Try again

[jrtmurph]

If at first you don't succeed...
Tell me about my bell. Now I think I did pretty well on this one, but I'll leave it for you to destroy. LOL.

[aadam_21]

This looks like an interesting subject. I think it would look a little better under less harsh light and the angle kind of bothers me. Maybe it's because the ringer is also at an angle making it obvious the camera was just tilted.

I think straightened, cropped closer to the bell, and a little better lighting and you've got a good entry for the "weathered" contest!

[jrtmurph]

Thank you, aadam_21. I guess you're the only one that wants to do this particular critique.
I have heard and read that we should try to angle the camera for something different and creative. Is it just this particular picture or did I misunderstand? What are your thoughts?

[Saralonde]

Breaking the rules in photography can be more difficult than most people think, judging from our assignment a few weeks ago. Shooting on an angle can add a touch of something different, but it should fit the subject. I actually like the angle on this, how the board goes from corner to corner and lets your eye flow with it. But, as aadam_21 points out, it's a bit disconcerting to see the clapper on that same angle. I like the dof, too. Was this taken in full sunlight? The lighting is a little bright and washes it out somewhat, but I like how it hits one side of the bell.

Sorry your pic got missed. This happens sometimes as the site gets busier.

[jrtmurph]

Yes, this was taken in full sunlight, using the hood over the lens (I live in Arizona and this was probably taken around noon or so).

I never gave the clapper a thought. You're right... it's harder than one thinks. On the other hand, wouldn't it look strange if the clapper was hanging down straight while everything else was at an angle?

[clockdoc]

While you were at the site did you shoot the bell from any different angles such as from the bottom up to see how it may look in an abstract mode? In this particular case, I don't feel the angle or tilt has added more value to the impact of the image. The wrap of the light on the bell is very nice and straight on it may have been strong enough to stand as is. You are commended for thinking outside-the-box though, in your tilted image.

[jrtmurph]

I like the suggestion, clockdoc.
The reason I was taking it at that angle was because I'm still trying to figure out how to get the background in a blur and to think creatively (which isn't my strong suit so I have to work at it). I never thought to look UP at it. I'll have to keep that in mind. As far as the blur, I think this pic was done in auto mode to try to see what works. Nothing else would get the job done. Until I can get the grasp of all the technicality, I have to resort to auto if I really want a good picture. I'm going on vacation pretty soon and am going to stick my head in books and play with the camera. Hopefully I'll have a better understanding when I get back!

Thank you all for your help. It really is very much appreciated, so keep it up!

[clockdoc]

If your camera has the Aperture priority mode, set the aperture on its wide open setting (typically around f/2.0) and let the camera determine the shutter speed. That will give you a very shallow depth of field and hopefully the 'blur' you are seeking. From that point, you can "stop down" to smaller apertures until you find a suitable f/stop. Keep shooting and ask when you are confused about something we have said.