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Canon DSLR Challenge | all galleries >> Challenge 39 : Scapes (Hosted By :David Willis) >> Challenge 39: Exhibition > Coastline Shanty *
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19-SEP-2004 Shu

Coastline Shanty *

Maine,USA

Canon EOS 10D
1/350s f/8.0 at 41.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Guest 17-Apr-2005 21:37
Now look what you've gotten me into! Forget the vertical version - it just doesn't work. To get that alternative story about textures and weathered matter, the crop still needs to be square - just tighter - like so.
Guest 17-Apr-2005 21:14
The more I look at it, the more I prefer the square version. The vertical was something I came up with when the crop was tighter: no sky above or to the right of the house, so the version I've just shown doesn't really tell that alternative story I was talking about (one of textures and weathered matter).
Guest 17-Apr-2005 21:08
I see what you mean about this being hard, so I am not 100% convinced about my suggestions either! I've made two alternatives: one as a vertical and the other as a square. This because, while I was fiddling with the image I could see what you meant with the diagonal flow, which I think is somewhat preserved in the square version. The vertical version seems to tell a slightly different story somehow. It would be interesting to hear other peoples' opinions on this as well. For simplicity, I've put both versions together here. Oh, by the way, I couldn't resist using the cloning tool to add a little water on the right side of the original image.
Canon DSLR Challenge17-Apr-2005 18:04
Olaf--I would like to see another version, if you're willing. I will have to view it from a library since I am going on vacation today (Sunday). I also plan to vote on Tuesday from a library since I don't have a laptop.

Appreciate it, friend.......Shu
Canon DSLR Challenge17-Apr-2005 17:42
Oops, thought I was logged in as olafdk - hence didn't write my name. Last two posts were by me. --Olaf.dk
Canon DSLR Challenge17-Apr-2005 17:41
Let's not forget the good qualities here: The lighting, colors and textures.
Canon DSLR Challenge17-Apr-2005 17:38
Shu, to me this is better than any of the other two versions I saw. It has more on both sides and the house is not cutting into the frame anymore. I still think I would prefer a vertical version though. If you'd like, I could show you exacly what I mean by example, but I have sworn not to do this, without permission from the photographer.
Canon DSLR Challenge17-Apr-2005 02:37
I can't stand it! I'm fed up with the image and would pull it, except I feel it includes some valuable critiques that may help others. (If they even care to open it.) I still like my original better. You have to be true to yourself after a point and understand that you can't please everybody. If fact, sometimes, as shown here, you can only please yourself. Shu
Canon DSLR Challenge17-Apr-2005 01:01
How many times did you edit it? LOL! The second version was a much better crop than this one. I can understand not wanting to re-edit. If I had to pick between this and the cropped, I'd pick the cropped. The crop took away all the confusion in the shot, which was the whole point of cropping it. :) ~ Lonnit
Canon DSLR Challenge17-Apr-2005 00:45
I've had it! This is it! I've altered the image sooo much that I feel like a painter and someone ought to cry "STOP!" Shu
Canon DSLR Challenge16-Apr-2005 21:24
Shu, It's definitely looking better overall. Remember when I said the top cut was optional? I think I was in error there and it's necessary. ;) The roof is calling too much attention to itself. I'd like to see the top cropped off so the top edge of the angled section of roof starts precisely in the corner of the image (that would mean including the entire thickness of the white trim). As it stands now, the roof is making it a bit top heavy. After this it should be nice and comfy feeling. :) I'm no longer confused about where to look now; I can relax and take it all in. :)

I thrive on commentary on my images as well. The more in depth the better! LOL! It helps the commentor and the commentee. :)

Yes Shu, the boats were definitely interesting, but they needed thier own shot. See how much less confusing it is now. Already you can wander around the shot and know where to look. You can take it all in without distraction. There's some wonderful textures there to enjoy! Nice job. :) ~ Lonnit
Canon DSLR Challenge16-Apr-2005 13:17
New version....can't crop too much, tho. I like it! I also liked my original because what I saw in it was the diagonal flow, which appeared wavey to me. I guess it's a matter of personal taste. Shu
Shu16-Apr-2005 12:26
Thanks Lonnit and Olaf! I will fool with the original to see what suits my eye. You guys really know the technical aspects of an image. It was strange looking at this shot through your eyes.....it's like seeing differently. If everyone were open to suggestions like this, and willing to give them, as you have done, folks like me (relatively new to PS and digital) would benefit greatly. And, we would all better understand the innumerable nuances and possibilities of an image. Thanks, again. Shu

PS Lonnit, I love the color of the boats in this image, but to include them in the frame was quite another thing......?
Guest 16-Apr-2005 07:01
Interesting analysis Lonnit! I feel the main problem with this framing is _balance_. The right half of the image is so much more full of detail, that this is where your eyes will be. It is kind of strange that the house cuts into the frame on the right but has so much relatively empty space on the left. IMO, letting the house cut into the frame on the left calls for a much tighter crop: Top: cut off just to the point where there is no sky above the roof; Right: cut off just to the point where there is no sky to the right of the roof; Left: after the top and right crops have been made, cut down to a 4:3 ratio (landscape oriented) or even better, a square. Actually this shot might have been better as a vertical, with more at the bottom. All just in my humble opinion of course.
Canon DSLR Challenge16-Apr-2005 00:55
As per your request! :)

The shot is nicely saturated and actually is technically well composed in terms of using the grid. I think where it is failing is that the leading lines and the grid all bring us to a point of little interest... the indiscernible stacked up 'stuff' in front of the large blank wall. Once arriving at that pile and finding no interest there, the eye wanders looking for something more interesting but is consistantly drawn back to the same spot. I am also disctracted by the boats on the right. I'm confused as to which side of the shot is the 'important' side. It makes me ask myself what the point of the picture is. :( The thumbnail draws one in because it appears to have the makings of a very beautiful shot, but once it is opened we fail to discover the interest and purpose of the shot, so it doesn't deliver. I believe that is why there are so many hits and yet no comments.

If you crop the shot directly at the vertical white line that is next to the 'pile of stuff', you get a much more interesting shot and more of what I believe to be your original intention. If you'd like, you could also crop the top (although not absolutely necessary) at the highest white horizontal trim where the roof meets the wall. That would put your horizon on the upper third line. It's an option, but not a necessity. THEN you've got a very intersting picture that makes you curious about the contents, and it has more of that artsy feel to it.

You had good enough instincts to realize there was something there to be photographed, but I think with all that is available to shoot, you tried to get it all in at once instead of breaking it down into several very interesting shots. I could easily spend at least an hour there shooting lots of details and an assortment of angles. The location is a photog's paradise! There's soooo much to explore!! The possibilities are endless!

Thanks for the opportunity to dissect. It really helps me to analyze other's work. :)

Love,
Lonnit