Through the wire

[Nyte]

Hello guys,

my name is Martin. Recently I bought my first DSLR - Nikon D5000 and I really got crazy about photography. I am now trying to build a set of skills so I decided to post here a shot that I recently made and get your critiques. Here is the photo:





Exif:

ISO: 400
Focal length: 55mm
Lens aperture: f/5.6
Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec.
Lens: Nikon 18-55 EDII Non-VR
Post-processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5 (Desaturation; Film grain; Contrast)

Regards,
Martin

[sk66]

It's a nice image..to get more feedback you should actually put it in your post as most won't follow a link to see it.

IMO, the biggest issue with these types of images is a lack of a defined subject.

[Nyte]

Hi sk66. Thanks for the tip! I personally disagree that there is no defined subject but that's pretty subjective and depends on one's views, perception etc. Thanks anyway!

[curelightwounds]

I kinda like it.

The 3rds rule is obeyed. I like the birds perched. Having the focus in the top third is a little weird, I normally like to have something the bottom third even if my focus is in the top third, but that's just me.

I guess my only real critique is that your ISO is too high and so it's grainy.

Good catch, in any case.

[Sterling]

Looks like the grain was added intentionally, though I don't think it really adds to this shot.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by Nyte

Hi sk66. Thanks for the tip! I personally disagree that there is no defined subject but that's pretty subjective and depends on one's views, perception etc. Thanks anyway!

Here's my view of the "subject" to explain my point (feel free to disagree).

it could be the tower: It is the brightest and has the most defined "detail" in the image and draws one's attention.

it could be the scenery: The dark foreground transitioning to a strong horizon line at a prominent 1/3 draws one's attention into that point.

it could be the birds: An interesting occurrence worthy of attention but lacking in detail....I know they are birds because I've seen similar before, and what else could they be? But I can't really make a single one out.

Because it has several points competing for ones attention the image becomes about the "overall scene" without a "specific subject".

I've tried to capture similar "birds on a wire" type scenes and I've never been able to achieve it well....In my mind's eye I would need to be level with them and shooting down the wire at an angle using DOF for effect and having at least one of the birds clearly identifiable.

Just my 2c

[tomdinning]

As a descriptive/interpretive photograph is does quite well at presenting what is probably a less than unusual scenario in this location but an interesting theme no less. There is a good relationship established between the various subject matters without identifying any one subject as prime. The open space of the landscape is well established and the connection between the birds and the wire presents a simple but strong story line. One might interpret this as a harsh environment in which the birds are using technology to get a well earned rest. Or is could be seen as a meeting place for good conversation. The choice of B&W works effectively and the placement of horizon, pole and wire is aethetically pleasing and adds some dynamic to the image.
Although there may be some technical imperfections they do not detract from the overall subject matter.
As a beginner to the world of photography you have selected a good subject to practice with. Simplicity in form and line assists with the development of good practice for image composition.
Well done.

[Nyte]

Thank you all of you for your words!

@curelightwounds & @Sterling: The original image had no grain, I added it intentionally. The image just looked more flimish and narrative to me that way.

@sk66: I just stopped by the road while travelling and took a couple of shots. I liked the way all the birds were having a rest on the wire. They were at a reasonable distance and were almost constantly flying away so I am actually happy that I managed to capture all of them on the wire

@tomdinning: Thank you for the in-depth critique! Can you please be more precise about the technical imperfections so that I can avoid these problems in my next shots

[tomdinning]

Keep the horizon level.
Bracket your exposure so you can avoid blow-out in the clouds.
Sky is a bit grainy.
Did you sharpen this at all? I detect a halo along the horizon.
But don't worry too much about the technical imperfections. You can learn them as you go. Concentrate on the composition. A good image is not deterined by its technical qualities alone. When critiqueing an image the purpose of the image is judged first and foremost.

[Nyte]

@tomdinning: The grain is intenionally added. Maybe I should remove it as I am probably the only one that likes the image that way I have sharpened particular parts of the image as I wanted to bring them up. Thank you for the tips! I'll keep this things in mind next time I go out to shoot