Just a mini meet with some photographers to enjoy a sunday afternoon ride on a train, west side!

#1


#2


#3


The set on my FLICKR - Still not complete yet, another set of photos by tomorrow...

Note: some pix have been heavily processed to give some surreal look just to make it appealing to the human eye... NO HDR here

 

I really like #2, very "rustic."

 

Lots of depth and detail on #3

 

nice shots. i like the colors in them but watch the post processing on the second one... the clouds or smoke seems to be blown out so it makes that part of the image look flat. but at the same time it makes the subject (obviously the train) pop out at you like you can actually touch it . The tree on the lower left side of the image is merging into the blue sky in terms of color on my calibrated monitors. The second image is very nice and well composed. I think that's my favorite of your series good job.

I don't see how any of these image would be perceived as an HDR image (natural or fantasy type) nor do they show dynamic range. HDR is fun to create... you should give it another shot... Even though in some peoples eyes they aren't considered "real" photos. Then again post processed photos aren't either. HDR is another form of artistic expression in photography.

Jon

 

Jon,

I am glad that you made some great feedback since your shooting style is more post processing type photographer as you have shown in your pictures.

I am more an "in camera" person, and this is my first real stab at playing with heavy post processing since I got Lightroom which is more designed for photographers than web/ graphic designers. Nevertheless, I still make huge mistakes in PP that is when Photoshop CS comes in handy.

On my calibrated monitors, pictures were saturated, overdone and ugly sometimes, just wanted to try something new, but for now I will step back from PP.

I use the term HDR very loosely as I am no expert in that type of Post Processing. I just understand the basic of it, Bracketing Exposure in Camera Settings, tone mapping and so forth, which usually helps one who messed up their original photos.

The photography thread shows some good examples of overdone or saturated HDR photos in the past weeks, but that is a style!

Mahalo ;-)

 

eh, I've just been dabbling in the PP more recently since I haven't done it in a while.

your PP isn't bad it just takes practice. I'm no expert either and still experimenting everyday to get the look I want. regarding HDR there aren't any WRONG ways in HDR but there are incorrect ways at processing. I've just been learning more correct ways recently. hence the reason for posting so much.

Don't give up on PP. I'm sure your photography buddies can help you out on PP as well.

I've been looking over #3 a lot and it's real soothing...

Jon

 

nice pics ^^
I like #2 it looks like the train is coming out of the picture.
pluse I notice 3 faces on the 3rd image that looks like a face or I could be my imagination.

 

Jon,

I don't think you got my message, I just wanted to say that I work more on "in camera" settings and not post processing like you do.

Photography is all about getting it right in the camera the first time then spending less time in PP or none at all.

My first stab at heavy PP was obviously a disaster! but I am not giving up lol.

Btw, my photography buddies spend more time in the camera settings as well.

Thanks!

Note: Glad, we have on this board more photographer enthusiasts who shoot and post process differently.

Should we start a photography critic thread so it not just the usual boring comments? nice pix etc... be aware though, thick skin required!!!

 

Let your imagination help us become more creative in our photography style!

Thanks.

Btw, I only see 2 faces

 

awesome shots norris...

i like the second one, but i think it woulda been better to capture it a little lower- so i can see more of the track...the "L" bracket in the foreground and the wheels look a little cut off to me- making seem a little incomplete...just my opinion...an awesome shot otherwise...

third one is just friggin cool...

thanx for sharing these...

 

i know what you mean, my "hdr" pics were highly saturated when i first started with that type of PP. I was going for a cartoon-ish look at first, but i realized i can do that with a regular camera, and there would be no need for my xti. The possibilities are endless with PP that i tend to forget that i should try to get it right in the camera the first time.

-The first pic seems to be oddly bright to my eyes, it really shows the sun was out and it was a pretty hot day.

-The second pic, i love the subject with its old rusted look. It looks to me that the color temperature is very warm in that pic. I don't really like warmer colors, but thats totally personal preference. Looks like the grass blends with the train as one, where i would rather have it contrast each other, that way its easier to see the difference between subject and background.

-I like the last pic best. Its got that gloomy depressing look which is something i look for in a B&W pic. When i look at it i imagine myself sitting at one of those trees, kicking back just thinking.....


I have a few things to say about "constructive criticism", i really prefer not to give it. Alot of what i mentioned above is personal preference. With everyone having their own personality, you can only please so much people.. Not to mention you've got your own style of doing things. I like to respect people's pics as they expressed it, whats nice to them, may not be nice to you. Some people may not want the criticism, and just want the share thier picture. Who knows, what if the things i mentioned above was meant to be expressed the way it was.

I like to avoid saying things that one may take the wrong way. It IS a good way to learn new things, but thick skin is a trait i do not possess, so im gonna have to stay away from a thread where harsh criticism may be expected.

Despite all that, i believe a seperate thread for critics is a great idea. We should keep our current photography thread for simply sharing our new or updated picture sets. When a Photographer is ready for the critics to judge thier work, they can simply jump over the Critics thread. The critic will then know for sure that the photographer is expecting criticism. This way there is no reason for them to be angered by comments about their work.

whew, sorry got a lil carried away!

 

sorry, i misinterpreted what you said.

critique thread would be a nice idea or how's about a photography challenge thread... I find that when I'm chasing (in racing and in artistic ability...etc.) I learn faster and become better faster. just a thought.

Jon

 

Jimi, nicely said!

The first pix was taken early afternoon, and boy it was HOT!!!

The second pix needs improvement for perfection.

The third pix, just a regular bw conversion with high contrast.

Just to summarize all the points you mentioned:

Constructive Criticism is all subjective to the picture, which is not a direct attack to the photographer. A majority of people tends to take it personal! that's when thick skin comes into play.

Criticism does not mean bad things, but all about getting better.

About personal preference and photography style is all about doing it with a good foundation to start off. No matter what you want to achieve, there are some basic rules to follow and bend towards your style.

The critic thread will have some rules or warnings so that no one is surprised of the outcome.

Not to forget this is a Car enthusiasts forum, not photography!


A photography challenge is a good idea, but needs some planning and effort.

Not everyone might comply to it, but that is common in any other subjects too.

 

Those are the constructive comments I am looking for, to capture a better picture by working on the composition first and then expose.

I wish I could have gone lower or look at the viewfinder, but my back said no! lol

Maybe a wider angle lens would have done it just right.

I like the fact that more track rail and the L bracket would have shown in the pix just to get an overall pix of the train on its track. Or shoot at an opposite angle from the Top, but I would need a ladder

 

pic number 3 is some gangsta *** ****