Washington D.C. Photos

nicholasb916 · Feb 27, 2013

I am very new to photography. I recently went on a trip to Washington D.C. and took a few photos. I would like critique on all of my photos and any recommendations on how to make them better. I do have experience with Photoshop CS6, and I do own it, so if retouching is needed further, I am able to do that. I like under exposed images, so that is why some are darker than others. Please let me know what you think needs to be improved on all of them. Thanks in advance! -Nick

Photographiend · Feb 27, 2013

You wont get this joke but in light of recent events I have to ask about your last two images. What the heck is that? I have no clue what I am looking at. :mrgreen:

I am hoping at least one person sees the humor in that.

Welcome to the forum.

The 1st had some potential. Nice colors could stand more light in the dark areas. That is a pretty heavy shadow on the white cross.

2nd pretty awful.

3rd should not be done in B&W.

4th better...

5th again pretty bad.

6th Not bad. A little crooked though isn't it?

7th Okay I would probably tinker with the contrast...

nicholasb916 · Feb 27, 2013

The last two are pictures of the Washington Monument at day and at sunset.

mishele · Feb 27, 2013

Planning a trip to DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival!! I can't wait!! Any advice?

nicholasb916 · Feb 27, 2013

I have only gone to Washington D.C. once. There are way too many sites to see, especially for photographers. Like I said, I am a beginner, but I do know that those blossoms are just incredible. As far as advice goes, I couldn't tell you more than simple beginner "stuff" such as field of depth, rule of thirds, etc. I'm not sure where you are as far as a photographer, but just keep an eye out for great shots (Morning and evening shots as well). Have fun though!

mishele · Feb 27, 2013

Ahhh...I was more wondering site seeing wise. Where did you stay and would you stay there again? Were you downtown?

Photographiend · Feb 27, 2013

Sorry, it was a joke. Someone had posted a pic of it against a dark sky the other day and I had never seen it illuminated and had no clue what it was.

Photographiend · Feb 27, 2013

mishele - I worked in vacation planning for a few years... if you have AAA by any chance I know someone who knows DC like the back of their hand... just let me know.

nicholasb916 · Feb 27, 2013

It's ok Photographiend....I think I actually saw that post. :lol:

Mishele, I actually stayed in Baltimore because I went for the Presidential Inauguration, and the city downtown would have been packed. The hotel was nice, about a 45 minute drive to downtown D.C., but I only slept and ate breakfast at the hotel. Customer service was great though. The hotel I stayed at was the Hampton Inn.

Trblmkr · Feb 27, 2013

I would suggest if you want to take pics of the Cherry blossoms, plan on being out VERY early before the crowds. If you can, walk around the area and get some ideas of shots ahead. I actually found a web page that told you were all of the cheery trees were planted around the tidal basin.

As for the OP, I liked the idea of the last pic, but the color is weird.

Photographiend/nicholasb916... are you referring to my shots I posted last week ??

nicholasb916 · Feb 27, 2013

Trblmkr, we were referring to another post, at least, I was. Could you be a little more specific on the what you didn't like about the color? I agree it is strange, but I'm not sure why, if that makes sense.

Photographiend · Feb 27, 2013

I actually like the color the monument is picking up from the sunset. I tinkered with it and I do think this is more to my taste contrast wise. However the issue of the asymmetry of the shot remains.