Gun Range "Dark Valley"

[Jester757]

I was at the Gun Range here in Afghanistan and I turned around to see this picture. Let me know what I could have done better.



Shoot with a Nikon d3000

[skiserge1]

nicely done!!!

[Doug Sundseth]

I really like the background here. I like the use of the HMMWV to provide foreground interest and scale as well.

The color balance seems a bit green to me and it looks as though you've shot this with the camera tilted a bit to the left (easy to fix in post).

Generally the composition works, I think, but I'd really like the frame pulled back a bit so that at least one of the vehicles is entirely within the frame. That said, I think you've evoked a feeling with this image (bleak, dusty, empty, but with a certain majesty contrasted with the military hardware in the foreground), which is the most important part of photography.

[Infinite Monkey]

I think this image succeeds on its merit. You nicely convey a sense of desolation and scale. Well done.

[windrider86]

I'm attaching the link to the critique sections rules/guidelines. Please check them out to see what information should be added to your post. Thank you!!

[milosh]

I would really second everything what Doug said. My first thought upon seeing the image was "what a great setting to take photos" and the second was "I wish that Humvee was entirely in the frame". Nice attempt!

[judicator]

Would love to know what settings you used....

[EOBeav]

+1 Milosh

Sometimes, all it takes is a few steps back and/or to one side to recompose your shot. This is a great location, and the humvee really does add some nice interest. Although it's a simple concept, consider the rule of thirds when you're doing something like this.

[shruggy63]

I'm a bit blown away looking at this pic Jester. It's an old & debated thing that war photography can glamourise/beautify/heroise the grim reality? Technically your shot looks almost perfect to me. If that small sandy ford over the river in the middle lower third is the only way into bandit country then you've probably got the rule sorted.
Don't do anything your Mother wouldn't want you to do fella. Be safe.
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