Your photos 36

Your photos (36)

Take Better Photos

Hints and tips
by Philip Grosset

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with comments from Philip Grosset

"My three pictures for review:" (F Stuart)

Is there a problem with your scanner? These pictures are so hazy I can't see any detail in them. If, in the original, you can really see detail in what looks as though it might be an arresting photo of the sloth (on the left), it would have been very effective. I'd have preferred the torrent (middle photo) to have appeared nearer the top of the picture so that we could see more of it - or a closer view might have been more dramatic. Easier said than done, I expect! I've tried increasing the contrast with the sunset photo as shown below....

...which certainly helps the definition. Some foreground silhouettes might also have added to the interest. It's a good idea, when sending me pictures to criticise, to include at least some background information, so that I can better appreciate any problems and make allowances if necessary!

"Hi Philip! Here's a second image I'd appreciate you're comments on if you have a chance. (I had someone help me send you a smaller file this time. I wasn't sure how to compress the image of the cats I sent you earlier). This was also taken with the same Minolta St Si camera. Thanks Again." (Carmen Thivierge, Grimsby, Ontario, Canada.)

I never received your previous photo, but I'm very impressed by this one. It's a strong effective composition, but, although I'm sure the soft focus effect was deliberate, I'd really like it even more if it was just a bit sharper. As it is, only the man's eyes are really in focus. The back lighting adds considerably to the appeal.

Reply from Carmen Thivierge: "Thank you for your quick response and comments to the couple portrait. I did use a #2 diffusion filter in the Cokin series on this photo, (with diffused tungsten lighting in front and side and direct lighting in back) but I also have the same composition using a #1 diffusion filter. I prefered the photo with the #1 filter but the female subject preferred the #2 filter (it masked the lines on the faces which she liked, but it also added to the blurr in my opinion).
The first photo I sent you of my three cats ( my forth cat scooted out of the frame before I snapped it) likely didn't reach you because the file was too big). I'm resending it hoping it will reach you. Your comments would be most helpful as I've learned a lot from the other coments you've provided on your site. It's a great service you're offering (and for free). If I can I'd like to sent a third photo at a later date. Thanks so much for your time. Here's the cat photo below. Regards. PS. I love you web site!!!!!!!!"

I'm afraid your photo (above left) loses a lot from being reduced to this size. A pity, because the original shows the three cats all looking at the camera with great interest (as shown in the close-up on the right), and is quite charming. The only snag is the slightly distracting space around them, so, on the above right, I've experimented with a vignette effect. In the reproduction, it may look as though they are now sitting on a plate (!), but, if framed behind a black oval mask, I think it would work quite well. But I quite like the big close-up too!

Reply from Carmen Thivierge: "Thank you for your comments on the cat picture. I rather liked the vignette you did. It adds to the photo while still keeping the three cats in the frame."

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