Siamang Shadows

slowpez · 02-28-2009, 12:28 PM

These were deliberately taken backlit to obtain a silhouette. I cropped the first one but left the second alone. Not sure either shot is worth it and wondered what I could have done to improve on them.
Thanks in advance for C&C, Susan

Aperture was f/9.0

Link to larger size:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3317108414_cb9ac9f7c6_b.jpg

Exposure:0.001 sec (1/1000) Aperture: f/9.0 Focal Length: 300 mm

Link to larger size:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3317107402_b2fb4d53f6_b.jpg

FHPhotographer · 02-28-2009, 11:02 PM

Originally posted by slowpez

These were deliberately taken backlit to obtain a silhouette. I cropped the first one but left the second alone. Not sure either shot is worth it and wondered what I could have done to improve on them.
Thanks in advance for C&C, Susan

Aperture was f/9.0

Exposure:0.001 sec (1/1000) Aperture: f/9.0 Focal Length: 300 mm

I prefer the second image; it gives me more to "see" with the tones in the rock and the (almost) fur texture. I sure would like to see it with just a bit more detail.

I'm of two minds on this image. On one hand (or one half a brain maybe) it is a visceral, powerful, totemic image that is very evocative; the combination of the silhouette, the bleak monotone background, the tension of the perched animal work together with great force. On the other hand, technically it's a ruined opportunity with muddy color and flat detail.

I guess I like it, but I don't know why or even if I should. I think it's a very good photograph, it just isn't very good photography... if that makes any sense,
Brian

slowpez · 03-01-2009, 08:47 AM

Thanks Brian, my feelings were pretty mixed too. The first image was cropped from a larger one that had a large tree on the right. I almost tossed that one out of hand until I cropped it and, something about the hand reaching up stopped me. I too feel that as photography goes, it isn't a good image.
Any suggestions on what I could have done? Do you think a B&W conversion would help as it would remove any suggestion of tones and eliminate the struggle to see more detail?
Again, thanks for your input - I really appreciate it.
Susan

FHPhotographer · 03-01-2009, 11:18 AM

PM coming,
Brian

02-28-2009, 12:28 PM	#1
slowpez Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 18,462	Siamang Shadows Lens: 133mm Camera: K100D Super ISO: 200 Shutter Speed: 1/1000s Aperture: --- These were deliberately taken backlit to obtain a silhouette. I cropped the first one but left the second alone. Not sure either shot is worth it and wondered what I could have done to improve on them. Thanks in advance for C&C, Susan Aperture was f/9.0 Link to larger size: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3317108414_cb9ac9f7c6_b.jpg Exposure:0.001 sec (1/1000) Aperture: f/9.0 Focal Length: 300 mm Link to larger size: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3317107402_b2fb4d53f6_b.jpg

02-28-2009, 11:02 PM	#2
FHPhotographer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Fountain Hills, AZ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,297	I'm of two minds on this... Originally posted by slowpez These were deliberately taken backlit to obtain a silhouette. I cropped the first one but left the second alone. Not sure either shot is worth it and wondered what I could have done to improve on them. Thanks in advance for C&C, Susan Aperture was f/9.0 Exposure:0.001 sec (1/1000) Aperture: f/9.0 Focal Length: 300 mm I prefer the second image; it gives me more to "see" with the tones in the rock and the (almost) fur texture. I sure would like to see it with just a bit more detail. I'm of two minds on this image. On one hand (or one half a brain maybe) it is a visceral, powerful, totemic image that is very evocative; the combination of the silhouette, the bleak monotone background, the tension of the perched animal work together with great force. On the other hand, technically it's a ruined opportunity with muddy color and flat detail. I guess I like it, but I don't know why or even if I should. I think it's a very good photograph, it just isn't very good photography... if that makes any sense, Brian

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03-01-2009, 08:47 AM	#3
slowpez Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 18,462 Original Poster	Thanks Brian, my feelings were pretty mixed too. The first image was cropped from a larger one that had a large tree on the right. I almost tossed that one out of hand until I cropped it and, something about the hand reaching up stopped me. I too feel that as photography goes, it isn't a good image. Any suggestions on what I could have done? Do you think a B&W conversion would help as it would remove any suggestion of tones and eliminate the struggle to see more detail? Again, thanks for your input - I really appreciate it. Susan

03-01-2009, 11:18 AM	#4
FHPhotographer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Fountain Hills, AZ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,297	PM coming, Brian