Challenge #72 STILLNESS

Swartzy · August 23, 2006

I posted the first one in the main topic but thought I would put the other here with it. Which do you like better for the theme?

or this one?

Thanks in Advance

rparige · August 23, 2006

Both Images are great

From Stillness point of view, I like the #2

Zahid Niaz · August 23, 2006

I like the first one better! No doubt there is better stillness in #2, but photographically #1 appears to have more charm. I feel you can improve the stillness by reducing harsh light of sun on the left ... you can do it in PP or take the shot again in better light conditions, if possible.

douglas · August 23, 2006

I like # 1, Well Done!

TomaS · August 23, 2006

Bynver one works for me

Number two is overexposed on the upper right and has distracting objects that ruin it for me.

Swartzy · August 23, 2006

Thanks for the comments
Number 1 it is. It's funny how our perspectives change what we see...meaning: The second one (overexposed in the upper right corner) was what I thought to be way cool because of the magnificent sunset. Having had taken probably 30 some shots of the sunset alone then seeing it reflecting in the water was astounding (to me). That's what's so great about this forum. I would have never considered that being overexposed but instead part of the natural sunset making for a different type shot.

Thanks for taking the time to comment and letting me know. Heh, here's the sunset. Was a great night for shooting: BTW Here is another I was considering

The sunset

ajgauthier · August 23, 2006

Swartzy wrote:

Number 1 it is. It's funny how our perspectives change what we see...meaning: The second one (overexposed in the upper right corner) was what I thought to be way cool because of the magnificent sunset. Having had taken probably 30 some shots of the sunset alone then seeing it reflecting in the water was astounding (to me). That's what's so great about this forum. I would have never considered that being overexposed but instead part of the natural sunset making for a different type shot.

Thanks for taking the time to comment and letting me know. Heh, here's the sunset. Was a great night for shooting: BTW Here is another I was considering

...for me....in #2 I was getting distracted by the dock and piece of wood/log in the shot, more so by the dock...it just cut into the picture. Honestly, I never noticed that the sunset was being reflected in the upper right. After your comments I went back to look, and it is pretty neat, but still overwhelmed by the dock (for me).

The other one you just posted with the whole sunset included with the lily pads...I like that one too...maybe better than the #1 lily pad you first posted. I like seeing the sunset, and it draws me into the reflection in the water, where I then notice the clouds being superbly reflected in the water.

cheers,
Adrienne

Swartzy · August 23, 2006

Thanks Adrenne

ajgauthier wrote:

...for me....in #2 I was getting distracted by the dock and piece of wood/log in the shot, more so by the dock...it just cut into the picture. Honestly, I never noticed that the sunset was being reflected in the upper right. After your comments I went back to look, and it is pretty neat, but still overwhelmed by the dock (for me).

The other one you just posted with the whole sunset included with the lily pads...I like that one too...maybe better than the #1 lily pad you first posted. I like seeing the sunset, and it draws me into the reflection in the water, where I then notice the clouds being superbly reflected in the water.

cheers,
Adrienne

You know, the more I look at this I like it. What I did here was removed the dock. I originally shot it with the dock for point of referrence but probably not necessary. Ok, number 2 is out. Here's a cropped version of the last...thanks so much!

ajgauthier · August 23, 2006

you've got it!

Swartzy wrote:

You know, the more I look at this I like it. What I did here was removed the dock. I originally shot it with the dock for point of referrence but probably not necessary. Ok, number 2 is out. Here's a cropped version of the last...thanks so much!

yeah - I like it cropped like that too!

I feel really drawn into the lake/pond and how serene the moment is, and how 'still' I would be if I was actually there enjoying the moment.

well done!
Adrienne

athos · August 23, 2006

the last one is great. the crop worked out well

you could really make it pop with some levels and some color adjustments in pp.

Alaska shutterbug · August 23, 2006

I like the last one as well. could you adjust the horizon just a smidgen? you could also crop just a little more sky and it would work (better in my opinion).

Swartzy · August 23, 2006

Thanks athos

athos wrote:

the last one is great. the crop worked out well

you could really make it pop with some levels and some color adjustments in pp.

This version is with levels, curves, color balance. I worked with it quite a bit and felt the combination shown was the best balance for mood and feel. Of course there are probably some other (more like alot) of neat tricks in PS I don't know how to do yet...but still learning. Thanks for the comments...I just went in and goofed a bit with it....nope...still the same..hehe.

OK....let's see some shots peoples!

TomaS · August 24, 2006

Swartzy wrote:

This version is with levels, curves, color balance. I worked with it quite a bit and felt the combination shown was the best balance for mood and feel. Of course there are probably some other (more like alot) of neat tricks in PS I don't know how to do yet...but still learning. Thanks for the comments...I just went in and goofed a bit with it....nope...still the same..hehe.

OK....let's see some shots peoples!

I like this one better too. One further suggestion - crop out more of the sky. I think it distracts from the tranquility because it is so bright. Nice work!

Swartzy · August 24, 2006

Thanks TomaS & Alaska
Cropped. Now I see what you meant. Thanks for all the input.

Alaska shutterbug · August 25, 2006

Swartzy wrote:

Cropped. Now I see what you meant. Thanks for all the input.

I like it cropped, but am I the only one bothered by the not completely horizontal horizon??? The horizon is a little lower on the right than the left.

Swartzy · August 25, 2006

I agree Alaska

Alaska shutterbug wrote:

I like it cropped, but am I the only one bothered by the not completely horizontal horizon??? The horizon is a little lower on the right than the left.

That's the very first thing I noticed when taking the shots. I was leaning over the dock to the side....heh, trying not to fall in the water and keep the camera level. I fixed it here and posted the fixed version on the main topic challenge.

Alaska shutterbug · August 25, 2006

Thank you. like it.

adrian_k · August 26, 2006

good work on your 'fixing'.

I think this fits the theme perfectly - something that could be moving, but isn't. Rather than something static.

Swartzy wrote:

That's the very first thing I noticed when taking the shots. I was leaning over the dock to the side....heh, trying not to fall in the water and keep the camera level. I fixed it here and posted the fixed version on the main topic challenge.

Challenge #72 STILLNESS

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