Occupy DC again

Quincy T

These were shot last night when the police tore down a large wooden structure that had been erected in McPherson Sq. A couple of things made this difficult:

#1 I wasn't intending to go at all and take pictures, but a friend and I went out to dinner and afterwards we were bored and stopped by to see what was going on.

#2 Lots of other media were there and I didn't want to get in the way of people actually working and making a living.

#3 I had to keep an eye on my friend, and so I didn't change position too much.

Anyway, past those excuses, here are three shots I thought were decent. Nothing too spectacular.

Quincy T

Last picture posted, comments, criticisms and other candid comments are welcome.

Pupator

The last one is good. The eye contact between your two subjects makes an interesting focal point. The first two don't have much going on as a main subject.

Quincy T

Pupator wrote: »

The last one is good. The eye contact between your two subjects makes an interesting focal point. The first two don't have much going on as a main subject.

Thanks! I certainly agree with this conclusion, as it is my own.

Richard

Yes, the last one is better. #1 is OK, but doesn't say protest--it could be almost any public event that attracts a crowd. #2 is better in that regard--the sign and the riot helmet--but despite the cool lighting of the face shield, the image doesn't really engage me. The third one is interesting in that the interaction of the cop and the guy on the left seems friendly, not confrontational.

Quincy T

Pupator wrote: »

The last one is good. The eye contact between your two subjects makes an interesting focal point. The first two don't have much going on as a main subject.

Richard wrote: »

Yes, the last one is better. #1 is OK, but doesn't say protest--it could be almost any public event that attracts a crowd. #2 is better in that regard--the sign and the riot helmet--but despite the cool lighting of the face shield, the image doesn't really engage me. The third one is interesting in that the interaction of the cop and the guy on the left seems friendly, not confrontational.

Thanks, Richard. That's what I was trying to convey. I saw these guys engage in conversation, and it at first it was argumentative. I took a few shots from the opposite side of them, but the lighting was off. Shortly after I moved to the other side, they were done arguing and had simply moved on to talking about being out so late. That continued into a conversation about family, and that brought smiles from both of them.

Quincy T

This is just a shot in the dark to get a few more looks at this. It was really popular among several friends (not photographers) and I would just like to see a few more expert opinions. If there's nothing else to say, then that's all there is to it, and I ask no more! Thanks guys and gals.

bdcolen

Sword and Scales wrote: »

This is just a shot in the dark to get a few more looks at this. It was really popular among several friends (not photographers) and I would just like to see a few more expert opinions. If there's nothing else to say, then that's all there is to it, and I ask no more! Thanks guys and gals.

The first is just a shot of some reporters and a cop;

The second could be quite good, but is too muddy at the moment;

The third is excellent! The eye contact between the Park Policeman and the protester makes this quite special. Well done.clap

RSL

Yes, #3 is very fine, Qunicy. The expressions make it good, but I don't entirely agree with BD on #2. As it stands, BD's right. It's too muddy. But I think a bit of work in Viveza could salvage it. What I'd do is use one U-Point to pull down the cop's jacket. It's black isn't black enough. Then I'd pop a second U-point on his face and bring it up a fair amount. I think the picture could be somewhat ominous if the cop's face were the picture's reference point. The light there is good. Just needs a little work.

Quincy T

Thanks gents, I actually meant to just ask for comments on three, but that came to fruition well enough anyway. I'm excited about trying what you said with #2, Russ, but will first to learn not only what Viveza is, but also a U-point.

RSL

Viveza is a Nik software plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom as well as for the Apple equivalent. It's an incredible tool as are the other Nik plugins, especially Silver EFEX Pro, which I use for all my B&W conversions nowadays.

Quincy T

RSL wrote: »

Viveza is a Nik software plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom as well as for the Apple equivalent. It's an incredible tool as are the other Nik plugins, especially Silver EFEX Pro, which I use for all my B&W conversions nowadays.

