• Photos

  • Level

  • Score

California Dreaming

© Arthur Bohlmann

California Dreaming

Uploaded: May 12, 2013

Description

This is another of my images taken during a storm last Tuesday morning in Huntington Beach Calif. I edited this image using camera raw, NIK HDR Pro2 & Viveza software.

F16, 1/200, ISO 320, Lens 28-135mm, Focal 115mm, circular polarizer filter.

Exif: F Number: 16, Exposure Bias Value: 0.67, ExposureTime: 1/200 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 320, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 115.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 7D

Comments

Stephen Shoff May 12, 2013

I think there are two too many elements in this one Art. The black and white dog on the left seems like a "outlier" object that compromises the strength of the leading lines and flow of the image.

The fisherman's attention, too, is directed off in an entirely different direction and his fishing pole extends out the edge of the frame. You might try strengthening the composition by cropping this to more of a 4:5 to eliminate him. That may put the end of the pier dangerously close to the right edge of the frame, so I'm not sure this will work.

I think I like the post-processing effects with the few spots of saturated colors.

But overall, I think it might be a stronger, more coherent image than your prior post. #1528004

Dale Hardin May 13, 2013

This sure brings back memories of the day Jeff and I spent at that very spot, Art.

Stephen makes some very good compositional points. However, I'd suggest a different "fix" if you wish to change it. Simply cloning out the dog and fisherman would take care of the issues raised. #10692156

Arthur Bohlmann May 13, 2013

Thanks for the suggestions Stephen and Dale. I am not sure yet of what to change or simply leave it alone. I personally like how busy this image is. It is just a very busy day at the beach. This is the B&W version. #10692167

Jeff E Jensen May 13, 2013

I actually like the busy feel of the image. I do agree that the fishing rod extending off the frame is an issue. Could be as easy as shortening it a bit.

I am seeing some halo around the pier, specifically the building at the end. #10692488

Dale Hardin May 13, 2013

Good suggestion on the rod, Jeff. Often we overlook the simplest solution. Keeping the man is best to help with the diagonal line the dominates the composition. I would still either delete or move the dog however. #10692575

Stephen Shoff May 13, 2013

Didn't overlook the "simplest solution". It just didn't need to be explictly called out for someone as experienced as Art. Unfortunately, people familiar with the beach would have noticed a truncated surf-fishing pole. Nor would the simplest solution have addressed what I was calling out as a more significant issue, the contribution of the fisherman as a whole. Again, Art could decide if he wanted to resolve my two issues with cloning or not. I think cloning out the fisherman would be a challenge. It would also leave a large empty space, hence the suggestion for a crop.

However, Art has already responded that the random elements in the picture were a component of his vision. That is his call. #10692586

Dale Hardin May 13, 2013

I still believe that there are often simple solutions to a perceived problem and it was in no way meant as no insult to Art's ability, Stephen.

The issue here has more to do with the composition than a simple crop would correct since that crop would destroy the relationship of the restaurant's location at the end of the pier.

While I agree that a truncated pole would not be the most desirable solution it can also be handled by extending the image and the pole so that the end is not clipped. An easy step with an image like this.

This would maintain that fine diagonal that exists without disturbing the rest of the comp. while keeping the desired diversity and busyness of the beach scene.

We were not trying to circumvent Art's call on his intent for this shot, but merely offering other avenues that might enhance it. The same as you were with your suggestion of the crop. :o) #10692744

Arthur Bohlmann May 13, 2013

Nice to see that my image is getting a good conversation going. I appreciate everyone's comments but for me I like it the way it is but not to leave well enough alone here is a quick re-edit. #10692801

Arthur Bohlmann May 13, 2013

Beterphoto is messing up again. it booted me before saving this re-edit #10692803

Arthur Bohlmann May 13, 2013

Beterphoto is messing up again and again.. it booted me before saving this re-edit. #10692804

Dale Hardin May 13, 2013

I like your approach with this variation Art. The misty look helps lead the eye to the main focus of the scene while at the same time reducing the strength of the perceived issues. Nice touch. #10692812

Arthur Bohlmann May 13, 2013

Thanks Dale. I never use photoshop for working with my images just camera raw. I have a very good workflow established using my NIK Software. Editing goes very quickly #10692820

Peter W. Marks May 14, 2013

It's the original for me Art. Sure a bit of extra canvas on the right-hand edge would leave room for an extension to the guy's fishing rod but as you say, you don't use Photoshop, so perhaps that is not possible and for me is a very minor issue anyway.
So now to more positive thinking. I hear the surf, smell the salt air and can in my mind's eye walk that beach.
And again, in my imagination that could be my dog doing his own thing and enjoying not being on a leash. Clone him out? No way! He is part of a real-life scene that Art has shared with us and adds, not detracts from the scene.
May I say that I am not at all enamored of the second version Art but I am smiling at brother Dale's analysis. He says, "helps lead the eye to the main focus of the scene...." Ah! the young lady in red. Now I understand! #10693429

Arthur Bohlmann May 14, 2013

Thanks Peter and thanks to the young lady in red, she is the main reason I visit the beach so often. :) #10693450

Michael Kelly level-classic May 14, 2013

Art I like the dreamy look of the original, but it does have some issues. The one that catches my eye the most was pointed out by Jeff. I also see the halo at the middle structure and along the horizon. I don't care for the second post but the halo issues are gone from it. #10693765

To discuss, first log in or sign up (buttons are at top center of page).

Get Constructive Critiques

Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.


 

Did You Know?

Discussions by Category: You can view photo discussions on various themes in the Community > Photo Discussions section of the site.

BetterPhoto Websites: If you see an orange website link directly under the photographer's name, it's totally okay. It's not spam. The reason: BetterPhoto is the one that offers these personal photography websites. We are supporting our clients with those links.

Unavailable EXIF: If there is no other information but 'Unavailable' in the EXIF (meaning no EXIF data exists with the photo), the 'Unavailable' blurb is not displayed. If there is any info, it shows. Many photos have the EXIF stripped out when people modify the image and resave it, before uploading.


 

The following truth is one of the core philosophies of BetterPhoto:

I hear, I forget.
I see, I remember.
I do, I understand.

You learn by doing. Take your next online photography class.

You &

Love It!


Copyright for this photo belongs solely to Arthur Bohlmann.
Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.