Como Bridge - Night (first post)

[WadeM]

Hey Guys,

Just thought I'd put my money where my mouth is and get my first image out here.



This was taken early April this year.
125.6 sec / f 8 / 18 mm Kit Lens (27 mm SLR Equiv) / ISO 200

Also, I have a few photos I'd like to post, but obviously it's not very respectful just posting new pictures all the time. How often would you suggest submitting a new photo for critque?

Thanks,
--Wadem

[leek]

Hi Wadem,

Welcome to the forum...

While the sky effect is cool, this shot is a little dark for my tastes...
Have a play with Shadows and Highlights in Photoshop CS (if you have it) and i think you could make it a more interesting shot...

Keep posting as often as you like... Probably best not to post more than 4 at a time and refer people to an online gallery for more examples if you want...

[sirhc55]

Wadem - I like this pic but I am a sucker for contra jour anyways My only comment would be to clone out the branches of the tree on the right hand side above the bridge structure.

Although there is a touch of clutter on each side, my eye is constantly brought to the centre of the pic and then encompasses the overhead structures to infinity

[avkomp]

welcome to the forums

I am a sucker for diagonal lines in pix but in this one there is too much dark stuff not doing anything for my tastes.

Having a play with the shadows might be worthwhile.

I agree also with cloning the branch out from the bridge line on the right.
This makes things much more symmetrical.

Steve

[WadeM]

Without wanting to start a digital vs analog debate on my first night.....

In MY opinion, cloning out the branch would turn this from a photograph to an image.

That photo is as I saw it @ the time. The branch annoys me, but photography, to me is about capturing what's there, not then going home and photoshoping out bits you don't like.

I am able to use PS, that's not an issue, I just don't like manipulating my photos past the point I would have been able to in a chemical(B&W) darkroom.

Thanks for the comments on shadows/highlights, I will tweak.

It's very refreshing getting comments honest, constructive feedback.

Thanks again guys, this place is great!

--Wadem

[WadeM]

I've adjusted the shadows, and it does look much better detail wise.

It's a pity the bridge is totally covered with graffiti and looks ugly when the shadows are raised.

Thanks for the tip! (feel free to keep on critiquing tho )

--Wadem

[sirhc55]

WadeM - you would have been able to remove the tree branches in the conventional darkroom, plus you could have done some USM, and dodging and burning plus, plus, plus.

Photoshop and other programs of the same ilk are defined as digital darkrooms and can be used in the same way as traditional darkrooms

[WadeM]

Fair call Chris, fair call. I have never personally done it, but I didn't ever reach 'pro' level either.

I guess I've got some soul searching to do....

--Wadem

[gstark]

Wade,

Welcome, and a great first image.

Opening up the dark areas of the bridge would be a great improvement here; this image does, IMHO, need that extra element of detail.

As Chris has pointed out, there are many things that can be done in a traditional darkroom that you can also do in PP; the question of what is "legitimate" is truly a minefield, and I daresay there are as many differing opinions on this as there are photographers.

As to frequency of posting of images .... we don't have any restrictions on that; I've seen some people post three or five images in the one hit. The issue to be wary of is the fact that not all users here have broadband, and you should be respectful of that fact: smaller file sizes, along with a maximum size along the longer side of around 800 pixels will prob ably serve as a reasonable guide for you.

The only other advice is to get yourself down to a minimeet: don't worry about not knowing anyone; we're a friendly bunch, and you'll be welcomed into the family within minutes.