Cinderella Capture

[Hill Country Hack]

This took me three attempts over two days. I am working on full manual now and bracketing my shots. I do have a couple of others not as cropped. The first day was poor technique followed by harsh light. Got this one this morning when the light was "just right". This is an empty house with outbuilding. I just like the way this property looks. I wanted to capture the sadness of an empty house with highlighting nature taking over. I like how the file cabinet? is seen through the window.

The only PP was a bit of sharpening, a touch of contrast and added a tad of saturation.

As always, any input on composition, exposure and general appeal is appriecated.

Canon Rebel XS
18-55mm
focal point 40mm
f9.0
Shutter- 1/6
ISO- 100
Flash off
evaluative metering
WB- cloudy

[pbailey68]

I like your idea to capture the decline of a property. For this image I would start by resetting the white point since there is a slight blue cast. Then, in keeping with the idea you're going for, I might give the image a vintage or aged effect. You can find a good tutorial here.

[Hill Country Hack]

Originally Posted by pbailey68

I like your idea to capture the decline of a property. For this image I would start by resetting the white point since there is a slight blue cast. Then, in keeping with the idea you're going for, I might give the image a vintage or aged effect. You can find a good tutorial here.

I set the white point at greyest panel on the door in the near center of frame. I have a hard time seeing the blue cast, must be my monitor.

Thanks for the tutorial of the effect, but I have yet to invest in Photoshop. I'm bumming about that because it is only a 14 step process.

[Doug Sundseth]

Interesting subject. I can see why you wanted to photograph it.

Recommendations: The chain link fence that cuts across the lower right corner of the frame is the brightest thing in the photo and draws the eye down and out. It also doesn't seem consistent with the mood of the rest of the subject. I'd recommend an angle and framing that doesn't include it or else that you clone it out in post.

The gray sky works with the mood, but it's pretty blown out (and it's causing you to lose detail in the leaves against it). I'm not sure this is fixable if you shoot during full daylight, since it looks like a dynamic range issue. (Barring HDR, of course.) You might be able to avoid this by cropping away more of the roof and the sky.

The subject is underexposed and the light looks flat. I would consider increasing the contrast in post.

HTH

[mwatson]

The chain link fence is definitely taking away from the overall composition. I think I get why you did it, but it is going the wrong direction.

As for the house, you were absolutely right in shooting this shot. It is so dilapidated it’s beautiful. The grays are beautiful (if that is possible) and the peeling gives great texture.

Are you able to actually go on the property? If you are, I would try a shot of the door and the window. It would really make the texture pop. Or, move that screen out from underneath the window and shoot just the window.

I think you have a great shot here.