Critique Architecture / Indoor Low Light

Tejanos

Hi!

Went out a month back to see / photograph some very old Spanish Colonial Churches in Laguna, Philippines … my first real attempt at both Architecture and Indoor Low Light … put a gallery together of what I considered to be the best … direct link:

http://photography.tejanoscatfish.com/p403710927

I seriously struggle in this environment and would appreciate any and all comments in how I could improve.

Gear used:

CANON 40D
EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM
Manfrotto (804RC2) Head
Manfrotto (055PROB) Tripod

Regards,

Mark Jones
http://photoblog.tejanoscatfish.com/
http://photography.tejanoscatfish.com/

Swartzy

Mark..
These are very nice. I like the sharpness. About the only couple things I would suggest are some different angles...for instance, inside, get down on the floor and take some different perspectives...some side angles if you will. Also, just for the heck of it...do a 3 exposure HDR. Actually 9 exposures 1 stop apart, merged with Photomatix can render some amazing colors providing when detail enhancing or tone mapping they aren't over the top strength wise or saturation.

I think these that you've taken are very nice and should be quite happy with them in your gallery. That's why I suggest at this juncture to play around a bit with compositions, possibly focus in on detail shots and stretch out a bit.

Just some food for thought. Fun stuff and things most of us don't have the opportunity to see. Thanks for sharing.

Tejanos

Hi!

Thanks a million for your constuctive input ... it goes along way with me being able to better my "game" in all of this ... I just need to put the beer down so that I have both hands free to work all of this

Am heading out today to do some "street shooting" here in the Philippines ... will take your comments into play and see what I am able to come up with ...

Regards,

Mark Jones

http://photoblog.tejanoscatfish.com/
http://photography.tejanoscatfish.com/

Swartzy wrote:

These are very nice. I like the sharpness. About the only couple things I would suggest are some different angles...for instance, inside, get down on the floor and take some different perspectives...some side angles if you will. Also, just for the heck of it...do a 3 exposure HDR. Actually 9 exposures 1 stop apart, merged with Photomatix can render some amazing colors providing when detail enhancing or tone mapping they aren't over the top strength wise or saturation.

I think these that you've taken are very nice and should be quite happy with them in your gallery. That's why I suggest at this juncture to play around a bit with compositions, possibly focus in on detail shots and stretch out a bit.

Just some food for thought. Fun stuff and things most of us don't have the opportunity to see. Thanks for sharing.

swintonphoto

I think they are nice. My suggestions would be to (1) try different angles and vantage points. Looks like most of them are taken at eye level. (2) try standing in unique places in the churches instead of just in the middle of the aisle. You could put something in the foreground - makes them interesting.

Tejanos

Hi!

Thank you very much for your constructive comments ...

You are correct, all taken at eye level ... in hindsight, after culling through them all, I wished I had been more fluid in how I took them ... especially inside the churches ...

This was my first attempt at this sort of photography ... so was not sure what tack to take on it ... and was really the first time I had worked my tripod so much ...

Will make another try at it while back home in Malaysia for the Holiday's ... Malaysia has some amazing Mosques which I would love to capture in proper form ...

Regards,

Mark Jones

http://photoblog.tejanoscatfish.com/
http://photography.tejanoscatfish.com/

swintonphoto wrote:

I think they are nice. My suggestions would be to (1) try different angles and vantage points. Looks like most of them are taken at eye level. (2) try standing in unique places in the churches instead of just in the middle of the aisle. You could put something in the foreground - makes them interesting.

ArchiTexas

First off, it's good to see another architecture lover here!

Secondly, I agree with the previous responses. The shots are nice, but you are lacking in detail shots. Most of the shots don't proceed past a view of the central aisle from near the back of the church - this is pretty much what I'd see if I walked a few steps into the church and stopped. It would be great if you could us a better sense of actually walking around in that space. Churches offer many opportunities for detail and character shots: closeups of the altar or lectern, the votive candles, statues of saints (I'm assuming these are Catholic churches, and (of course) many architectural details (stained glass, rose windows, vaulted roofs, etc.)

Finally, I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work. Thanks for sharing.

anwmn1

Everyone nailed it. Your exposure is almost right on- but the shots are a little classic/boring.

Stick the camera on the ground- use those long walkways as forground and give us some awe.

The last outdoor shot- #33 I think- could have used the cool pilar railings as a foreground subject.

Overall nicely done and look forward to seeing more!