The Lost Train

[Ariana Murphy]

Hi, everybody,

I took this set of pictures while I was out west (Edmonton, Alberta area), and they are quite different from what I usually shoot. I would love to get some honest, constructive criticism and opinions. Also, some colour/b&w opinions would be great.

Please check out the folder called "The Lost Train" on my flickr stream.



Thanks, everybody!

[windrider86]

helping you out here:

Camera Nikon D60
Exposure 0.001 sec (1/800)
Aperture f/7.1
Focal Length 70 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias +7/3 EV
Flash No Flash
X-Resolution 240 dpi
Y-Resolution 240 dpi

[Ariana Murphy]

Thanks, Windrider86. I forgot that part. If I remember, all the photos were taken with about the same settings, adjusted somewhat for the changing of light as clouds scudded across the sky.

[EOBeav]

Overall it's pretty dark, and it could use some more contrast. When I'm out shooting, I try to take a look at my histogram just to make sure it spikes appropriately around the middle area. Also, take a look at how you're converting to b/w. I think you could have drawn out some contrast by capitalizing on the yellows and greens that look like were there. I don't know what software you edit with, but even basic editing programs offer some decent monochrome options.

Did you have a purpose in mind when you chose these settings? Generally speaking, you want to shoot with the lowest ISO possible. You could have gone down to 200 and been able to handhold this (I'm assuming you weren't on a tripod; my apologies if you were).

Compositionally, that little sign is in my way. I might have moved in front of it to get a similar comp without including it. Also, I wonder how a lower perspective would have worked? You'll be amazed at how different your images look if you don't mind getting on your hands and knees to view the world a little differently.

Thanks for posting this, and I look forward to seeing more of your shots. Keep shooting!

[Ariana Murphy]

EOBeav:

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. You gave me some great info, and I'm sure it will help me improve my photography.

You're right, these shots do look dark. I have a really hard time getting the right level of brightness. They look good on my computer, but when printed or posted elsewhere, they come out too dark. Any ideas on that one?

I did do a couple of shots where I got past the sign to do the composition, and you're right there too. It is a distracting element that I should have avoided in the first place.



I also did a couple from way down low, but the shadows under the train seemed to overwhelm the photo. Unfortunately, there was a steep dropoff beside the tracks, then very boggy ground, so I didn't have much move-around space. I'll check my shots again to see if I missed anything.

The settings - well what can I say. Rookie mistake. I was shooting birds when the train captured my interest, and I forgot to change my settings. I'm kicking myself really hard over that one, because I can't go back. I'll have to regretfully chock that up to experience, and learn from my mistake.

Again, thanks for your help! I really appreciate the enlightenment!

Cheers!

[EOBeav]

There's a chance your monitor isn't showing colors/tones correctly. Also glare from lights, windows, etc...will affect how you see images on your monitor. There are some ways you can adjust your monitor, just google "computer monitor calibration" or something similar and you should get a lot of info.