Excellent, I will check this out. Also, are you still in Florida? What part do you spend the winter in? I don't know how you feel about internet meetups, but if you'd ever be willing to share a nugget of experience with me in person, I live in the south Tampa area. I'm rarely home, but I try to take advantage of the time I am.

RSL

Hi, Quincy. I let this one go by and, once I remembered it, had to hunt for it to answer. I'll be in Florida until May. I don't get down to Tampa often but next time I go, if I know in advance that I'm going, I'll try to let you know. If you're there we might get together for a beer in Ybor City -- assuming we could find a place in Ybor that sells beer.

Quincy T

RSL wrote: »

Hi, Quincy. I let this one go by and, once I remembered it, had to hunt for it to answer. I'll be in Florida until May. I don't get down to Tampa often but next time I go, if I know in advance that I'm going, I'll try to let you know. If you're there we might get together for a beer in Ybor City -- assuming we could find a place in Ybor that sells beer.

I know of one or two such establishments there. I think. Hmm.

Yes I would really like to get together with you next time you're here, that'd be excellent. I've never had an opportunity to really just sit down and pick at an experience photographer's brain, or even discuss the subject that much. My wife's family has several amateurs and one professional, but the rare time I spend with them is enjoying the holidays as opposed to much photography discussion.

Long and short of it: I'd really like that. haha.

Quincy T

RSL wrote: »

Yes, #3 is very fine, Qunicy. The expressions make it good, but I don't entirely agree with BD on #2. As it stands, BD's right. It's too muddy. But I think a bit of work in Viveza could salvage it. What I'd do is use one U-Point to pull down the cop's jacket. It's black isn't black enough. Then I'd pop a second U-point on his face and bring it up a fair amount. I think the picture could be somewhat ominous if the cop's face were the picture's reference point. The light there is good. Just needs a little work.

So here is my first bit of work using this software you mentioned. I think it improved the image quite a bit, just as you thought. New comments on this?

richardman

#3 is fabulous!

Quincy T

richardman wrote: »

#3 is fabulous!

Thanks! It's my favorite as well.

zoomer

That last shot is publication worthy. 3 I mean.

RSL

Sword and Scales wrote: »

So here is my first bit of work using this software you mentioned. I think it improved the image quite a bit, just as you thought. New comments on this?

I agree, Qunicy. I just wish the floodlights in the background weren't so distracting. Still, it's a good shot.

M38A1

Nicer for sure....

Re: floodlights, I like them. The shot has that Berlin Wall feel to it with the big lights illuminating a wall of sorts here. And without those lights, you wouldn't get that great pass-through light on the helmet shield. It's edgy, abrupt and in your face.

RSL

I can't disagree, Scott. I like them too. I only wish they weren't quite so dominating.

Quincy T

richardman wrote: »

#3 is fabulous!

zoomer wrote: »

That last shot is publication worthy. 3 I mean.

That is probably the most flattering comment I've ever earned. I really do appreciate that.

Quincy T

RSL wrote: »

I can't disagree, Scott. I like them too. I only wish they weren't quite so dominating.

I tried to tone the floodlights down, but couldn't do much without sacrificing reality. However, I do like the floodlights presence there. I realize they are distracting in a way, but I hope that the viewer can find more substance elsewhere. I know that's a bit backwards, and it is our responsibility to guide those that view our photos, but when I took this picture, I felt the light was integral to the shot somehow or another, and I took it that way. Maybe if I could go back and change it I would, but I cannot! haha

Nyarthlopic

I'm a big fan of the last one. I love the look the two men are giving each other.

Quincy T

Nyarthlopic wrote: »

I'm a big fan of the last one. I love the look the two men are giving each other.

Thanks! It took a while for them to get to that point with one another, but when they did I was ready to shoot.

Bruche

You're showing some amazing talent, Quincy. Number three is my favorite as well...

Quincy T

Bruche wrote: »

You're showing some amazing talent, Quincy. Number three is my favorite as well...

Thank you very much, haha, I still have a very long way to go.