Waiting

[Chris Smith]

c_smith@nl.rogers.com, on Flickr">

Hi..interested in hearing opinions on lighting, exposure and composition. Thanks in advance everyone....may be in a position some day to offer something other than pleas for advice. Cheers and happy new year.....Chris

canon xsi
f/9.1
atofocus
iso 100
5 secs

[draudeleppur]

This Picture,

is really well done. Once I look at it, it is full of peace. I guess you got the lighting right. anyway i like it alot.

[tomdinning]

This is the sort of image that requires different exposures for different areas. Deciding what is important subject matter first will help in ensuring these parts are exposed according to your intention.
The bright light is less important in this scene than the light it produces yet the light is the brightest part of the image and becomes a distraction. Getting in close enough to elinminate the light or hiding it among the branches a bit and using the projection of the light coming from it would be more effective at rendering the mood.
The next step is to ensure the viewers eye is drawn to the prime subject which, I assume, is the park bench. Dodging around this and the surroundings would help there.
I get the idea behind the trees in the foreground. Like someone watching from a distance. But they are probably a bit too heavy on one side of the image. Lightening them just a little against the darker background and cutting out the last tree might help.
The format is good. Extending the field of view for the audience has placed us in a position of observer for this scene.
A good concept and a difficult environment to work in. Looks like you might need a hot cup of tea after it.

[Chris Smith]

You really must have a desire to help in order to offer such useful feedback. Thanks so much. It was a little cold though we have been getting a very mild winter. This was the first real bit of snow we've gotten and i was eager to get out. The juxtaposition of the cold night and the inviting bench in a cast light was what i was going for...but I see your point about the distraction of the lamp. i did want it in however as it provides a comfort for those considering a rest in a somewhat isolated spot.Hopefully it is does not appear sinister in any way, though i now see that the photographer as voyeur could be a possible (though unintended interpretation) With your advice I may just try it again...after I warm up. Thanks again.....Chris

[nunu125]

Very nice job ! So excited when I see your pic .

[mapgirl]

I love the concept and I think you definitely need that lamp in the composition.
I wish I could have seen a larger image--did you use the link in flickr? That way we could go to your flickr page and get a larger view.
From what I can see here, it looks to me like the shot could benefit from some dodging to bring up the trees on the left just a bit. They have a wonderful, slightly menacing look, but a bit more detail would help.

I love the atmosphere you've created here and the lamplight gives such a gorgeous, lacy effect to the branches. And I salute you for braving the cold night air!

[ColonelDebugger]

The depth of the picture is what captures my attention. Very good shot.

[dlambert]

Very interesting shot. My first reaction was that I'd like to see a tighter crop on the lamp & bench, but the more I look at it, the more I think that the foreground trees on the left create the depth of the picture, and that's the best part of the shot. I'm not sure I agree with brightening the trees on the left -- in fact, I think it's the darkness of those trees that creates the sense of dark and cold with just that one tiny lamp fighting to light the bench. Either way, it's a nice shot.

[wal]

Great picture. looks like a scene from a thriller movie..

[dalmorloson]

I love it! I get the feeling that this is a preditor's viewpoint. The title waiting could mean so many things here. Like someone or something in the trees waiting for a victim. Wow, I sound like a stalker or something lol.