Stockholm Garden Cottage

[Plaz]

This was taken with a Sony F717. Before I got my Nikon d80
Normally, I don't like taking photos that are so symmetrical. I like more interesting composition so this was somewhat of an experiment for me.

Critiques welcome!

[janantha]

I think you tried to capture the natural colours of the windows and the objects inside . You have proved it well. Did you use the flash by any chance because it has a slight indication of un-naturalness surrounding it? I also get the feeling that the focus is more sharper for the wall than the frame or any of the objects inside..

[Plaz]

I actually didn't use a flash. When I came upon this scene, it was a clear day right around noon in direct sunlight. The un-naturalness you commented on is part of the reason I took the photo-- The color of the window frame appeared as almost an optical illusion... to the naked eye it looked (almost) like it was jumping forward from the wall.

I was going to edit the reflections down to black, but ended up leaving them for visual interest.

[mattdm]

It might just be me, but for some reason, my eyes want to look around the edges of the image and avoid the bright red center. I guess that's not really a critique, but just a comment on how the image works.

[Plaz]

Yes-- I know what you mean. The eye/mind likes texture. I thought the wall texture might work well to balance the shot with the brilliant red/yellow/orange.

I had a discussion about this concept a while back with a good friend of mine. Ever notice how some car commercials and still shots of cars in ads are photographed on a wet street.. as if it had just rained? The wet surface creates an effect that entertains the mind. Although any good photo must have a definite subject, the added surface effects/texture can add some depth and richness. Of course, this can backfire too.

I think my photo above is borderline. The extreme texture has the potential to detract from the window and it's content.

[Saralonde]

I like this picture. It's colorful, an interesting composition and gives us a glimpse into someones life. I am somewhat distracted by the bright wall around the window. It seems to compete with the subject. I would have guessed it was taken on a sunny midday.

[googlit]

very sharp contrast, texture, and colors... I like it.

It's so bright outside and so dark inside... it leaves you wondering what else is in there.

great shot!