Castle up hill in Rhine valley, Germany...

[Art]

Hi all, this castle was taken from the boat in movement hand held

Can you please critic composition? blue sky was white because of the clouds, then I did some painting

Thanks Art

Exif Version=0221
Maker=Canon
Model=Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS
Scene Capture Type=Standard
Exposure Mode=Auto Exposure
Shutter Speed Value=1/125 Second
Aperture Value=4.38
Flash=Off
ISO Speed Rating=ISO500

[SwissJon]

What do you want to know Art? This is a snapsot. I don't want to spoil your holiday, you were obviously having a nice time, but you really need to learn the difference between a snapshot and an artistic photograph.

A snapshot is a hurridly composed photograph you grabbed on the spur of the moment to show other people the event or thing you were looking at. A snapshot is personal to you, and means little to people who don't know you, and is therefore very much about the photographer.

An artistic photograph is a photograph where the photographer has considered the artistic merits of his composition. The photographer has considered the composition, the exposure and other aspects, they have taken their time over the photograph, and the photograph describes something that stands in it's own strengths and is independant of the photographer.

Unfortunately your composition is very weak, it's obvious that you've at least tried to use the rule of thirds, but the angle is by no means a good one, this would have been hugely improved by being taken from above, the lower half of the castle is
hidden, and it's completely out of contxt, the time of day you've taken this at has lead to an under exposed foreground and a bland sky that is completely non-descriptive. The result is that the photograph that looks like what it is.. A hurriedly taken photo from a tourist trail.

You really need to take more time over your photos, Art, at the time you're taking it try to think about the photo from the point of view of people who don't know you or the subject. Try to take photos that speak for themselves and don't need your input or commentary.. If I'm looking at one of the stunning castles on the Rhine, I want to see the Rhine in the photograph, I want to see the castle in context. I want to see colour and I want to see proper exposure.

I think to improv your photographs while on holiday, you really could do worse than to get some touristy postcards that you like, and try to emulate or even out do them.

[benchdog]

Art

I agree with SwissJon. It's just a snapshot showing that you were there. I wish I could find something to be positive on but you really didn't give us much to work with.

I do though applauded your effort and courage.

[Art]

Thanks for your critics
Art

[Art]

Thanks for your comments I'll keep posting
Art

[RedPastor]

Hi Art,

I saw your webpage and the shots there are much better than what you posted.
I think you are kidding us right...

[Art]

jajajajajaja, no I am serious....but latest pics have been quite different
Thanks
Art

[milosh]

I think, besides what Jon wrote, when you're in a situation like this (you have no time to plan the photo, no room to use a tripod, no time to stop really..), you need to try hard to make most of the little time that you have. In a photo like this one, the most important thing you can do is place the subject in it's natural environment. Also, you need to take care of basic composition guidelines (like ROT) and that's easy to do, to be honest. When you're in a hurry and faced with a difficult exposure, maybe a better thing to do is to keep the highlights from blowing out and try to brighten up the rest of the photo in PP. Depends on the situation really.

[Art]

appreciate your comments, quiet similar that I experienced
Art