#26 - C&C Requested
Flyinggina
Registered Users Posts: 2,639 Major grins
Thinking about the theme, I decided that, just as passing light through a prism is modifying the light, reflecting it off of a shiny surface is also modifying the light. Of course, as a photographer, your only control is how you place yourself vs a vs the subject.
With that in mind, last weekend I took a series of the Prudential tower, the tallest building in Boston. I was hoping that the sunset would yield some nice colors, but the light wasn't too cooperative. There were other problems, some my ineptitude and some just the placement of the buildings etc., but here is one of the shots - cropped and some curves adjustment. I also had to use noise reduction, which didn't really fix the consequences of using a higher ISO than I should have in view of my metering for the bright areas.:cry
I was pretty discouraged, but decided to try one more time.
Today I went out in late morning. This time Iused a polarizer.
Thoughts, suggestions, comments?
Thanks,
Virginia
With that in mind, last weekend I took a series of the Prudential tower, the tallest building in Boston. I was hoping that the sunset would yield some nice colors, but the light wasn't too cooperative. There were other problems, some my ineptitude and some just the placement of the buildings etc., but here is one of the shots - cropped and some curves adjustment. I also had to use noise reduction, which didn't really fix the consequences of using a higher ISO than I should have in view of my metering for the bright areas.:cry
I was pretty discouraged, but decided to try one more time.
Today I went out in late morning. This time Iused a polarizer.
Thoughts, suggestions, comments?
Thanks,
Virginia
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"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know." Diane Arbus
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"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know." Diane Arbus
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Of the two, #1 is warmer and more pleasing to my eye.
I think I like the warmth and clarity of the first one, but the comp and painted quality of the second. I know, I'm no help at all....
I like the first one.. I do however like the effects on the second one too.. very pretty...
Still..I get a more reflective feeling from the first and the warm colors on the first aid in the feeling of reflective heat, whereas the colors on the second are very cooling..
Hope that helps some...
Kat
Funny. I really don't like the first one - guess it is the composition. I can appreciate how the warmth of the light attracts though.
Mark, the "noise" in the blue is, I suspect, some of what is behind the windows showing through because of the polarizer. All of the photos I have seen of the Prudential building show a mirror finish so the effect surprised me. I rather like it because it gives the picture the feel of being a painting even though the effect is not the result of post processing. A true case of manipulating the light!!
Don't know if I will enter anything, but it has been fun playing with the reflection idea a bit and absolutely mind blowing (and humbling) to see everyone else's work. I can't wait to see who wins and, boy oh boy, am I glad I don't have to judge this one!
Virginia
"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know." Diane Arbus
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Have you thought about doing HDR for this shot? If you want detail in the glass during sunset with low noise, I would try 3 (or more) exposures on a tripod and merge them together. It is an interesting idea and I would love to try it myself sometime. I did something similar to this on the John Hancock Tower, but it was midday and all I got was some reflections of the clouds on it, which came out pretty nice, but again light wasn't an issue when I did it ... sunset is a different story, that's why I was thinking of HDR as an option.
Los Angeles dance photographer
Website: http://www.allenparseghian.com
Actually, the pictures are of the John Hancock Tower and not the Prudential. My mind is going.
Haven't ever tried HDR, but you may be right about using it for this one.
Virginia
"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know." Diane Arbus
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Kat
I think what might add interest to #1 is a living element such as birds flying in the sky. There are PS brushes that you can download for free which might help.
Allen's idea of playing around with HDR is worth a shot. That's what I did with my entry.
http://lrichters.smugmug.com
www.bf2015.smugmug.com
pyroPrints.com/5819572 The Photo Section
Now I come back to your wonderful encouragement. You remind me that it is playing the game that counts and not winning.
Sometimes I have a shot I am proud of and I'll enter it without qualms. If it doesn't make the cut, I don't mind, (At least not too much!) Sometimes, though, I enter something that I know isn't challenge worthy then I end up feeling embarrassed.
For this challenge, I have been on the fence. I really didn't want to enter something that was too lame. You have made me look at the pictures with new eyes. It is really fascinating (and educational for me) that so many prefer the sunset one. I'm really glad I asked for input.
So I will enter and I thank you all.
You folks are the best.
Virginia
PS - Thanks for the neat suggestion, Linda. I will check out the link.
"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know." Diane Arbus
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The pursuit of the shot and playing... so very true!!!!
I too agree that the first one is worthy and wonderful!