The View at the End of Dominion Street

[janis]

I took the DSLR along with me on my dog walk today. The idea was to experiment with a polarizing filter on the lens, something I've not yet had any experience with. In the end, the only scene I was really motivated to capture was this one, where all the polarizer did (as I understand it) was to limit my aperture and shutter speed. But I didn't want to take it off, as I hadn't had the foresight to carry something to put it in, and so I took the chance that I might capture something of the beauty of the late afternoon light. Let me know what you think.

[macromeister]

Janis. A polarizer in a situation like this will have very little effect on the shot because the sun is directly in front of you. For it to work the sun needs to be at 90 degrees on either side of you/camera. If it's directly in front or behind you then very little effect will be had.

Have a read of this digital-photography-school.com/how-to-use-and-buy-polarizing-filters

[janis]

Yes, thanks, Rob, I understand that. All my palaver was to explain my aperture and shutter speed in case anyone was looking at my EXIF data. But what do you think of the image? The polarizer didn't hurt it, did it? other than limiting my exposure choices, I mean.

Thanks for the link; I will have a look at it later.

[chrisc]

I don't think it hurt a thing. Your exposure on the snow, given the detail, color, etc seems to be spot on. I'm not sure the artifical framing does much for the image given the overall crispness of everything else, but that's just a matter of opinion.

[macromeister]

Feb 26, 2013 16:15:49 GMT janis said:

But what do you think of the image?

I realize it could just be the odd way I see things, but when I look at any shot I want one of two scenarios, apart from abstract shots, of course.

Firstly, there are shots with a main subject with perhaps (but not always) surrounding material for context and support, like this one (mine). It's obvious what you are looking at - the main subject, which is an attractively shaped tree.

Wind swept by Rob Ashcroft is www.macromeister.co.uk, on Flickr

If it's a general scene (like yours) I like it to have some form of compositional structure that I can navigate/explore. Like this one (not mine). There is a definite start point here, and it leads you through the shot, and you get to the end feeling visually satisfied.

KuusamoFeb13_O7A6984sk_s by esapekka, on Flickr

Both the above examples show very well the two scenarios, and I chose tree shots as that is what yours is. With your image I'm finding it hard to find a starting point. After opting for the central area I'm uncertain where to go from there. Perhaps if you are shooting general views you could try giving more consideration to what the structure should be to make the shot more effective?

As I said at the top, abstract or symmetry images are different and you can be more free-ranging and drop some of the composition/structure/navigation, but you have to have something there to hold the attention.

[chrisc]

Well, you know (not to hijack Janis' thread), some of the rest of us, me included could use some more directed critique...sometimes i feel like I post just to give my stuff someplace to rest. It's frustrating and I see this forum sinking because of it - not just to me in particular but to the whole.

Look at the number of members who no longer post and I think that should give everone pause to consider why. I'm singling you out Rob because you were here twice today and only commented on two images, both by Janis. Yesterday it would have been someone else and the day before...we're all in this together, therefore we are all guilty.

I do know Rob, Wirefox and David Byrne had the screaming crud and to that end a very reasonable excuse not to be at the top of their games. I had it for three weeks and I could barely crawl to the computer, much less make a sensible comment.

It's not that I, or anyone else for that matter seeks some polite pats on the back as much as it is we took time to produce and image and it should be worth at least one or two comments.

It is a rare image on here I do not make comment toward.

If we are to survive, we have to be better. Just another opinion by a rain captured inmate about to go stark effing crazy. We got 11.86 inches of rain over the course of 3 1/2 days. I think that comes out to about 28cm.

Sorry about the rant but there's more truth to this and certainly with that truth comes the possiblity of consequence from further inaction by the membership.

[macromeister]

Chris

A couple of things.

1. I'm as confused as you are about the paucity of comment on here. I think I've come to the conclusion that generally people don't like it on any site. What people mostly want is praise and recognition (and that includes me) and perhaps a few useful politely worded pointers. I've been delving deeper into FLICKR recently and people are scared of saying more than 140 characters, so regimented are they by Twitter.

2. I am busy - we are all busy. I know I'm retired, but I do spend a lot of time on photography. My wife claimed it was too much, but as I've turned over £7,000 this last 12 month from photography she has changed her tune. But it is time-consuming, and I'm busy, like others are. I just know for example that Steve Webb probably has at most about three nano-secs spare a day to pull on his yoga pants, then realize that whatever he was going to do in them has run out of time.

3. Getting good at something (like photography) needs a big obsessive (I don't use that word casually) effort. Getting feedback from others is important, but really it's quite a small part of it.

4. Personally, I don't see the need for a large forum, provided there is sufficient interest and contribution from the few. If you sat down with your wife and four friends to a nice convivial dinner tonight (listening to the rain) I doubt that you would suddenly wish that a hundred extra people had turned up just to get the numbers up.

[chrisc]

I just responded to a PM from another member and I did fail to recognize the time factor most of us have...well, except you and me being the retired clods we are.

And as to an invite for a 10 for dinner, not today, tomorrow or at any time, so there is a good point...but I do think we need to perhaps be a little more proactive in giving praise or comment to the small membership we do have.

Didn't mean for you to feel singled out and hope you didn't take it as such...just got my knickers all twisted up a bit.

[maryloveslucy]

My family has been in a crisis recently. So, other than a few light-hearted comments, I just take a peek. Then move on.

Mostly, though... I comment and them the comment is not recognized so I don't often comment. I assume my comments aren't the right kind.

And...my camera forgot how to get out of its bag.

[chrisc]

Zippppppppppppp, click, riiiiip and it's open. Crisis...the world is in criis...but I hope yours soon clears.

[maryloveslucy]

This one is a tough one.

[jeeperman]

I love the shadows, trees and sun, however I too find difficulty in content as to the subject. Had the deck not been there or more of the house been included, it may have been stronger. =}

As for the lacking participation....I have seen it do this before and hope that things turn around again. With such few members that post regular....things are noticed quickly when a few get busy. I have been trying to keep active but will have a few days missed here and there for a short period as ontop of all of my sick friends {you wouldn't believe it if I told you }....the last Grandfather I have is headed to Hospice.
I do agree we all need to try and step it up some, if you have time to browse...try at least to make one critique per visit.

[janis]

Fair comment, Rob and Paul. I totally get your point. I am less enthusiastic about it tonight than I was last night, but there is something about it I like, and I would like to figure out what that is. Actually, I think my problem is that there often multiple things about an scene I like and I want to capture it all, when really I have to choose one and make every other choice--framing, DOF, exposure--subservient to emphasizing that one thing. KISS to me, and hugs and kisses to everyone who takes the time to comment, because I really do appreciate it. There was a time when I could not bear to be criticized, but I am happy to say that time is long past.

Chris, I hope the sun comes out for you soon. It just may be that I transferred to my image the delight I felt at seeing sun and shadows for the first time in weeks. ;D

Mary, best of luck with whatever it is you are dealing with right now. I hope you will be able to get that camera out of its bag before too long.

[maryloveslucy]

When I look at it... I agree with Paul that the deck doesn't add anything... And with Chris regarding the frame. I zoomed in just enough to view it without the frame or deck,

I like it...the lighting and shadows... I like the 'feel' of it. Looks like a beautiful place to walk.

[janis]

Thanks, Mary. "Feel" is what I'm aiming for. The whole neighbourhood is great for walking, which you will find out if you ever come this way.