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Photography Question 

Jessica A. Eiss
 

I wanted to share these pics with you


 
  Shed Brook Falls 1
Shed Brook Falls 1

Jessica A. Eiss

 
  Shed Brook Falls 2
Shed Brook Falls 2

Jessica A. Eiss

 
  Shed Brook Falls 3
Shed Brook Falls 3

Jessica A. Eiss

 
 
I know this isn'[t the right forum, but the critique doesn't seem to be either.

This little gorge is very peaceful, and I am very happy with how the veiling turned out. Jess


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August 30, 2006

 

Kerry L. Walker
  Beautiful pictures, Jessica.


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August 30, 2006

 

Jessica A. Eiss
  thanks Kerry. Jess


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August 30, 2006

 

Irene Troy
  Hi Jessica - you sound a little frustrated! Let me guess, you wanted a real critique and only got "Wow, nice image!". Of-course, it is always nice to hear from people who like our images, but I know I always appreciate it when someone points out faults and how I can improve, or at least tells me why they like an image.

So, on this note and taking liberty that you did not ask for (Maybe you did!): your images are very nice and overall I like your composition. However, the light is really not great for shooting this type image. I find that waterfalls, particularly those in somewhat open areas (these appear to fit that description) often photograph better on overcast/cloudy days or when the light is more muted. The greens are greener and the water can often have wonderful reflections. Of-course, you may want to use a polarizer to prevent the reflection from being too great. Anyway, thats my bare 2 cents in the for-what -it's- worth department!

Good shooting and have fun!

Irene


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August 30, 2006

 

Tim Goodspeed
  Jessica, I would echo Irene's comments. However, these images do not appear to have been shot on a bright sunny day at noon. The bit of sky showing on #2 looks overcast. So I think the issue is the time of day you shot these. Try for the early morning or late evening hours. Study other winning waterfall images of past BP Photo Contests. You will see that light plays an important part in most all of them.


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August 30, 2006

 

Jessica A. Eiss
  Thanks Irene and Tim. No actually you're reading me wrong. It's not about me, it's about some pics being so-so, and others being very nice, but not getting any recognition or response. If a pic is being posted in the critique section, then 25-101 replys shouldn't be about how great a pic is, and there not be any c.c. If people get bent out of shape about being publicly critiqued, then they shouldn't post there. I think it's frustrating for new people to ask for advice, and not get any. It's more like a popularity contest. JMO!!!!

About my pictures, I really posted them, because I like them, and just wanted to share. I already received private email with some suggestions, and that was wonderful. As I replied to him, I don't have thin skin, and I know I am not a GREAT photographer, but want to improve.

The pics were actually taken on an overcast evening, between 6:30-7pm'ish.
On the bright double falls, I realized I left a +EV dialed in, and that's why it's brighter. I know not to shoot falls in bright sunlight, and purposely
chose an overcast eve. I do need a polarizer though, and that will be a purchase I make soon.

I guess I could have boosted the saturation in PSE3, but didn't think it needed it. Maybe it did? Thanks for your responses and looking. I just wanted to vent too, as a fairly new-comer! Jess


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August 30, 2006

 

Kerry L. Walker
  Oh, the pitfalls of having an uncalibrated monitor. Since my monitor is not calibrated properly, photos seem darker than they really are so they look great to me. Apparently, to others, they seem a little too bright. I would just tone them down a bit. The veiling is done well and the composition looks good to me. I wouldn't use a polarizer in an instance like this because you want (or at least I would) to get those reflections.


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August 31, 2006

 

Jagadeesh Andrew Owens
  You do need a circ. polar. Don't skimp either!! Don't go down to Wolf or Ritz or whatever you have and get that cheap @$$ Quantaray or whatever it is, get the brand your camera is. I invested $175 in my Nikon 62mm circ pol and would've paid double after I saw the difference it made!! Go for the best, even if you have to wait a bit while you save up!

P.S. Some CC on your photos - waterfall shots can ALWAYS be improved if there are naked people frolicking in the shot...


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August 31, 2006

 

Kerry L. Walker
  Depends on who is doing the frolocking. It it was me you would definitely want to clone me out!


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August 31, 2006

 

Jagadeesh Andrew Owens
  LOL..I told you about that self-deprecation, didn't I? Welcome back. (Where've you been?)


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August 31, 2006

 

Kerry L. Walker
  Took a trip to La La Land and got lost.


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August 31, 2006

 

BetterPhoto Member
  Derail Violation


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August 31, 2006

 

Bob Cammarata
  Jessica,
This is indeed a very beautiful place you've captured. (It is reminiscent of Hocking Hills in Ohio.)

I spend a lot of time shooting falls and rapids and can offer the following observations and suggestions:
First of all,...I could tell by looking at the photos that they were photographed on a cloudy day. (The lack of shadows and harsh reflections is typical of overcast conditions.)

You handled the exposure very well. The brightest (frothiest) parts of the falls are slightly over-exposed...as they should be for these types of scenics. 1/2 stop over for those highlights is about right to get the rest of the scene in acceptable exposure. (I always use that parameter when metering rapids and falls on a cloudy day.)
If the sky is heavily overcast, the light can appear flat and "cold". A warming filter at the scene or some post processing can help to punch up dull colors.

A point of interest is always a benefit to any scenic.
A single bright colored leaf or other object in the foreground can draw the viewer's attention.

Bob


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August 31, 2006

 

Nobu Nagase
 
I do not think what you said "...It's more like a popularity contest. JMO!!!!" is not overstating the fact... A lot of people are here for friendship and enjoy sharing their images. (if you follow the early morning group complementing each other, you will know what I mean. It's like a morning ritual... Some would like to disagree with me, and that's ok too.)

CC (constructive critism)'s are hard to come by on this site even when you place your discussion in the CC category. I think most of the people here already know that too.
It's discouraging to me to give CC when there are other people (especially friends of the photographers) come right after my CC, and say "how wonderful" the image is and negate my good intention, leaving me as a bad guy on the block. For this reason, I refrain to do any CC's... except I would state why I like the the ones I do like.

On your posted images above, I just love the first one. Love the exposure and the composition. A slight editing as Bob mentioned, to perk up the green color would give "Wow!" factor even further IMO.


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August 31, 2006

 

Jessica A. Eiss
  Thanks guys! I feel special now that I have some "old timers" opinions on these pics! I appreciate all that you said. I don't think I could shoot naked bodies frolicking in the water though Sipho!

Nobi, I understand the socializing part of your statement, as I belong to other boards too, but when you are looking for real help, it would be nice to get it. So TIA if I ask you guys! Jess


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August 31, 2006

 
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