Tim Øsleby wrote: > > And now, the PHOTO: > You may remember this > http://foto.no/cgi-bin/bildegalleri/vis_bilde.cgi?id=308716 > > But I'm open to most suggestions. > Unless they means to go back to reshoot. Havent got time for that. It ain't > snowing all year here ;-) >
I refrained from commenting on the "Heavy Weather" series originally, because, personally, I found nothing too appealing in the shots. I understand the concept and the idea for the series and I truly understand adverse shooting conditions. But since you seem to be really fond of this shot, I'll tell you what I don't like about it and offer a suggestion or two. First, the oyster catcher (middle bird), drags my attention straight to its bright, red beak. This is unfortunate since it is out of focus. I know it's not meant to be in focus for the layering effect (see below) but it's just bad luck that it's the brightest thing in the frame and I'm distracted by bright, shiny objects. Second, I don't like the pose of the lapwing (foreground bird). It's a nice bird, but its rear end is not that interesting and conflicts with the profiles of the other two birds. Third, nothing is really in critical focus. I think for this layering effect to work, you need one bird in super-sharp focus. Just as an example and with entirely different weather conditions (overcast, no snow) check out: http://tinyurl.com/2emxee The shooting angle is similar (slightly above) and the idea was the same. I wish my birds weren't intersecting and for that I missed THE shot too (again, in my opinion). With static birds (perched, standing, etc) I REALLY think critical focus is the key. Seriously, if I miss focus, especially on the eye, by more than a hair, I delete the image. So, MY suggestion; what I would do with this image; I would go back and try again another day. You say you "don't have time" but really, as a hobbyist, all you have is time. It'll snow again, the birds will be there again and you can use other images for your display in the meantime. I guess I don't "push" my images to fill a gap or try to make them into something they can't be. Perhaps it's an experience thing. I go back and look at old slides and wonder why I kept them. I've improved a ton in the past 6 or so years as my shooting increased (and still have a lot more to go!). Maybe that's why I am so critical of my own work, because I KNOW I'm capable of better. It's just a matter of going back and doing it again and learning from my errors. Instead of fixing a current image, I'll shoot another of the same subject/location/style, remembering why I didn't like the original. Sometimes, for example Australian birds (the parrots there are amazing), I might have to wait several years to re-shoot. Any way, my 2 Kroner. Only meant to help you since you seem to have an interest in something I have a real passion for. -- Christian http://photography.skofteland.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
