Stepping Stones: Did I capture the right angle?

[jeanneholverstott]

I took many, many of this shot, thinking and rethinking how to frame the stepping stones and how to manage the background (which was very busy with cars, people, etc.). I took several of just the stones, which I like, but I'm curious what everyone's thoughts of this photo, with a larger POV and shallow DOF.



Aperture:f/2
Focal Length:50mm
ISO:200
Shutter:1/4000 sec
Camera:NIKON D90

[jeanneholverstott]

As an amateur to this field, I do appreciate ALL feedback. I'm the last of five kids, so, even if it's negative, I can take it!

[dlambert]

Yeah, you've got some good elements here. Shooting from a low angle really changes up the scene you see through the camera vs. the one you see when you're walking around at eye level. Lots of people take a long time to learn to shoot from different angles, and lots more (present company included) need to be reminded of this over and over.

Next., forming a line that directs your eyes in a direction is a great technique, and angling it across the shot is tons more interesting that a horizontal or vertical line.

Finally, I like that it's the second stone -- not the first -- that's sharply focused.

Given the greyness of the rocks, the color in the background helps, but it might have been nice to get either a little more color (flowers or something) or maybe even try this shot in B&W - bump up the contrast to show more texture on the surface of the stones?

Anyway, I think this is a good job framing a subject that most people would walk right over. (ahem)

[LoveDSLR]

Crop and distort:
- Remove foreground distraction.
- Use sharpness and then brightness to lead viewers eyes to the background.
- Try to create a sense of balance.


(Image for illustration purpose only)

[audiman90]

In my opinion if you had not told me that they are stepping stones I would not have known what they are.
As they are stepping stones then they must be across water, then show that they cross water, also they must lead somewhere, show that they lead somewhere. Put someone on the stepping stones, it leaves the viewer in no doubt what they are there for, preferable someone you know walking towards you, walking away if you do not know them, or falling in the water if you do not like them.
People and cars in the background are good. it gives a sense of proportion.
Point of view is OK. Purely the photographers choice.
Depth of field is very restrictive for this scene, save it for something more suitable. One stepping stone is pretty boring. If you had a person just in focus or the house in focus it gives the viewer something interesting to look at.
If you really do not like the people and cars you could try neutral density filters and have them blured through movement.

[dvtldav]

I like the shot & perspective except I would like to see 2 or 3 more of the stones in focus.

Dave

[NewGirl13]

The others have given you some good feedback, so I'll only say one thing. I find the bench or whatever it is in the background very distracting. Everytime I look at your picture my eye is immediately drawn to it.

[audiman90]

I thought the bench was a house

[SwissJon]

I think the photo's just fine, the depth of field is good, but as you can see from the feedback, it's very subjective. I wouldn't touch this in post processing, and I don't think it's neccesary to include water. What it does lack is a subject. The stone in focus is not strong enough to be the only subject. What I would like to have seen is someone sitting on the bench in the background reading a newspaper or with a dog or something. I think The out of focus person would bring a lot of interest into this picture, make you sit and wonder about the incidental person that you can't quite see that you "accidentally" included in your picture.