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Author Topic: monochrome abstract  (Read 6995 times)

pdm

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monochrome abstract
« on: February 13, 2007, 02:48:38 pm »

I've got a photoclub competition coming up themed with Abstract.  Abstracts are a pretty weak area for me, so I thought I would see what folks here thought of these.  Thanks for any thoughts.  I'll be printing the monochrome ones.  The color one will be digital projection.






And one color one.



Thank you!
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Phillip Moore [url=http://pdmphotogra

LoisWakeman

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monochrome abstract
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2007, 05:38:27 am »

Phillip: to my eyes, 1 is strongest by a long way, followed by 3. 2 is pretty feeble - sorry! It doesn't have any visual balance: the not-quite level thing (train carriage roof?) is annoying! The top right corner is the most interesting part, with the subtle shading of the corners.
« Last Edit: February 14, 2007, 05:39:02 am by LoisWakeman »
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mikeseb

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monochrome abstract
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2007, 12:03:38 pm »

I have to agree with Lois. 1 is a very strong image, which I think would be made even stronger by cropping out everything on the right beyond the lateral edge of the upper right dark windows; and on the left, everything beyond the point at which the dark lower left images begin. (I'd show but this computer at work has no image editor!)

I'd like to see 3 in B&W also. I'm not sure the color adds anything to the composition.
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michael sebast

pdm

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monochrome abstract
« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2007, 01:19:44 pm »

Thanks for your feedback!  You aren't the first to suggest cropping the first one.  One person suggested flipping it horizontally, but I didn't like that at all.   I've included my take on your suggestion below along with the B&W version of the squares.    An alternate view of the  second one (that no one seems to like except me)  is here for some perspective on what it is.   You never know what a judge is going to say either.  






Thanks so much for your suggestions earlier!

Phillip
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jule

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monochrome abstract
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2007, 09:08:01 pm »

Thanks Phillip for your images and this opportunity to comment.

I like the crop version on 1. It has a much stronger geometrical statement. The original version is quite striking and has an element of depth and dimensionality - which when cropped is removed , however,  I think a much stronger two dimensional geometrical image results by cropping.

I also like the B&W version of 3. Is there any possibility reworking it a bit and having more tonal variation in the dark areas? It just seems a bit heavy, and perhaps it may be more interesting if there was a greater tonal range across the darker areas.

I think your lobby view (link) reminds me of an advertisement for a motel. It doesn't do anything for me, but that is totally irrelevant, because if you are happy with it and like it, really - that is the only thing that matters.

Julie
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James Godman

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monochrome abstract
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2007, 11:42:37 am »

Your first image is the best by far, and I like it how you presented it in your first post.  Please don't crop it further!
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Danijela D. Karic

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monochrome abstract
« Reply #6 on: February 22, 2007, 03:17:34 am »

Hi Phillip,

I believe if you visit your local books store » Photography Section « you will find the picture number one Cliché as far as I am concern and I only say that because it is a very common theme, something we all have seen over & over.

Second one and Third one is the direction I would take and perhaps come up with some more variations on the same idea.

Regards
Danijela
« Last Edit: February 22, 2007, 03:18:02 am by Danijela D. Karic »
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pdm

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monochrome abstract
« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2007, 01:56:29 pm »

Thanks everyone for your helpful feedback.    I entered the first three into the abstract competition at my photoclub (nvps.org), with a slightly smaller crop getting rid of the black on the left of the lines one.  Tony Sweet (the judge this month) kicked out both my monochrome ones.  The lines one because the very far right line wasn't exactly vertical to his eye.  The one of the curved object because it cut the frame in half, and the color one of the oblique squares got third place with no comments at all.  

I normally don't get anything in color, and usually something in monochrome.  I think abstract just isn't my thing.  I'll stick with non abstractions for now.  :-)

Thanks again!
« Last Edit: February 23, 2007, 01:57:41 pm by pdm »
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jule

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monochrome abstract
« Reply #8 on: February 23, 2007, 04:02:18 pm »

Quote
I normally don't get anything in color, and usually something in monochrome.  I think abstract just isn't my thing.  I'll stick with non abstractions for now.  :-)

[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=102648\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Do you think that abstract just isn't your thing because you didn't get anywhere in the competition? ... or don't you enjoy observing and creating images of the world in a different way?

Julie
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Richowens

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monochrome abstract
« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2007, 12:14:14 am »

Phillip,

 Don't get disheartened because of one person that didn't like your photos. Remember, he puts his pants on the same way you do, one leg at a time.  

 Recently I had four prints in our local club Print of the Year competition. The judge is well respected and a decent photographer. He was quite critical of three of my prints yet did not see what he was seeing. In other words, he didn't know what he was talking about.
 One he said was almost oversharpened as he had his nose up against the 12x16 print.  
 Another one he said was overpolarized  .......seldom use one........didn't on that print.
 The third one I applied a gaussian haze layer to a field of sunflowers to give the feeling of heat (105f that day). He said I needed to use levels to get rid of the haze.........yeah sure!!  

 The bottom line is, to quote Ricky Nelson.."You can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself."

 Rich
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Danijela D. Karic

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monochrome abstract
« Reply #10 on: February 24, 2007, 03:01:57 am »

Quote
Thanks everyone for your helpful feedback.    I entered the first three into the abstract competition at my photoclub (nvps.org), with a slightly smaller crop getting rid of the black on the left of the lines one.  Tony Sweet (the judge this month) kicked out both my monochrome ones.  The lines one because the very far right line wasn't exactly vertical to his eye.  The one of the curved object because it cut the frame in half, and the color one of the oblique squares got third place with no comments at all. 

I normally don't get anything in color, and usually something in monochrome.  I think abstract just isn't my thing.  I'll stick with non abstractions for now.  :-)

Thanks again!
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
[span style=\'font-size:12pt;line-height:100%\']CONGRATULATIONS!!![/span]  Link » [a href=\"http://nvps.org/main/content/view/892/]Phillip Moore - Results[/url]

As I said before, you will find the picture number one Cliché. The other two are more original and this is why you made progress.

I'm sure you know, if you aim to reach the top it takes more then just good images and good equipment, Nº1 Pleasure & Nº2 Persistence are the way as far as I am concerned.

Regards
Danijela
« Last Edit: February 24, 2007, 03:14:55 am by Danijela D. Karic »
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