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Photography Question 

Mike Stephens
 

Comments PLEASE!!


Hi. This is a WONDERFUL site and I'm glad to be a part of it.
I'm in my 40's and am interested in photography again after 20+ years.
I'd appreciate ANY and ALL comments and FEEDBACK (HONEST and HARDBALL) on the pics I have in my gallery. I'm a teacher, so feel free to rate them A through F along with any suggestions.
THANK YOU!!
Mike Stephens
PROUD Dad of Chris & Shane (9 & 6)


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June 04, 2005

 

Andrew Laverghetta
  Hey Mike! Some nice pictures, here's what I think.

Shane So Serious!!! hmm, not sure, cute kid of course :) but anyways, maybe you could have framed it a little tighter from just under the pole and then everything higher is fine.

PATIENCE! the people at the top are kind of distracting because of the color. Maybe you could have gotten behind him to show what he's looking at? I know you probably wanted to get a picture of his face though. It all depends on if you're going for atrsy kinda or goood ole memories. Maybe crouch down to his level too.

2 Minutes to Set first I'm going to say that I really like the Sillouette Sunset. Mostly because it seems to have a more defined subject. The continous weeds/wheat (I don't know what it is, i'm a photographer, not a botanist lol) isn't as interesting of a subject as a single stalk is with that line of the same thing out of focus in the back ground.

Sunset at Tyler Park. I love the colors. Composition-wise, you could have included more of the horizon to show where you are and give more of a balance so you can feel like you're there when reading it. Otherwise it could have been from anywhere. Good exposure too! Maybe try with the rule of thirds and keep the tips of those plants just under the imaginary line that would be 1/3 up from the bottom.

Wheat It looks like there's a little bit of lens flare at the bottom. This can look really cool if you control it. Maybe try a lower point of view to get the circles streaking diagonally through the frame? It could become a more tricky exposure as well with that. In my opinion, I would like more of the plant in focus or at least more of the central part of it, not just the sides of the frame. Try using a much smaller aperture, though this probably wouldn't have gotten the branches further back in perfect focus, it might seem to flow a little better.

Before Bottled Water I like the idea, especially since I have something like this too. The biggest thing I notice is that the the close rim of the bowl is over exposed. Was flash used? I'm kind wondering what that other thing is behind the main subject. Is it another fountain? So I'm kind of distracted by it. I've found myself also taking pictures that I think I will really like but the background and anything other than the subject comes back to haunt me. Maybe experiment with differnt angles of view or points of view I guess.

Please note: I notice I don't mention many positives, it's just because it takes up more room mostly, but you probably already know the good things that I would have commented on. Also, I've been into photography for just over a year and while I've tried to read as much as I could and my one semester photo class I just finished, I still might make some comments some or most others might disagree with. Looks like some good stuff though, keep it up and it'll get back up to where it was and better! Congrats on picking it back up so quickly too.


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June 04, 2005

 

Mike Stephens
  Andrew, THANK YOU for your welcome feedback! The two pics of my son were taken before I found this site and just as quick shots for a family album. NO thought went into them but since I love him, I included them! =)
I had SO much trouble with "Before Bottled Water" that I almost gave up! I was alone and kept the fountain on with my knee. The stream kept changing and the focus was an issue! Yes. Behind it IS another larger fountain...good eye! It IS distracting. But at that point with soaked pants and shoes, I was happy just to get the water in focus!
ALL of your comments were VERY HELPFUL! THANK YOU for the time you spent. I want you to know I GREATLY appreciate it.
~mike


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June 04, 2005

 

Angela K. Wittmer
  I think its is great! I love the sunset pics... I too am learning so practice makes perfect right?

Keep up the great work


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June 06, 2005

 

Kerry L. Walker
  Mike, as I stated in another thread, I understand the effect you were after with Sunset at Tyler Park (sun sinking out of the picture) and I think you have captured that well. What Andrew said is correct, as far as the "rules" go, but you got what you wanted.

Patience: I agree with Andrew but there is a fix. Crop the picture at the water's edge just above his head. This will remove the people in the background as well as their reflections. I did that with your image by scrolling on my monitor and I think you will be very happy with the results.


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June 06, 2005

 

Mike Stephens
  Fantastic idea! I did it on my monitor just a few mins ago and loved it!
THANKS!!!!!


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June 06, 2005

 

Peter Mantione
  Hi Mike, when photographing a subject don't just take one shot, take a variety of shots different angles, get closer, from behind from the side...experiment have fun with it. The more pictures we take the better photographers we become.

Best wishes

Peter Mantione


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June 06, 2005

 

Mike Stephens
  Thanks, Peter. I usually do but right now am being a little frugal since I JUST started a teaching career after being out of work changing professions and money is horribly tight! I appreciate your time and help =)
mike


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June 09, 2005

 
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