The idea of this thread is for someone (in this case me) to post an image for discussion. The poster should explain what they thought they were trying to achieve and why, along with any pertinent technical details. Anyone who wishes can then comment on the image saying what they like and why, what they don't like and why, and what they would do differently. When the thread dies, it is up to someone else to pick up the banner and post the next image, preferably copying and pasting this paragraph into the new thread and incrementing the number in the title.

In the case of my example image, I am going to post the final image, and the original image. I will also try and make the RAW file available via Microsoft's "skydrive" if anyone wants to have a go at processing the file themselves and posting the results.

Image Number 1: Overlook Mountain Lodge.
I have an interest in, and liking for images of, decaying buildings. This is because as an archaeologist they represent the stage between currently used and occupied buildings and the remains I excavate. Also, I find the power of nature reclaiming the works of man evocative, reminding me that everything is impermanent, transitory, in decay.

With this particular image, the trees growing through the window seemed to work with my general aim, and the symmetry of seeing one window through the other appealed compositionally. Generally, I like monochrome, and it seemed to suit the mood of the image, but in this case I felt I needed a little more and so went for a split toned image. I tried to set the aperture so that the main elements in the foreground were in focus, and the depth would be emphasised by the out-of-focus background. A SMC-M 100mm f/2.8 lens was used.

I, personally, really liked the final image. My only query to myself is whether the split toning worked. Unfortunately, the PPG didn't like it and rejected it confirming my opinion that the PPG almost exclusively goes for "nice" images.

I'd be interested in your thoughts.

The final image:




The original image:




Hopefully, you can download the RAW file from here. If using this link doesn't work I am open to suggestions as to how to make the RAW file available.

Best wishes, Kris.

Try cropping the top image square loosing the highlights from the window. IMHO it improves the photo no end.


Best wishes, Kris.

I fitted a second hand katzeye split screen to my K20D and it has been wonderful. I wish I had done so sooner.

K.

Personally, I think your comments are interesting and valuable, so please don't feel ignored.

As to criticism I generally follow this pattern:
If I really don't like something or find it boring I usually say nothing.
If I say nothing, it may mean the above, or it may mean I haven't seen them, haven't had the time to comment, or a 1001 other things.

If I really like something I'll say so.
If I like something but feel that some change (cropping, conversion, levels, position, whatever) could improve the image, I'll say so.

What I do not generally do, is say "that is rubbish" although once or twice I might say "It doesn't do anything for me".

My comments will also depend on who the person is who is posting. I feel I know Andrew well enough (in a virtual sense) to be quite critical and I am sure he feels the same way.

We must also appreciate that we can have quite different views on the same photograph. Tim (I think) said that "Becalmed" needed to be cropped and have more contrast. I, personally, disagree. I like the acres of almost (but not quite) empty space and the very low key feel which fog and mist creates. Cropping and increasing the contrast would turn the image into another bog-standard picture of a boat on a lake rather than an interesting composition with an eerie feel.

Personally, I find these sorts of discussions of what we like and dislike about an image very illuminating, and would like more of them. Perhaps we could start a weekly 'Critique' thread where someone puts up an image and we really analyse what we like and don't like about it? I remember a while back I put up an image of sheep in a field which simply struck me as funny. It generated a very similar debate, which I found fascinating.

So how about a "Weekly Critique"? I have an image in mind (you have seen it before) and am willing to supply the RAW file to anyone who would like to have a go at processing it themselves. You can say whatever you like about it provided it adds to the debate (i.e., "it is wonderful" or "it is rubbish" won't do). What does everyone think?

K.

The first one doesn't work for me I'm afraid. The character isn't part enough of the picture and I am unsure what I am looking at. The last one does work for me because of the lady selling tickets. I might have been tempted to get straight on though.

"Becalmed" I love and would frame and put on the wall. The high key approach, the empty skies etc. all make it very atmospheric. I have noticed that most landscapes these days tend to be highly saturated and colourful with stunningly dramatic skies all of which look somewhat unreal. My only suggestion would be to try a weak graduated filter on the image just to bring out the slightest touch more texture in the sky. It is one of those images that would have to be printed on very high quality paper with a good printer so that the subtle tonality would come through.

The "Red Bench Peeling" is a classic Andrew shot which I rather like. "Footpath" doesn't quite work for me although I would play with some different crops.

All in all, a nice set but "Becalmed" stands out.

BTW, to those who commented about scrolling... can't you just click on the image and see it in full in another window? That is what happens when I use Firefox.

Best wishes, Kris.

If I had a very specific job to do I would. As it is I am enjoying playing with the Horseman. Just getting my head around adjusting development times to reduce/increase the dynamic range...

Because it was a prototype and would be almost impossible to find?

My niece does that apparently (according to my sister), she just dumps the entire contents of her memory card from a holiday or whatever straight onto Facebook. Another good reason to have nothing to do with it!

K.

Due to my work I'm all over google... I long gave up worrying about it. Anyone could track down where I work, where I live, what I have published, what grants I have been awarded and thanks to this forum what cameras I own in about half an hour.

Academic institutions make a big thing of staff having a profile which these days means being on the net.

K.

I would expand that to "the internet". I don't use Facebook, but I do post here, on Flickr and in the PPG. I am always looking back to see if there are any new comments, what people like and don't like and so on. It has certainly been a big factor in the resurgance in my interest in photography over the last three years.

I do smile, however, that some of my most popular photos on Flickr are pictures of cameras. The one of the LX, MX and KX side by side gets a slow but steady stream of visits!

K.