Posted by Jamie Botdorf on February 19, 2009 at 1:20 AM
I'm trying to decide if this is a keeper or not - feedback welcome.
This is a shot of a lighthouse lens I took back in 2004 on a trip along the Oregon coast. I don't remember the name of the lighthouse offhand but can probably find it quickly if anyone is curious.
Let me know what you think. Thanks!
Posted by bill meikle on February 19, 2009 at 8:51 AM
It has shapes and patterns which are cool, maybe lacks a focal point. What about a tiny patch of color in there somewhere or a tiny piece of bright sunlight?
Posted by Nick Moore on February 19, 2009 at 9:12 AM
I find the idea very interesting, as Bill said lots of great shapes and angles to the composition. My only nit is the out of focus objects, but in particularly the one on the right side of the frame that is lighter in colour, that one does attract attention. I'm sure this wasn't an easy subject to shoot!.
Almost (don't you hate that reply). I love the lenses and the one to the left acts as enough of a focal point in the image for me (MHO). The edges look good.
The only thing holding it back is the detail on the right, for me there is just too much. Could you burn in that side, just enough to leave a little bit of detail showing, but not enough to be distracting? Might be worth a try.
Posted by Erik Aagaard on February 19, 2009 at 12:03 PM
What Bill said re: lack of a focal point. I'm afraid the only remedy is to go back to Oregon and re-shoot it!
Posted by Jamie Botdorf on February 19, 2009 at 12:11 PM
I like that idea! I'd love to get back to Oregon! I think the lack of a focal point is what bothers me, too. I find my eyes actually go to the black bar between the two lenses...uggh. The color version shows a little reflection of the light in the lenses (they are actually yellow in the color version). I have a slightly different shot that I'll post shortly...it might be a little better...not sure if a crop to keep only the lhs of the image would help or not...may be worth trying...
Posted by Jamie Botdorf on February 19, 2009 at 12:28 PM
not sure this one is any better...might be a case of "nice try, but no cigar..."
Posted by Doug Roane on February 19, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Most architecture shots look best when sharp throughout, and that's the biggest problem with these for me. Also, though, the compositions are just not drawing me in. Sorry.
Posted by Jamie Botdorf on February 19, 2009 at 1:41 PM
I like that idea! I'd love to get back to Oregon! I think the lack of a focal point is what bothers me, too. I find my eyes actually go to the black bar between the two lenses...uggh. The color version shows a little reflection of the light in the lenses (they are actually yellow in the color version). I have a slightly different shot that I'll post shortly...it might be a little better...not sure if a crop to keep only the lhs of the image would help or not...may be worth trying...
Posted by Morris McClung on February 19, 2009 at 7:08 PM
I think they are interesting shots, Jamie, but not real grabbers. Definitely worth a trip back.
Posted by Linnet Long on February 19, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Not the color one! A different crop of the B&W could have some possibilities...if it would lessen the edge distractions and provide a focal point. The other issue I'd have with this, is that I'd have to know what it is!! It's not so abstract that I wouldn't always be asking myself "what on earth is it?"--which I would find very distracting. Knowing that it's a lighthouse lens is very interesting. It's probably just the piece for some technical light-house magazine
Posted by Paul Wegemann on February 19, 2009 at 9:52 PM
Even with the lack of focal point, I like these. You could try various crops since these are so abstract anyway.
Discussion
11 repliesThis is a shot of a lighthouse lens I took back in 2004 on a trip along the Oregon coast. I don't remember the name of the lighthouse offhand but can probably find it quickly if anyone is curious.
Let me know what you think. Thanks!
The only thing holding it back is the detail on the right, for me there is just too much. Could you burn in that side, just enough to leave a little bit of detail showing, but not enough to be distracting? Might be worth a try.