• Members 718 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 6:41 a.m.

    Welcome to the Wednesday Comments and Critique (No Theme & No Brand) thread!

    We are dedicated to continuing the great tradition of this C&C thread because we are convinced that looking at, and talking about images is vital for better photography.
    Our tried and tested concept (15 years and running!) is a weekly "peer-to-peer" photo comments & critique encounter, in which you GIVE and RECEIVE.

    The idea is simple: you post a photo or photo-based image that you have made and get critique on it. And in return you give other people your honest but constructive opinion of their images.

    Any Theme, Any Camera, Any Style, Any Subject.

    We are still figuring out how to create the convenience of threaded view on this new forum.
    For now, let us agree that you post an image or essay with a title and short explanation, and that all comments include the image as a quote.
    Replies to comments may or may not include quotes.

    THREAD GUIDELINES – THE SHORT & SWEET VERSION
    • This thread does not care about brands. It’s not about the tool, but the image.
    • Post one image or essay that you have made and would like to get comments on.
    An entry can either be a single image or a short essay. With an essay we mean not a collection of random images without any connection, seeking C&C on more than one of them. We mean instead a limited number (3 to 10) of connected images that together try to tell a story, create a fuller picture of a situation, event or location, etc.
    • Add a clear title to your post to distinguish your entry.
    • Look at the other images/essays and give your comments on at least one of those.
    • For comments, try to go beyond a simple pat on the back or a short dismissal.
    • Do you like an image (or essay) ? Try to explain WHY it appeals to you.
    • Negative feedback is OK (we all want to learn), but be polite and constructive. Try to explain why the image (or essay) does not appeal to you and how it might be improved.
    • Please stay on topic, i.e. concentrate on the image and the photographic comments, without getting into politics or other distractions. No non-photographic arguments.

    The critique you give is vital.
    What was your first impression? What catches your eye about an image? Why?
    What do you like, and what distracts you? What would you change?

    Fiddle with the image in your head - composition, perspective, color balance, exposure.

    PLEASE NOTE CLEARLY:
    Unless the original poster specifically states (for every individual posting offered for C&C) that they do not want their image(s) to be downloaded, altered or reposted, it is understood that within the context of this thread, other participants are free to download and alter the posted image and repost it in a reply for C&C purposes. That reposted image may remain permanently within the week's thread, or you may remove it after a short period of time if you prefer. The downloaded and altered images are not to be used for any other purposes nor uploaded anywhere else than within the context of the C&C in this thread. No copyright disputes here!

    Encourage - it is a scary business putting your work up for other people to judge!

    More general feedback is also welcome.
    Do you know something about taking the same sort of image that would make matters easier - share your own as an example in your reply.

    Have fun, be respectful and let’s stick together!

  • Members 3318 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 6:49 a.m.

    CRADLE MOUNTAIN - Tasmania


    dprevived.com/media/attachments/35/91/pK5yW57NYUMXKiiwLJIcbYsEwR0WkxNzZBZhC2NjX0eVCfHC7MAceiyd9TFwN5m6/cradlemountain.jpg

    cradleMountain.jpg

    JPG, 256.1 KB, uploaded by DanHasLeftForum on Aug. 28, 2024.

  • Members 718 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 6:55 a.m.

    YSER TOWERS

    Enjoying a week at the Belgian coast, we made a bike ride yesterday from where we are staying in Koksijde to Nieuwpoort, Diksmuide, Alveringem, Veurne and back home again.

    One of the sights we encountered is the Ijzertoren (Yser Tower) in Diksmuide, an anti-war monument erected near the river Yser, where in the Great War of 1914-18, four years of muddy and bloody trench war had taken place.

    The tower has a complicated history in which pacifism, christianity and "the Flemish cause" are intermixed, resulting in enough controversy to fill a few history books.
    In other words: the Tower's history is quite layered ... which I tried to symbolize in this (Iphone) image.

    Yser Towers by RoelH on Iphone - IMG_4035.jpg

    With our back to the river, we are looking through the "Peace Gate", over the remains of the first Yser Tower (built in 1930 and exploded in 1946) towards the new Yser Tower behind it (built 1952-1965).

    More info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yser_Towers

    Yser Towers by RoelH on Iphone - IMG_4035.jpg

    JPG, 2.8 MB, uploaded by RoelHendrickx on Aug. 28, 2024.

  • Members 1180 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 7:54 a.m.

    Wind Driven.
    Outback Australia.

    Wind driven.jpg

    Wind driven.jpg

    JPG, 892.0 KB, uploaded by MikeFewster on Aug. 28, 2024.

  • Members 1093 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 9:58 a.m.

    End of Summer?

    20240824_131319-1.jpg

    20240824_131319-1.jpg

    JPG, 3.5 MB, uploaded by ChrisOly on Aug. 28, 2024.

  • Members 3318 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 10:47 a.m.

    Very nice scene but unfortunately whatever internal processing the phone camera did, it made the water look "plastic".

  • Members 46 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 2:57 p.m.

