Merry Mailbox

[Caine]

All thoughts, comments welcome. Merry Mailbox.

[matthewchj]

Not bad, but I find the background a little bit distracting. Did you use a flash for this?

[Caine]

Yes, the flash did fire. My point 'n' shoot reads a low light situation when the light really isn't all that low. I was on my way home, and didn't have time to do anything except grab the shot.

[yurik]

That mailbox is awfully festive :x I think it makes a great subject

I think though, the composition could use some improvement.
I understand that the mailbox is the main subject, but if you panned out a bit, allowing the viewer to see more of its surrounding area (and perhaps moving the mailbox off-center, I'm such a fan of the rule of thirds :x), you could createa contrast between this unusally decorated mailbox compared to its awfully plain surroundings.

If you have a chance, I think you should definitely take some more photos of this. I love how unique it is!

[Caine]

Thank you, Yurik. Those are good suggestions. I do plan to revisit this particular mailbox post when we're covered with snow shortly. I did get one more shot:



Larger version here.

[jiminyClickit]

Caine,

Think of objects as you would a person: most have faces. As you wouldn't take a portrait of a person looking to the right, and framing them in the right of the composition, so the mailboxes would be better-placed to the left. Or photograph them from the right side, leaving them in the righthand area. A slight vignette, darkening the b/g a little, would help focus attention. Whimsy makes a good subject.

[Caine]

Thanks, Jiminy. Laziness was the big problem, my husband had stopped to get a moon with drama clouds shot when I saw the mailboxes on my side. As we were on the way home, I opened the door of the van (didn't get out) and grabbed a couple quick shots. I should know better than to let laziness rule, but between the two of us and our cameras it can take us 2 hours to travel 30 miles.

As for whimsy, well ND is full of it.

[jiminyClickit]

Caine,

Laziness and being full of it are descriptions I've had applied to my own habits over the years. Good news is, after a while the same short stops for quick shots will be improved by experience and information you find here. Quicker thinking and better photos follow.

Sometimes, doing Macro, it takes me two hours to go a quarter of a mile. It's all relative.