A professional photographer and judge volunteered to critique two photos from each member of the Taft Camera Club. Here are the results.
Ann Hess
Scary Extremes
I love the ‘extremes’ in this photo! The black, void of detail, the white blown out areas, and the gray giving texture and commentary. What a fun shot! There is a tense energy from the tightness of the shot. I want to back up! I would like to see more of the gray items along the bottom of the frame, but the energy from the tightness lends itself to the emotion of the picture. Well done! Good job!
Shades of Light
What a difference between this image and the first one! Really moody, love the light of the candle and from the candle. I like the cross necklace on the lamp, not sure if you added that or if it is a lucky find. I wish the image was sharper; the cross, the fixture itself, something. Composition is good. The light on the wall behind is nice. Good job!
Arthur Tamayo
Bar & Grill Sidewalk Patio
– Love the light! The golden colors, the sparkle, the depth. Seems fresh and alive. I like the fact that there are no people in the shot, but it still looks energized and exciting to be there. The framing with the tree branch is nice, the frame is full with detail and that lends energy. Well done!
Old Truck in Fellows
– I love this! The colors, the light, the camera angle to hide the tanks behind in the background. I appreciate the viewpoint to get the clouds ‘just-right’ over the cab. The color harmony is nice, the soft quality of the light. I appreciate any trash pick-up there might have been to keep the foreground and background clean and pretty. Even though the truck is old and run down, the area is pretty. Well done!
Esther Livingston
Really an interesting photo of the seagull in flight! You don’t often see one with the wings in this position. I like it. I wish the image was sharper. Not sure if the sharpening filter in Photoshop would help out or not. Good job! Lucky shot? Things like this can be quick!
Love this! The light, the clarity of the air after the storm, the placement of the loop framing the well service unit on the right. I am glad you put the tall element in the loop off center. Much more pleasing placement. The color is wonderful. The depth of field really shows off the dense field of pumping units and oilfield machinery. The snow on the hills is still in good focus in the distance. Well done, I like it!
Greg Burch
Red Rock Canyon
Striking B&W image. I was disappointed as I was expecting color but good job with the B&W tones. There is an odd line between the hills and the sky. Maybe you replaced the sky with a more dramatic one? Maybe you used some tools in Photoshop to increase the sky’s contrast? There is also some big pixelization on the front portions of the larger cliff.
Windwolves
– I really like the artistic treatment of this image. The colors are gorgeous and the light bright but not gleary. I like the sharp texture of the rocks and weeds, and the softer textures as things increase in depth. Very nice choice of rocks and angle. Placement and balance is good in this shot. I don’t know if you increased saturation too but it is not overdone if you did. Good detail in the shadow areas of the rocks. Well done!
Judy Dyer
Image0 (wolf)
– Hi Judy! Long time no see! I like the wolf 🙂 Color is great, light nice, depth of field helps the image. It is fun to have the animal fully acknowledging the viewer. Makes us wonder how close he was! I wish it was a bit more sharp in focus. Love the texture of the fur, the snow. Well done!
Image1 (sunset and canal)
This is stunning! I love the whole image! The color, the exposure, the texture in the clouds and the sharpness in the ripples on the water. I like the smooth S curve, the rich deep colors, the hint of glare in the water reflection. Good balance between the sky and land, not centered but both are given priority. Really beautiful!
Maureen Webb
Phone Service
– Beautiful soft sky contrasting with the hard lines and edges of the tower and building. Interesting contrast to view. Love the colors, the light is nice in the clouds.The focus is nice and sharp on the structure. There seems to be a faint glow along the top of the building and some of the metal edges. That is a bit distracting. Good detail in the shadow areas of the building too. Nice job!
Hidden in Plain Sight
– I really like the composition of this image. Centered, balanced, vibrant, dynamic in color and angles from the flower and grasshopper. Great colors, simple and effective. Very nice! If it were mine I would be tempted to eliminate the light area on the right in the dark panel. It would be tricky for sure. Maybe burn it in slightly in Photoshop to eliminate the eye nag.
Tyrone Maddox
Image_3479 (Oilworkers Monument)
Really nice job, Tyrone! Soft grays and blues, the warm lights, the quiet feeling. Composition is good! The power poles are minimal in the composition. I think the dark pole on the edge at the right I would either take it completely out or include it more. As it is it nags the eye at the edge. That dark smear of cloud does the same above it. I like the hint of peach/pink in the contrail and clouds at the horizon. Your placement of the contrails works well intersecting with the monument. Well done!
Image_3490 (sunset)
– Love this sunset! The smoothness of the orange is enjoyable to look at. Great clouds! Great color! Composition is nice with the power pole inserting humanity into creation. Things like that you have to work around and this is not intrusive. I like the flatness of the foreground and the slight rise on the left. Good balance to your composition. Rule of thirds in play, emphasis on the sky. Great job!
Scary Extremes
Shades of Light
Bar & Grill Sidewalk Patio
Old Truck in Fellows
Red Rock Canyon
Windwolves
Image0 (wolf)
Image1 (sunset and canal)
Phone Service
Hidden in Plain Sight
Image_3479 (Oilworkers Monument)
Image_3490 (sunset)
