critique club
Hi Lori, first let me say that you have picked a great subject for this photo! Just realizing that a photo opportunity exists is a skill in itself.
I think that you are correct, the grill does make a nice subject for a shot. My concern is that the grill and the hood (with the reflections) are fighting each other, trying to be the subject of interest, and as a result, neither of them end up appearing as powerful as they could. I think you actually have two very nice pictures here.
The grill which first attracted you to this, makes a great subject because of the curved lines and feeling of strength it gives. I would suggest cropping out the two pieces of bumper in the lower right and left of the frame though. The curves help lead you through the picture and helps it flow.
The Chrysler symbol and upwards also makes a nice photo, and it is likely the better of the two. (especially for this contest) Do you use Photoshop? With a small adjustment to exposure using either the "levels" or the "shadow and highlight" command to darken the highlights in the reflection it really brings out the details in the clouds and sells this picture. The highlights (especially on the Chrysler symbol) are a bit overexposed so they lack detail. It is a common problem when taking shots of metallic subjects, and one of the better ways to avoid this is to take the photo in a shaded area, instead of open sunlight. Is that your reflection just below the symbol? That is something to be careful of as well when taking reflective pictures.
When approaching a complex subject such as this it is a good idea to decide first on what the actual center of interest will be, (the grill or the reflections?) then try to eliminate any distractions that take away from it. Finally see if there are any techniques or angles which can help emphasize your subject. (if shooting the picture of the grill only would you want this same high viewpoint? or shoot it from a lower prespective and perhaps more to one side or the other tho help make the lines of the grill flow in an interesting way?) Or if shooting the reflection by itself, would you take a higher viewpoint and get more in? Or would you take a lower viewpoint so that the "wings" of the ornament float more into the trees and clouds?
I am looking forward to seeing more of your pictures in the future, and I hope you found my input helpful in some way.
Ernie |
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