    Abstract Distractions

    Having been gone from this thread for awhile, I thought I'd pop back in this week.
    I'm primarily a wildlife shooter, but I'm attempting to expand my comfort zone a bit. So I've been trying my hand at abstracts. Here is a set of four water reflections, shot at very high shutter speeds (1/1000 - 1/2500 sec.) The results seem amazing compared to what you can see with the naked eye.

    Water Abstract-1.jpg

    Water Abstract-2.jpg

    Water Abstract-3.jpg

    Water Abstract-4.jpg

    Water Abstract-4.jpg

    JPG, 1.2 MB, uploaded by MikePDX on Aug. 28, 2024.

    Water Abstract-3.jpg

    JPG, 2.1 MB, uploaded by MikePDX on Aug. 28, 2024.

    Water Abstract-2.jpg

    JPG, 914.2 KB, uploaded by MikePDX on Aug. 28, 2024.

    Water Abstract-1.jpg

    JPG, 1.6 MB, uploaded by MikePDX on Aug. 28, 2024.

  • Members 1371 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 3:12 p.m.

    Morning Discipline
    First picture I've taken since that owl on July 3... not much but reminded me how to turn my camera on and off. I found that while husband and then I recuperated enough to leave the house, my favorite sunrise park has been closed indefinitely for construction work. I didn't have time to get to another good spot. Settled for this little boat launch with a poor view. Next time I'll have to get up earlier.

    _8281332-Enhanced-NR.jpg

    _8281332-Enhanced-NR.jpg

    JPG, 2.1 MB, uploaded by minniev on Aug. 28, 2024.

  • Members 664 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 3:32 p.m.

    Waterlilies
    Band
    ABG 240824 - 158.jpg
    ABG 240824 - 163.jpg
    Lead singer
    ABG 240824 - 160.jpg
    Listeners
    ABG 240824 - 166.jpg
    ABG 240824 - 167.jpg

    ABG 240824 - 167.jpg

    JPG, 1.1 MB, uploaded by Sagittarius on Aug. 28, 2024.

    ABG 240824 - 166.jpg

    JPG, 1.7 MB, uploaded by Sagittarius on Aug. 28, 2024.

    ABG 240824 - 163.jpg

    JPG, 2.4 MB, uploaded by Sagittarius on Aug. 28, 2024.

    ABG 240824 - 160.jpg

    JPG, 1.8 MB, uploaded by Sagittarius on Aug. 28, 2024.

    ABG 240824 - 158.jpg

    JPG, 2.3 MB, uploaded by Sagittarius on Aug. 28, 2024.

  • Members 961 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 3:50 p.m.

    I thought I was in luck with a pair of Wedge Tailed Eagles hanging around. Unfortunately they mostly kept their distance, the midday light was bright, auto focus wasn't cooperating and it was very windy.

    P1265161a.JPG

    P1275879a.JPG

    They had a bit of a welcoming committee. This magpie being one of the members.

    P1265403a.JPG

    P1265403a.JPG

    JPG, 1.1 MB, uploaded by Bryan on Aug. 28, 2024.

    P1275879a.JPG

    JPG, 3.5 MB, uploaded by Bryan on Aug. 28, 2024.

    P1265161a.JPG

    JPG, 419.4 KB, uploaded by Bryan on Aug. 28, 2024.

  • Members 789 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 8:13 p.m.

    Seaside sunset
    No time for hiking and photography!
    This week was all taken up with a biz trip to North Germany
    Here's a quick snapshot from my phone. Taken as the sun went down while enjoying a fine fish dinner in a restaurant on stilts in the North Sea :-)

    20240827_200930.jpg

    20240827_200930.jpg

    JPG, 1.7 MB, uploaded by Fireplace33 on Aug. 28, 2024.

  • Members 46 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 8:39 p.m.

    Nice action photos of an eagle I don't get to see. I'm guessing that your camera set the exposure on the sky, not the bird. If these were my shots, I would consider brightening them up quite a bit. I suspect there is a lot more detail on the eagle's underside that could be brought out with a small bit of work.

  • Members 664 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 10:20 p.m.

    I agree with other poster - if underside of birds would be brightened, it would reveal more details. If you do not mind, I can try.

  • Members 961 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 10:56 p.m.

    Sure Sagittarius, I would be happy if you could. I can make the raws available somehow if you wish.

  • Members 961 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 10:58 p.m.

    There's a thought. I guess if spot metering was used, the sky will be blown. But a blue sky with no cloud, is that at all recoverable?

  • Members 664 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 11:09 p.m.

    RAW file would be a big help.

  • Members 664 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 11:49 p.m.

    This is what I came up with from JPEG
    eagle edit-1.jpg

    eagle edit-1.jpg

    JPG, 1.2 MB, uploaded by Sagittarius on Aug. 28, 2024.

  • Members 961 posts
    Aug. 28, 2024, 11:59 p.m.

    Ummm, it's time to get me some better pp tools... 😕 - or learn how to use them...

    And I sent you a private message with a link to the raws.