Why does this work?

[Athas_orm]

Okay recently I posted a shot to ficker meaning to post it here. I didn't get arround to it.

Basically I have a shot that I like but I can see obvious flaws with it. Such as the ISO being too high. No main subject etc, however I really like it. Also it appears so do some others.

So my question is what's right with the photo? I mean specifically. Understanding why I like and other people like this should help my understanding if I'm ever to take a similar scene.

I've had a few helpful responses on flickr but rather than prompt an put ideas in your head I'll post them here after a while.

Okay without further ado here is the picture.



All your help with my understanding will be appreciated. Heck If you don't like it thats more than fine too.

Regards,

Wes

[LeeR]

I have studied composition more than most photographers I have met. I know a thousand rules and another thousand exceptions to those rules. I use them, break them, bend them and make them do my bedding. But every once in a while something deep in my intuition tells me to take a shot that makes no sense at all. The feeling is unmistable and I often wonder where this impluse is coming from yet the results are always among my favorites.
In my opinion, this is where we want to live as photographers. We want to understand composition like it was the back of our hands, but we do not want to be hindered by following a strict set of rules. Rather the rules are our jumpoing off point for something intuitive and meaningful for it is often these same images that speak to our audience in a powerful way.
Be grateful for these experiences, they don't come often. But when they do they are very special moments as are the images that are created. It's one of the things that makes photography so exciting and rewarding.

[Sterling]

Sorry, but I don't see this photo as "working." Yes, the light on the wet pavement looks nice, but like a pretty sunset sky, isn't nearly enough to carry the photo. The sloppy photoshop work on the top left light pole doesn't really enhance the shot either. IMO, the shot looks like a snapshot, taken without much thought or planning. Sometimes those shots capture a great visual moment. Unfortunately I don't think this one quite does it.

It's great that you like it and I definitely give you kudos for being out in the rain taking shots. But I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the Share Your Shot's crowd's endorsements - they like everything.

[KansaiGreenie]

Hi Athas_orm,

To me, what makes this image appealing is quite obvious: the wet pavement. If you were to shoot this scene again with dry pavement, you'll see what I mean.

The water on the street increases the contrast, adds depth to the shadows, emphasizes the texture of the street, to name just a few of the visual appeals. Also, there is a psychological appeal of rain. It's romantic and refreshing; it makes you feel clean.

I think this is what you like about the image.

KG

[djmoonlight]

It looks nice, but not so interesting. It's just like a common picture I've seen daily..

[Christian Michael]

Originally Posted by Sterling

The sloppy photoshop work on the top left light pole doesn't really enhance the shot either.

I really think after blowing the image up, you will find this is the base to the hanging baskets found on the OTHER street lamp poles.

I think its a nice photo

[Sterling]

Originally Posted by Christian Michael

I really think after blowing the image up, you will find this is the base to the hanging baskets found on the OTHER street lamp poles.

I think its a nice photo

I guess it's possible. I looked at the largest size and those shapes just don't look very natural. Could just be an odd shadow.

[Athas_orm]

Originally Posted by LeeR

I have studied composition more than most photographers I have met. I know a thousand rules and another thousand exceptions to those rules. I use them, break them, bend them and make them do my bedding. But every once in a while something deep in my intuition tells me to take a shot that makes no sense at all. The feeling is unmistable and I often wonder where this impluse is coming from yet the results are always among my favorites.
In my opinion, this is where we want to live as photographers. We want to understand composition like it was the back of our hands, but we do not want to be hindered by following a strict set of rules. Rather the rules are our jumpoing off point for something intuitive and meaningful for it is often these same images that speak to our audience in a powerful way.
Be grateful for these experiences, they don't come often. But when they do they are very special moments as are the images that are created. It's one of the things that makes photography so exciting and rewarding.

Thanks for the insight Lee.

Originally Posted by Sterling

Sorry, but I don't see this photo as "working." Yes, the light on the wet pavement looks nice, but like a pretty sunset sky, isn't nearly enough to carry the photo. The sloppy photoshop work on the top left light pole doesn't really enhance the shot either. IMO, the shot looks like a snapshot, taken without much thought or planning. Sometimes those shots capture a great visual moment. Unfortunately I don't think this one quite does it.

It's great that you like it and I definitely give you kudos for being out in the rain taking shots. But I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the Share Your Shot's crowd's endorsements - they like everything.

Hey thanks Sterling. Its honestly refreshing to get some negative feedback pretty much thats my logical response to the photo too. I just happened to get caught in the rain with a 50mm prime when I sheltered under an awning I thought I may as well take a shot. I liked the dancing of the rain on the pavement (which isn't visible in the shot). So yeah it is a snapshot.

Thats my logical response.... Its not what I feel about the picture. In fact I prefer it to several of my planed shots, I just don't know why.

As for photoshop it or other image editors haven't been used the only changes where done in raw for the camera. This is white balance, probably brightness and contrast also I don't remember. To be honest I'm not sure what your talking about on the top left light pole.

Originally Posted by KansaiGreenie

Hi Athas_orm,

To me, what makes this image appealing is quite obvious: the wet pavement. If you were to shoot this scene again with dry pavement, you'll see what I mean.

The water on the street increases the contrast, adds depth to the shadows, emphasizes the texture of the street, to name just a few of the visual appeals. Also, there is a psychological appeal of rain. It's romantic and refreshing; it makes you feel clean.

I think this is what you like about the image.

KG

Hey thanks KG. Yeah I don't think i'd like it without the rain.

Originally Posted by Christian Michael

I really think after blowing the image up, you will find this is the base to the hanging baskets found on the OTHER street lamp poles.

I think its a nice photo

Thank you Christian.

[Clickhead]

For me apart from the obvious shiny wet street there is something else going on that may not be apparently obvious.. its the lines of perspective that lead the eye to travel up the street from the slightly eerie and uncomfortable dark where that shadowy figure lurks into the clearer and safer well lit area.

[Sterling]

To be honest I'm not sure what your talking about on the top left light pole.

Now that I'm using my proper monitor I can see the two hanging baskets. On my crappy monitor it just looked like a big dark blob.