Winter- B&W

[jazz0n]

This is my first post to the Critique section however please be forthcomming with any comments, as without constructive criticsm it is difficult to take something away and improve.

A short while ago I was lent a Canon 40D and a couple of lenses by a collegue in the UK and ever since the Camera has not left my side. It is only recently (pre Christmass) that I have started to get organised and process my photos using Lightroom and PS5.

The Photo below was take just a short way outside of Berlin one afternoon when I saw these trees covered in snow and ice.

Exif data
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Exposure 0.04 sec (1/25)
Aperture f/9.0
Focal Length 32 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Program Aperture-priority AE
Lens EF16-35mm f/2.8L USM



Many thanks in advance.

Justin

[autofocus]

This is a shot that had a lot of potential, but I'm not real crazy about the vignetting that I believe is a little over done. Can you post an un-edited version?...and welcome to the forum.

[jazz0n]

Photo without vignetting as requested.
Many thanks

[autofocus]

This works so much better for me. The diagonal line leads the viewer's eye from left to right, and further down the road. I think the original heavy vignette destroyed that movement within the image

[Michael_2010]

I like both versions. Something very appealing about the exposure. The version with the vignetting does take on more of an artistic quality, imo. Might deserve a little more experimentation. I think this shot is definitely a keeper and it would be worth painstakingly removing the utility line in post.

[jazz0n]

Many thanks for the comments.
The main reason for adding the vignetting to the first post was mainly to remove the distracting powerline and small tree on the left hand side of the image, thus focusing the viwer onto the main subject area. to be honest I also like both but will try to reduce the vignetting and see how that looks. With regards to removing the powerlines in PS5 I am fairly new to this and presume I would have to use content aware fill, but again I have to learne how to do this first. Up until now I have always tried to leave my photos unmodified by PS only applying the 7 point system (Scott Kelby LR 3 for Digital Photographers) as im not sure I like the idea of selectivly modifiying a lanscape image. As I develop my Photographic skills im sure that my view on this will change over time.

[Michael_2010]

People are very much split on the idea of post-processing and I can understand that to a degree. It is easy to go overboard and turn a thing of beauty into something grotesquely unnatural. On the other hand, the PC is today's darkroom and there is nothing wrong with making a few subtle enhancements to improve one of your shots.

The old pros would have probably dodged and burned their photos while developing to get rid of any extraneous items that took away from the overall intent of the shot. Now days you just don't have to worry about a shelf full of chemicals.

[ColonelDebugger]

Maybe a little lighter on the vignetting could help focus the attention of the guard rail to draw the eye into the distance.

Just a thought.

[wsbII]

I agree with the others to go easier on the vignetting or not use any at all. The depth of the image is lost with the vignetting in my opinion. Its a cool shot with a great subject and interesting lighting. The stark contrast in the scene is great.

[hazard22083]

cant you try and clone out the powerlines? this might be possible since there isnt alot going on around them.