Yes, it’s been a while since we’ve posted a submission to our Photo Critique section. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have some great shots for all of you critics out there to offer up your opinions.
Today’s photo is the first HDR entry to land in our inbox. It comes to us from Al Dixon who says:
“This picture was taken in June of 2008 and is my first attempt at an HDR image. It was shot at approx 6am just south of Stony Plain, AB with my Nikon D40 and Nikon 18-200 Nikkor lens. The image consists of 5 exposures layered together using PhotomatixPro3. The resulting image had a vignette effect applied with Lightroom.
Thanks in advance for your time and input.”
So we’re calling you out photographers! Offer up your thoughts, constructive criticism, tips, praise… we (along with Jim) want to know what you think!
6 Comments
I think this image is great for a first attempt. However I have a couple a suggestion to make it terms of composition… The house is a very interesting subject but by putting dead centre the image becomes boring, it doesn’t give the viewer the opportunity to “look around” for more details. The same thing goes for placing the horizon line very close to the centre. Aside from that I think the HDR effect is great! Keep it up!
The HDR effect work well for a first attempt. I do agree with Camila in regards to the over all composition of the image, the rule of thirds applies here. Also if you get a chance to shot this location again having some clouds in the image will also give it more dimension.
I’m with Camila and Casey on this one. A wonderful first attempt at an HDR, with good color but not passing into the sort of surrealism that most HDR shots have these days. The composition could be improved, and while the vignette frames it well, it would likely benefit from being composed along a thirds line. Overall it looks good though.
I think you did a great job with this HDR. Sometimes it can be way too overdone and all you notice is the HDR instead of the actual subject. Here the HDR doesn’t get in the way of the viewing experience. I also think you could adjust the composition. I would suggest cropping out the flat leafed bush at the bottom by bringing up the frame an inch which would then add more sky, if possible.
I’m not sure, it could just be my computer screen, but I can see the lines of the vignette. It doesn’t look like a smooth gradient. I honestly think you would be fine without. I also feel like the grass could do with a little less HDR then the house. I feel like I want some more contrast/ in the grass as the object laying in it seems to get lost with me.I have never done HDR so I’m not sure how that would work.
Overall I think it is very well done HDR and kudos to you for being out shooting at 6am!
Jim,
again I would like to reiterate the comments on composition, without getting repetitive although I believe I may be.
So if we ignore the composition and look at the other aspects I think it is a great first HDR project but I feel it could do with more of a mood.
The vignette starts to add something, but doesn’t finish the job (and I can also see the vignette lines).
A deeper contrast within the building itself would start to add to that old, rustic feel, but on the other hand you could soften it out and give it more of a dreamy feel.
Overall, you are starting to disprove the myth of hardware=quality because you have been quite successful with a somewhat inexpensive camera and software.
Good Job!
the photo is boring after 3 second…. could be more interesting if you just have more far away the house and not in the center