Old Church

jsmiley

This photograph is of an old church approximately 100 years old, It's not used anymore. Photograph was taken approximate 1500 hours today. It's lacking something I don't know what, it doesn't pop. C&C appreciated thanks in advance.

John :scratch
church.jpg

schmoo

That beautiful little church isn't used? Is the door really sitting open like that?

One of the key reasons why the image seems a bit flat is because you were taking it at the time of day when the sun is high. At those times the sun is very bright, very harsh and the shadows are directly underneath - all things that tend to make your images look a bit washed out and one-dimensional. I'm sure going back in the early morning or evening when the sun at a lower angle will help, as will the quality of the light that hits then.

You can do a bit in PP to make the colors and contrast a bit better, or you can bring the clouds out a bit more by adding a layer mask in PS.

jsmiley

Thanks Schmoo
I really appreciate the information an the links. I have Photoshop CS3 and I will put this information to use.
I was concerned that my processing for post was causing some of this flatness because it does not Print out that way. I output in Photoshop and Web color.

Now to answer some of your questions. Yes the church is open all the time vandals you know. If anything is locked up they got to knock it down even a church.
Lighting is definitely an issue here. The sunrise is directly behind the church giving long shadows in front. And in the afternoon it is so bright on the front.
I guess I'll have to wait for a cloudy day or later on in the year.

Thanks again for your help John

jsmiley

Schmoo
I have put your information the use. Here is my first attempt at using curves and white balance, still a lot of practice to do.

John
church4070.jpg

summerz

Very nice,
Sad about the vandals.