I like the idea of this, but I'm afraid for me it's not working. I think the problem is the positioning of the lifebouy and the background. The background is not working and I think because the lifebouy and steps are in the same plane you could shoot this wide open (F1.8 if possible) to blur the background which will focus on them to the exclusion of everything else. You could also shoot from a little lower so that the lifebouy is totally out of the water with just blurred building behind it. Obviously I would never have thought of that out in the field :-) but is seems to make sense to me now!
Thanks Des, I can see that now, yes there isn't enough separation and a larger aperture would have helped for sure. And yes, trying some different perspectives could be interesting. At least it was in only in Gloucester, so I can have another go next time I'm there.
Good to see you taking part here Saul, and look forward to seeing you on Zoom on Tuesday.
I echo Des's thoughts. Years ago an experienced photography tutor looked at one of my efforts and said 'What is this a picture of?' I said it was sheep in a field around a tree and a manor house behind and a stone wall in front. He said, 'Too many 'ands'.' And this...and that... etc. You need a lead actor, and supporting cast. I often think of that. Same here...a wide aperture would make it a picture of the lifebelt and steps.
Speaking of lifebelt and steps, Saul...as a guide, things look better in threes rather than twos, though obviously that's just a general rule.
I think the two masters have said it all above, think there is two pictures here, the one of the docks with a great sky and reflections in the water and the other with the lifebouy and steps, a great idea.
Cheers
rob
I recall taking this scene in 2007 but some differences. I took the shot from a little to the left so more of the dock is inlcuded. I then converted to B&W except I left the Lifeboy as red. However, the only time I used it in a competition was 4 pictures on a theme in the annual exhibition where the other images were also predominently red. It failed to get any award and has not been seen since.
Comments
I like the idea of this, but I'm afraid for me it's not working. I think the problem is the positioning of the lifebouy and the background. The background is not working and I think because the lifebouy and steps are in the same plane you could shoot this wide open (F1.8 if possible) to blur the background which will focus on them to the exclusion of everything else. You could also shoot from a little lower so that the lifebouy is totally out of the water with just blurred building behind it. Obviously I would never have thought of that out in the field :-) but is seems to make sense to me now!
Thanks Des, I can see that now, yes there isn't enough separation and a larger aperture would have helped for sure. And yes, trying some different perspectives could be interesting. At least it was in only in Gloucester, so I can have another go next time I'm there.
Good to see you taking part here Saul, and look forward to seeing you on Zoom on Tuesday.
I echo Des's thoughts. Years ago an experienced photography tutor looked at one of my efforts and said 'What is this a picture of?' I said it was sheep in a field around a tree and a manor house behind and a stone wall in front. He said, 'Too many 'ands'.' And this...and that... etc. You need a lead actor, and supporting cast. I often think of that. Same here...a wide aperture would make it a picture of the lifebelt and steps.
Speaking of lifebelt and steps, Saul...as a guide, things look better in threes rather than twos, though obviously that's just a general rule.
I think the two masters have said it all above, think there is two pictures here, the one of the docks with a great sky and reflections in the water and the other with the lifebouy and steps, a great idea.
Cheers
rob
I recall taking this scene in 2007 but some differences. I took the shot from a little to the left so more of the dock is inlcuded. I then converted to B&W except I left the Lifeboy as red. However, the only time I used it in a competition was 4 pictures on a theme in the annual exhibition where the other images were also predominently red. It failed to get any award and has not been seen since.
Dave