Sky, Shelter, Pond, and Waterfall

[grouseking]

I posted these in my last trip report, but I'd like some critique on a few that I liked the most.

I'm always looking around, and when I took a brief breather, I looked up and saw this.



The next one was taken at the Moose Mtn Shelter. In general I like it but its a bit blurry on one side, and there is a blue jacket and backpack that is a little distracting. Still, I enjoyed it enough to post.



Next shot is Cole Pond in Enfield. It was the last pic I took that day, and I like how it has a boat in it.



Finally, a shot of Bridal Veil Falls. I attempted to give a perspective on the size of the falls, compared to the person standing underneath them. He's about 5 foot 5. Darn it, I just realized that you can see my finger on the lower right hand corner of it. Oh well. Besides that, I like this photo, and that can be fixed.



let me know what you think.

grouseking

 

[hikingnclimbing]

On a positive note, I like the color in the first one as well as the perspective. Did you use a polarizer on it? It's very vibrant!

On the waterfall, I would switch the orientation next time to portrait. Portrait photos generally evoke a feeling of growth and energy, which fit well with the fast moving water. It would also let you get more of the actual falls in to the picture. Chopping off the top of the falls is like chopping off the top of someone's head.

 

[NewHampshire]

The first one has some nice color contrast, but it lacks any ral subject so leaves one wandering in search of one.

The next one is not bad, but the cabin is too close to the center and looks too "snapshot" like. Next time consider using the rule of thirds, which is by no means a rule that must always be followed, but usually results in the best effect.

The third is pretty good. Needs some highlight and shadow manipulation, and you should consider cropping a bit off the top to remove the wayward ;eaves and branches sticking down, which are distracting a bit.

Last one....what hikingnclimbing said .

Brian

 

[Mark Schaefer]

I do like the graphic quality of the first photo, the curve and sweep of the tree branch, and the contrast of the vivid spring greenery against the blue sky. Overall it is a pleasing photo. However, as Brian commented it does lack a strong subject to catch one's attention.

The second photo has a nice sense of place showing the lean-to within its environs. The bright sunny day is working against you creating a bit too much contrast -- so that the two individuals are lost in the shadows. This kind of scene would work better in the more diffuse and even illumination of an overcast day. Also when you look through the viewfinder you need to notice the backpack and jacket on the ground, and ask yourself whether they add or detract from your photo. Move them if necessary. If these objects were closer to the couple in the lean-to we might understand why they are in the photo, and they would be less distracting. In this photo they are isolated and draw attention away from the lean-to.

The bright day contrast in the third photo was again not your friend. The boat would be a very nice addition to the photo if it were better lit, but it is lost in the dappled shadowy light. In this light you generally will obtain better photos with subjects drenched in sun light. The colors are very nice, and it is good that you are looking to include subjects in the foreground.

The man in the fourth picture adds good scale and subject interest. I also agree that a vertical framing would work better, and I noticed that you had one two pictures later in your album, but unfortunately without the human subject. However, I do prefer the framing in that vertical photo.

I did look through your three albums a couple of days ago from your hikes last weekend. I was impressed with the bright spring colors and the wide range of subjects. You are producing some good photos.

 

[Grumpy]

A jillion shots like the first one (and a nearly as many like the third) reside in my files, and never have seen much of the light of day. They were nice when I took them, and fun to shoot, but turned out to lack enough visual and story interest to stand up and be noticed as time went on.

Shot number two is different. It documents a real subject. In this case, a little cropping (off the top and bottom) might make the composition more interesting. Bringing out more detail in the dark interior of the shelter – to reveal the human element more fully – would help, too.

I really like the human figure in the fourth photo. It provides scale. Without that, the cascade could be a mere trickle, and the viewer never would (or could) know the difference. The scale gives meaning to the picture.

Compositionally, though, the waterfall photo can use some real work. Try cropping into a vertical format, fairly tight to the cascade on both sides. This will move the human figure off dead center, toward the left of the frame.

I don’t see a good crop at the top or bottom that would strengthen the composition and preserve the overall effect. (Cropping some off the bottom works better to my eye than taking anything off the top.) This photo would be strengthened compositionally – and maybe pictorially -- by including more of the pool at the base of the falls, and perhaps at the top, so we see both ends of the waterfall.

G.