Camera on the ground

[Bryan Lao]

Hi. Please comment on this photo. Is the focus ok? How about composition and aperture? Thanks.




ISO 400
Aperture: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/30

[dcclark]

Here's a question for you: what is the subject of this photo? My eye is immediately drawn to the big crack running down the center, and then to the yellow line. But after that, it doesn't really have anywhere to go. I notice the signs, and the trees, but my eye is mainly wandering around.

So, you have a great leading line, but it doesn't seem to lead anywhere.

As far as your other items -- f/22 is probably pretty extreme. By that point, diffraction is softening your photo, so much so that even perfect focus won't be "perfect". If you were going for a lot of depth of field, f/11 is probably more than enough for you. It would also have let you use a lower ISO and a faster shutter speed, which could avoid motion shake problems.

[Bryan Lao]

dcclark, thank you for replying.

Now that you pointed it out, I noticed the soft focus and the lack of subject. Thanks

[Laurenbiz]

This is definitely an interesting photo, but I don't know how to answer your questions regarding the composition and aperture.

Composition: I'm really not sure what your subject is here. ???
Aperture: What were you trying to accomplish with a narrow f/22?

[danbaileyphoto]

I agree. You definitely have a great start, as the eye is immediately drawn to the crack in the pavement and the yellow line. There is lots interesting texture here, but then as dcclark said, there is really nowhere for it to go. It leaves the viewer hanging and unsure.

Usually, you'll want some kind of secondary subject for the eye to play off of. It gives the viewer somewhere else to go and then return. A secondary subject helps balance the shot.

The best way to make sure that you're creating an interesting composition is to ask yourself, "what is the picture about." If you don't know the answer to that question then your viewer probably won't either.

[Bryan Lao]

Thanks for the help, guys.

Here is a new link: http://digital-photography-school.co...ostthread&f=37

I tried again.

[dcclark]

Originally Posted by Bryan Lao

Thanks for the help, guys.

Here is a new link: http://digital-photography-school.co...ostthread&f=37

I tried again.

I'm afraid that that link is the wrong one... check the thread again and re-copy the link.

[Bryan Lao]

Ok. How about now?

Camera on the Ground Attempt 2 (Almost Roadkilled)