Crumbling wall at old shrine in Kamiyacho (Tokyo)

[hage]

Walking around Tokyo the other day, happened upon an old shrine near Kamiyacho station that has stone walls/fences that were crumbling with age. Really liked the combination of the vines, texture, and old engraved writing on these and would appreciate any critiques/comments, specifically:
Is the postprocessing too much/too dark (used lightroom2) or any suggestions on how to better bring out the texture age of the wall?


Date Taken: 2009-12-24 15:10:09
Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Exposure Time: 0.0333s (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 200
Focal Length: 23mm (36.8mm in 35mm)
Date Modified: 2009-12-25 02:23:03
Photo Dimensions: 1000 x 667
File Size: 732.98 KB
Flash: flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Exposure Program: aperture priority
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Exposure Mode: auto
White Balance: auto

[Buddhanature]

I love those shots, what post production did you use to get the colors? I love the composition, and the subjects are just so interessting!

In any event, please check out: Digital Photography School - Photography Forums - FAQ: Forum Rules It asks for you to post EXIF data as well as ask specific questions for the critique.

[KansaiGreenie]

Hi Hage,

These are nice images. I think that these kind of shrine offerings make really nice subjects. I also like the "combination of the vines, texture, and old engraved writing" and I like how you used really heavy contrast and dark colors. I think it adds to the mystery.

I terms of critique, it is a little hard to say without the EXIF data, but in the bottom image, the SAN BAN GAI image, I find the top of the frame a little distracting. The subject of the image, the fence posts, are nice and dark, but the white building in the background is bright white and my eye is drawn there away from the subject. I think that you could go into Photoshop, or whatever you use, and darken down that area. In terms of shooting, you could try a higher or lower angle to try to get the background out of the image.

Nice work!

KG

[hage]

Thanks. Added in the EXIF information and some questions. Appreciate it.

[KansaiGreenie]

Originally Posted by hage

Is the postprocessing too much/too dark?

No, I don't think so. I think it works for these images.

Originally Posted by hage

any suggestions on how to better bring out the texture age of the wall

The texture comes through pretty well. If you want more, you could try adding some noise to the image, but I don't think you need it.

KG

[hage]

Originally Posted by KansaiGreenie

Hi Hage,
The subject of the image, the fence posts, are nice and dark, but the white building in the background is bright white and my eye is drawn there away from the subject. I think that you could go into Photoshop, or whatever you use, and darken down that area. In terms of shooting, you could try a higher or lower angle to try to get the background out of the image.
KG

Thanks! Now that you mention it to me, I see exactly what you mean. Will try this later tonight.

[kgb224]

Superb picture shared by you.

[sunvalley23]

Very intriguing photograph! Great eye to see this at Kamiyacho.

I like the processing - great job. To add some more drama, I might suggest lightening the area with the carvings just a tad more to make it jump out.

Beautiful.

[EOBeav]

I love this! What a great subject to shoot, and very nice job with the post production. Congratulations on a job well done.