Bad light/too much glare?

[hora]

I added this photo to one of Flickr's Delete Me type games, curious to see what critiques I would get and I was a bit surprised. Most complained that the light was terrible and that there's too much glare, which initially was a big reason in my liking of the shot. I believe the subject is interesting, but if it IS the case that the light is way off, how should I have taken this shot in the first place? Thanks!



EXIF:

Exposure: 1/250
Aperture: f4.5
Focal Length: 70mm
ISO: 400

[skoggiel]

I actually really like the sunbeams coming through so I can't help you! Great shot in my opinion!

[BigFuzzy]

I actually quite like the image.

One thing that might help, is to boost the contrast so that the subjects aren't as washed out... it would make them more obvious while still maintaining the nice light.

If you use LR, I would boost the Clarity slider or try the Contrast slider a bit.

In the end, I quite like it, but I can see how some wouldn't like that the light is washing out the subjects.. but not me, I like it.

[RLucas]

This is exactly why I don't get involved in those games on flickr. You have to remember they tend to have cliques, and some really great photos get bashed. Or they are pixel peepers and will try and find every flaw.
This is a nice photo, and the light reinforces it the context for me.

[kstiltne]

I agree that this is a very nice shot. The lighting really adds to the atmosphere. Perhaps a little boost in contrast would help, but in my opinion it's not really necessary. Everyone has different opinions, and some people get too caught up in trying to make a technically perfect photo, and forget about the art behind it. This one is nowhere near technically perfect, but has more character for it.

[hora]

Thanks for the comments everyone! It shows how subjective photography really is, but I'm glad I'm not the only one that likes this photo, it's a nice ego boost :P Speaking of boosting, I also upped the contrast a little, I think it looks better now:

[Indigo November]

YOU like it. That's the most important thing!

The flare works very well in this image, really adds to the "old timey" feeling.
I like the version with the contrast upped, still has the wonderful beams of light (if anything, makes them stand out more) but the subjects are a little clearer, all-in-all, a lovely image!

Just remember, only YOUR opinion counts in the end! It's nice to hear other people's thoughts, and learn what you can do better, but in the end, if YOU like it it's a keeper!

[hora]

Originally Posted by Indigo November

YOU like it. That's the most important thing!

The flare works very well in this image, really adds to the "old timey" feeling.
I like the version with the contrast upped, still has the wonderful beams of light (if anything, makes them stand out more) but the subjects are a little clearer, all-in-all, a lovely image!

Just remember, only YOUR opinion counts in the end! It's nice to hear other people's thoughts, and learn what you can do better, but in the end, if YOU like it it's a keeper!

I'd like to believe that, but I don't know if that's true. Yes, my opinion weighs more heavily than others, me being the one who not just took the shot but experienced it and it is my story to tell. But at the same time, I don't believe in art for art's sake. It brings me enjoyment but ultimately to me it's about expression, and that involves other people. One of my goals is to tell a story through my images, so in that sense other people's opinions do in fact matter.

People can be overly critical however, especially when it comes to 'technical mistakes' in a photograph, but sometimes that can add to a photograph. It's good to see differing opinions on something like this.

Anyway, thanks for the comments everyone! Very much appreciated!

[Hadakiri]

I think this picture looks really good with the beams and even better with the contrast up. Nice pic in my humble opinion.

[douglas]

I really like the first picture.I agree it has that "dreamy...misty" look.

Also agree with RLucas, I would steer clear of those Flickr games...just an opinion!