sort of image to work.

deeky said:
One more thing to wrap my head around...

Don't think too much.

deeky · Jul 6, 2012

Bitter Jeweler said:
Can you answer my questions?

I'm pretty sure I couldn't have when I took the shot. It was more of a contrast with the post vs. the grassland. Looking at them closer, here's what I see:

I'm leaning towards the first image. I like the color contrast a little better. I also see more strength in the grassland (even though it is in the background) where the vertical shot shows more strength to the signpost over the grassland. I think I would try putting the base of the post in the next shot, to emphasize the strength of the grassland as it would essentially surround the post. I would also drop the top of the post a little lower below the horizon to further the strength of the grassland. The post above the horizon in the vertical shot certainly adds to the strength of the post.

As far as one image stronger than the other, I'm not sure technically. They both have room for work. As far as subject, I think it just depends on which subject you want to be stronger.

deeky · Jul 6, 2012

deeky said:
One more thing to wrap my head around...

Don't think too much.[/QUOTE]

I understand what you are saying. As I look back, I do think I need to work on being more intentional with my shooting rather than just click, click, click, click.... Ideally, intention would be more automatic, but I think I need to take my time with it to get there. If that makes any sense.

Jaemie · Jul 6, 2012

deeky said:
I understand what you are saying. As I look back, I do think I need to work on being more intentional with my shooting rather than just click, click, click, click.... Ideally, intention would be more automatic, but I think I need to take my time with it to get there. If that makes any sense.

Yes, it does make a lot of sense.