Luminous Landscape Forum

The Art of Photography => User Critiques => Topic started by: Ishmael. on November 15, 2009, 04:23:05 pm

Title: Tibetan monk in a snowstorm
Post by: Ishmael. on November 15, 2009, 04:23:05 pm
I tried to use different compositions and post-processing to create three different interpretations of the same scene. I wonder if it came through at all.....let me know if any of them work! As always, C&C well appreciated
Title: Tibetan monk in a snowstorm
Post by: oldcsar on November 15, 2009, 05:41:58 pm
They are all pleasant to look at. I most like the first one, because the composition allows for several interesting elements into the scene (the greater view of the crack in the wall, for instance). While I think that the b&w treatment of the middle one works, a similar treatment for the first one would be effective as well. The motion blur of the monk in the first two is more engaging than the stationary monk on the end-right.
Title: Tibetan monk in a snowstorm
Post by: wolfnowl on November 16, 2009, 12:48:18 am
I agree.  They're all good, but the first is my favourite for the same reasons.

Mike.
Title: Tibetan monk in a snowstorm
Post by: walter.sk on November 16, 2009, 10:07:55 am
Quote from: Ishmael.
I tried to use different compositions and post-processing to create three different interpretations of the same scene. I wonder if it came through at all.....let me know if any of them work! As always, C&C well appreciated
I like the motion blur in the 1st image, and I wish the 3rd picture had the same type of blur.  However, my vote goes for the 3rd picture, which I think is a much tighter and stronger composition.  It more clearly tells the story of the monk about to enter the building (a temple, I presume?), with the snow almost acting as a deterrent.  An interaction between the monk and the meaning of entering is suggested.  I just wish he were not as static.
Title: Tibetan monk in a snowstorm
Post by: Ishmael. on November 16, 2009, 12:06:08 pm
thank you for the feedback everyone. I agree that there is a bit missing from the third picture, but in a way I'm happy you describe it as "static," because that's what I was going for. I had a few shots of the monk on the doorsteps and in this one he had paused for a few seconds, maybe to contemplate something, and I thought that was best depicted by lack of blur, his foot positions and a slight blue overtone. I'll post a couple variations here once I get a chance to post-process them, maybe they're better

I appreciate all the advice
Ish
Title: Tibetan monk in a snowstorm
Post by: RSL on November 16, 2009, 12:19:10 pm
Ishmael, I agree with Walter that number 3 is best of the lot. Tough to have to step out into a snowstorm to take a leak.
Title: Tibetan monk in a snowstorm
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on November 16, 2009, 03:29:08 pm
Quote from: RSL
Ishmael, I agree with Walter that number 3 is best of the lot. Tough to have to step out into a snowstorm to take a leak.
I'll have to say I'm with Walter and Russ on this one. The very fact that the monk is so static in #3 says to me that the blizzard around him is of no real concern; his focus is completely on entering the temple, for meditation and not simply to escape the storm. I find it quite moving.

Eric