Banff and Jasper pictures

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Hi,

I took some pictures from 3040Z and would like some input on composition and light conditions of these pictures. Thanks. the pictures are located at http://www.pbase.com/surya/banff

-- Surya Putrevu (sputrevu@hotmail.com), July 23, 2001

Answers

I'm leaving the same comment here as I did on your photo page. These are nice pictures, and they show pretty things, but there doesn't really seem to be a lot of thought put into composure or style. These look like the sort of snapshots most people would bring back from a good vacation. When you ask for critique of a photo, you make an implied statement that you've somehow made this image yours alone by putting some craft into it: a unique aspect, a creative exposure technique, an artful composition. I don't see any of that here; just snapshots.

If I am missing something, let me know. Tell us, what were you trying to do with these photos? What are you looking for on critique besides someone saying it's a nice picture? That way we can give you appropriate responses and help get you where you are trying to go as a photographer.

-- Christian Deichert (torgophile@aol.com), July 24, 2001.


Thank you for your input. You are right, these are pictures from my vacation. and most of them are just to capture the moment as I had observed or felt. My camera is new I have not yet learn how to use the exposure settings very well.

But what I did try is to decide what goes in and out of the picture. Obviously I didn't do enough. I am eager to know what would be the best way to convert some of these photos into better pictures. How do you define Artfull composition. For example if you have a majestic mountain behind and a beautiful lake. what would be artfull to bring out something from the pictures. I am glad that you took the time to respond to my post. I will try to read more about composing better and post some followup pictures some time later.

-- Surya Putrevu (sputrevu@hotmail.com), July 24, 2001.


Surya,

I looked at your website and can't for the life of me understand where Christian is coming from. It didn't help when i looked at his photos. A few of your photos are quite strong. The 1rst photo p7080144 has a great feel of strength. Everything works very well together. Even the rocks on the side help pull it together. The photo titled "rode on the way to Jasper" also works very well. The slight twist of the road and the line of trees on the right are great. You seem to have a very good natural feel for photography. I also like image p7070131 and i would challenge anyone whom could point out a bad decision in this photo. As for Christians comment that you do not seem to be going for anything, (?). It seems to me in the photos that i mentioned you are indeed going for something and not only are they better than vacation shots they are better than anything of Christians that i have seen. Just being different won't make a photograph interesting. An example of this would be the photo titled "Lake Louise and the Hotel". This one doesn't work for me but it is obvious that you were trying to do something different. I think Larry's comment on your other pictures are pretty much on the money, but you have a good eye and maybe a much better than average eye. Keep looking at other peoples photos that move you and try to figure out why. Having good instints is better than knowing all the rules.

Good luck, Charles

Christian,

The problem I have with you is that your comments are so pretentious and smug when your work is rather ordinary. Skaftafell? By the light of the silvery moon? Or on your old web site, (I don't remember names) but the girl with the bright red face or any of the fire pictures). It's fine that you are trying but the comments you make are so codescending. I don't get it.

Charles

-- Charles Eustace (prints19010@yahoo.com), September 26, 2001.


oops typo-condescending

-- Charles Eustace (prints19010@yahoo.com), September 27, 2001.

Surya, I really enjoyed your photos. I particularly liked P7070131. The effect of capturing the path made me feel that I could easily walk off toward the mountain. I am not a professional by any means, but personally I would hang that one on my wall. Thank you for sharing.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), October 02, 2001.


they suck so bad

-- kristy-lee levere (sweet_bear26@hotmail.com), April 23, 2002.

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