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Mackinac Island 9-11-06

© Robert A. Burns
PRO Website: robertburnsphotography.com

Mackinac Island 9-11-06

Uploaded: September 28, 2006

Comments

Richard Lynch February 17, 2008

Nice dramatic lighting and nice framing. Have you considered toning down the hot spots on the structure mid-left?

Richard Lynch #856759

Robert A. Burns level-addict February 17, 2008

Hi, Richard. I actually spent a lot of time thinking about this photo, specifically the "hot" spots on the lighthouse. I ultimately decided to leave them as they are in the photo, since they add a certain drama that I like. I then submitted the print to Tony Sweet for his critique. I asked him the same question that you just posed. He responded that there was enough detail in the hot areas to make this a non-issue.

I am still gaining insight into the photographic process, and one of the issues that I have been dealing with involves moving beyond the concepts that I have learned in the critiquing process. In this case: preserving detail in highlights and shadows. Early on, this was treated by me as gospel. Now, not so much.

In this photo, the hot spots have detail on the print. They are not blown out to white. That is, the print does not have bare paper exposed. The highlights are what they are, and they are placed so as to attract the eye and to move it through the photo.

I am glad you liked the photo enough to comment on it, and I appreciate your question.

-Bob #5506433

Richard Lynch February 17, 2008

Bob,
I see in the image itself that there are details, and that isn't the suggestion. The eye (in my case) is getting drawn to the hot spot. It is natural, dramatic, etc., but I wonder if it speaks like one loud voice in the room. Perhaps to even it out more with the rocks than to quell it.

Certainly it can be argued either way.

Richard #5506594

Robert A. Burns level-addict February 17, 2008

Thanks, Richard.

I agree.

I just wanted you know that this was a carefully considered artistic choice, and not a mistake.

Kinda like your decision to have part of your self-portrait blown out in the area of your right eye.

-Bob #5506635

Richard Lynch February 17, 2008

So you see, I'm all OK with blowout ;-) Or was that a comment on how I look (better hidden)?!?! A portrait is a portrait if not a little different.

Either way, I like the shot, and your brief but excellent gallery.

Keep at it!

Richard #5506660

Robert A. Burns level-addict February 17, 2008

Richard, thanks again for taking the time to look at and evaluate my work.

-Bob #5506688


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