Luminous Landscape Forum

The Art of Photography => User Critiques => Topic started by: Todd Suttles on May 13, 2014, 12:15:11 pm

Title: " i'm lovin' it"
Post by: Todd Suttles on May 13, 2014, 12:15:11 pm
Comments on PP, composition??
Thanks, -t

PS:  i'm lovin' it is McDonalds' current ad campaign
Title: Re: " i'm lovin' it"
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on May 13, 2014, 12:22:24 pm
The out-of-focus fence is an absolute distraction.
Title: Re: " i'm lovin' it"
Post by: Todd Suttles on May 13, 2014, 12:56:09 pm
The out-of-focus fence is an absolute distraction.
OK, thanks Slobodan for being forthright. I agree with you now that I see it through your eyes. It was a deliberate DOF choice to emphasize the steer. I see now all I did was emphasize that decision.

I added the fence to the composition on purpose too. IF the fence was almost sharp or sharp,  do you think it would add; or is the inclusion of it a mistake too? Is the fence or focus of the fence a problem?

Thanks for your patience, I appreciate everyone's sharing of expertise... -t
Title: Re: " i'm lovin' it"
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on May 13, 2014, 04:44:46 pm
I think if the fence were sharp, it would add to the image.
Title: Re: " i'm lovin' it"
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on May 13, 2014, 06:36:46 pm
There is another area of the image that is unfortunate, namely the patch of dirt on the left. The fence might have been useful if sharp, but probably only if the angle is such that it serves as leading lines compositionally.

The fence could have been VERY useful, however, had you climbed it ;)

The elevated vantage point would have helped you achieve the holy grail of photography: simplification of the mess around us. You would have eliminated the dirt patch, the fence, and the line of trees in the background, leaving only the essentials: cows and the meadow. Me thinks.
Title: Re: " i'm lovin' it"
Post by: Todd Suttles on May 13, 2014, 06:53:04 pm
There is another area of the image that is unfortunate, namely the patch of dirt on the left. The fence might have been useful if sharp, but probably only if the angle is such that it serves as leading lines compositionally.

The fence could have been VERY useful, however, had you climbed it ;)

The elevated vantage point would have helped you achieve the holy grail of photography: simplification of the mess around us. You would have eliminated the dirt patch, the fence, and the line of trees in the background, leaving only the essentials: cows and the meadow. Me thinks.
Got it! Thanks for explaining everything. I know this stuff is very basic for you guys, but it helps me. I appreciate your patience and willingness to help.
Title: Re: " i'm lovin' it"
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on May 13, 2014, 07:25:45 pm
Ansel Adams used to drive a truck with a specially built platform for his tripod, so that he can get that elevated vantage point. Me, I climb the fence when I can, like this one in Yellowstone, the only way to capture the depth of the pool, as well as the lake in the distance:

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3248/3100669480_78a85aba1f_z.jpg?zz=1) (https://flic.kr/p/5HZK1C)
Emerald Pool (https://flic.kr/p/5HZK1C) by Slobodan Blagojevic (https://www.flickr.com/people/20843597@N05/), on Flickr
Title: Re: " i'm lovin' it"
Post by: Todd Suttles on May 13, 2014, 10:29:18 pm
Magnificent!!! Thanks for showing me, -t