Posted by Andre Torng on November 1, 2009 at 1:40 AM
I was taking a sunset photo hike at Crystal Cove State Beach and took this shot. It was at dusk, shot with hand held with the heavy 100-400mm lens. I thought this looks somewhat like a pictorial image. What do you think? Any c&c is welcomed. Canon 5DM2, 400mm with 1.4x extender, .4 seconds f/8 at ISO100.
I have to admit that this does not work for me as a landscape. I think I know where you are headed, here, but the elements do not lend themselves to that concept, in my opinion.
-P
Posted by Eric Good on November 1, 2009 at 3:02 PM
While it is not necessarily my cup of tea, it kind of has a impressionistic quality to it that is interesting. Studying the general shapes and human figures scurrying about the rocks is nice.
Posted by Andre Torng on November 1, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Thanks to your comments. Both are valid and thoughtful. Personally I see kind of brush stokes in the image, especially on the cliff. The human figures and white waves do show a strong impressionist style. Personally I feel this image presents my mood better than a straight photography style.
My question is, do you spend more time examine/reviewing this image? or do you dismiss it as soon as you see the image? That determines whether this style is worth it or not. Sometimes you need to leave some room for the viewers' imagingation.
There is no right or wrong answer, it's all personal taste.
Posted by Craig Myers on November 2, 2009 at 6:28 PM
Andre,
When I first saw this I just thought it was an out of focus image. Until you mentioned it, I had no idea there were people in the image. If you are intent on exploring this as an abstract/impressionist image, my suggestion would be to open it in PS and experiment with contrast, saturation, etc., as well as applying some filters such as dry brush or watercolor. I would say this needs considerable tweaking if you wish for others to share your vision. I take some issue re: it's all personal taste: certainly some answers are better than others and more tasteful.
Posted by Lon Overacker on November 3, 2009 at 2:04 AM
Andre,
As they say, honesty is the best policy... While I applaud your attempt at making an artistic representation of the scene before you, the impression I get borders on a blurry mistake. Please don't take offense, but it relates to what you're saying about "personal taste." We all have a personal connection to things and images that we try and create and portray - but we also must consider what we are trying to convey to our viewer. I think the technique is valid and appropriate and certainly with a different subject matter this would have a completely different impression.
To answer your last questions, I did spend additional time with this after your secondary explanation, but I still come away with the thought: "The scene wasn't too exciting, so lets see what a little motion blur will do." As to whether the "style" is worth it or not... well like I already mentioned, I think it's worthy, but also dependent on the subject.
Hope that makes sense and my apologies if it was too harsh.
Lon
Posted by Andre Torng on November 3, 2009 at 2:48 AM
Thanks for your reply and I totally appreciate your responses, that's what I'm looking for here. I know people in this forum are very serious photographers, so when I got this shot made, I was quite happy with the effect and want to get some feedback from others in this forum. I understand PS has the capability to manipulate and create such images. But just like we all want to previsualize and capture the images in camera, I too want to capture this style with my camera with minimal PS effort. Certainly other subjects can be more interesting than just a cliff, but the technique will be the same. I've already had some in my mind and will pursue it further. Again, thanks for your advices and comment. Your suggestions really help me clarify the vision.
Discussion
6 repliesI have to admit that this does not work for me as a landscape. I think I know where you are headed, here, but the elements do not lend themselves to that concept, in my opinion.
-P
My question is, do you spend more time examine/reviewing this image? or do you dismiss it as soon as you see the image? That determines whether this style is worth it or not. Sometimes you need to leave some room for the viewers' imagingation.
There is no right or wrong answer, it's all personal taste.
When I first saw this I just thought it was an out of focus image. Until you mentioned it, I had no idea there were people in the image. If you are intent on exploring this as an abstract/impressionist image, my suggestion would be to open it in PS and experiment with contrast, saturation, etc., as well as applying some filters such as dry brush or watercolor. I would say this needs considerable tweaking if you wish for others to share your vision. I take some issue re: it's all personal taste: certainly some answers are better than others and more tasteful.
As they say, honesty is the best policy... While I applaud your attempt at making an artistic representation of the scene before you, the impression I get borders on a blurry mistake. Please don't take offense, but it relates to what you're saying about "personal taste." We all have a personal connection to things and images that we try and create and portray - but we also must consider what we are trying to convey to our viewer. I think the technique is valid and appropriate and certainly with a different subject matter this would have a completely different impression.
To answer your last questions, I did spend additional time with this after your secondary explanation, but I still come away with the thought: "The scene wasn't too exciting, so lets see what a little motion blur will do." As to whether the "style" is worth it or not... well like I already mentioned, I think it's worthy, but also dependent on the subject.
Hope that makes sense and my apologies if it was too harsh.
Lon