Architecture Haunted Mansion

applejax · 12-23-2010, 06:50 AM - **1 Like**

Just getting back from a Christmas trip to Disney, and I have a few photos I'd like some critique on.

Round 1: Haunted Mansion. I recolored, then cropped, but after looking at them, I think I like the uncropped version better. The empty space seems to make it more dismal. Which one do you like better and why (or do they both stink)?

Uncropped:

Cropped:

Last edited by applejax; 12-23-2010 at 07:04 AM.

Postumus · 12-23-2010, 06:11 PM

The vertical lines are more pleasing in the uncropped version.
Unless you tilt the crop something like 1.5-2 degrees to the right.....

But the larger image looks more imposing

You did ask!

Merry Christmas.......

SpecialK · 12-23-2010, 06:17 PM

I prefer the cropped version, but the tilt is too much. I have a lot of experience in leveling shots (both bodies have the Pentax tilt) with wide angles, and I make the line in the center vertical and let everything else balance itself out - unless there is intentional leaning, which is very rare..

Postumus · 12-23-2010, 06:21 PM

And maybe the big sky is too dull in monochrome in the uncropped version

**Miguel** · 12-23-2010, 06:58 PM

Perhaps it's advantageous that in my deprived life I have not been to Disneyland or Disney World, as I cannot tell this structure is haunted by the photograph. On both versions the overall tones are too grey. The tilt defects call too much attention to themselves as well. Shift lenses help a lot here.

Old B&W movies are a good guide to conveying haunted houses. They use serious shadowing and strong contrast. Some grain may help too. The dark bushes in the foreground don't add much either. Perhaps shooting during dusk or dawn would have been more effective. Also better access to the site so you can get an unfettered perspective would be recommended; those folks in the bottom of the frame are counter to any effect.

M

applejax · 12-23-2010, 07:00 PM

Originally posted by Postumus

You did ask!

Yes, I did, and I most definitely appreciate everyone's comments!

Postumus · 12-24-2010, 12:53 AM

Actually GOING to Disney land is the REAL scary bit!

Those crowds....long waits for rides.......crap food.............

That sort of thing could "Haunt You" for life

Im still recovering from "Simon Townsend's WonderWorld" 25 years ago......

...........oooooOOOOOooooo.............oooooooOOOOOOoooooo............

Sparkle · 12-24-2010, 01:19 AM

The cropped version, with minor straightening, IMO, conveys your idea. Disney Land, World is otherwise too beautiful.

12-23-2010, 06:50 AM - 1 Like	#1
applejax Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Albums Posts: 271	Haunted Mansion Just getting back from a Christmas trip to Disney, and I have a few photos I'd like some critique on. Round 1: Haunted Mansion. I recolored, then cropped, but after looking at them, I think I like the uncropped version better. The empty space seems to make it more dismal. Which one do you like better and why (or do they both stink)? Uncropped: Cropped: Last edited by applejax; 12-23-2010 at 07:04 AM.

12-23-2010, 06:11 PM	#2
Postumus Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 141	The vertical lines are more pleasing in the uncropped version. Unless you tilt the crop something like 1.5-2 degrees to the right..... But the larger image looks more imposing You did ask! Merry Christmas....... Last edited by Postumus; 12-23-2010 at 06:16 PM. Reason: Typo

12-24-2010, 12:53 AM	#7
Postumus Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 141	Really Scarey! Actually GOING to Disney land is the REAL scary bit! Those crowds....long waits for rides.......crap food............. That sort of thing could "Haunt You" for life Im still recovering from "Simon Townsend's WonderWorld" 25 years ago...... ...........oooooOOOOOooooo.............oooooooOOOOOOoooooo............

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12-23-2010, 06:17 PM	#3
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	I prefer the cropped version, but the tilt is too much. I have a lot of experience in leveling shots (both bodies have the Pentax tilt) with wide angles, and I make the line in the center vertical and let everything else balance itself out - unless there is intentional leaning, which is very rare..

12-23-2010, 06:21 PM	#4
Postumus Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 141	And maybe the big sky is too dull in monochrome in the uncropped version

12-23-2010, 06:58 PM	#5
Miguel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,743	Perhaps it's advantageous that in my deprived life I have not been to Disneyland or Disney World, as I cannot tell this structure is haunted by the photograph. On both versions the overall tones are too grey. The tilt defects call too much attention to themselves as well. Shift lenses help a lot here. Old B&W movies are a good guide to conveying haunted houses. They use serious shadowing and strong contrast. Some grain may help too. The dark bushes in the foreground don't add much either. Perhaps shooting during dusk or dawn would have been more effective. Also better access to the site so you can get an unfettered perspective would be recommended; those folks in the bottom of the frame are counter to any effect. M

12-23-2010, 07:00 PM	#6
applejax Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Albums Posts: 271 Original Poster	Originally posted by Postumus You did ask! Yes, I did, and I most definitely appreciate everyone's comments!

12-24-2010, 01:19 AM	#8
Sparkle Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,521	The cropped version, with minor straightening, IMO, conveys your idea. Disney Land, World is otherwise too beautiful.