Comment from Milezone
This one is a nice angle, I do like how the inside blacks out. The lighting and colors are right, a professional job here. Keep it going. A++

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2004

---

reply by the author on 03-Oct-2004

Thank you very much Mile for such a wonderful review!!!!!!!

Comment from efoto
Initial impact 4
Creativity of presentation. 4
Color Harmony 4
Center of Interest 4
Technical Excellence 4
Technique 4
Story Telling Ability. 4
Lighting4

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2004

---

reply by the author on 03-Oct-2004

Thank you efoto!!!!!!!!

Comment from Cricket
Initial impact 4
Creativity of presentation 4
Color Harmony 4
Center of Interest 4
Technical Excellence 4
Technique 4
Story Telling Ability 4
Lighting 4

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2004

---

reply by the author on 02-Oct-2004

Thank you very much Cricket!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from Nine
Well done. Good natural lighting here as you let sun shines on your subject . Although the colors is a bit light, I believe it (color) plays significant roles. The house is in good framing. Good job.

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2004

---

reply by the author on 02-Oct-2004

Thank you very much Nine!!!!!!!!!

Comment from Sysop912
Debbie, I'm sure the building see in person in all it's splendor with hand cut beams and old style archetype is an awe inspiring piece of work. however, the photographic portrayal you've chosen to display here doesn't really get that feeling across.
What I'm looking at in my opinion is a structure probably photographed at the wrong time of day and at an unflattering angle.
The colour and texture of the wood seems lost in the harsh light of possible a 2pm sun? The angle, and distance you've picked cut off the side of the building in an odd place, and are far enough away that the details are also lost.
If you have the opportunity to retake this photo, I would suggest either an overcast day, when you'll get your best lighting without the harsh light and shadows, also bring up the textures of the wood in all it's splendor, and walking to the left until you can see the missing corner of the building in your viewfinder. This should also allow you to get in closer, as there won't be so much side length to fit into the frame.
My other suggestion, once you do get in closer, get your camera closer to the ground before making the capture. What this will do, is give the viewer a less common perspective of how they see the building, using more of the sky as a backdrop and less of the neutral ground and grass colors.
I think this would look really good if you picked a cloudy day and fitted your camera with a polarizing filter, or if it doesn't take attachments, just hold one in front of the lens. The polarizing filter will bring out richer divisions in your wood, and make the sky and clouds look amazing.
Hope that's helpful.
Brian D. Watters

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2004

---

reply by the author on 02-Oct-2004

Sent a private message---this rating doesn't count on this site anyway--------------

reply by Sysop912 on 02-Oct-2004

Hi, I received your "Private Message",in response to my critique, and thought you should have addressed your comments in the forum where it was originally discussed. Here is the message you sent me and I'll address your comments following your QUOTE:

[Quote] "No, not helpful, not my style, we all have our own style and I am truly offended by the 2 rating-------------a 4 maybe. FYI I AM using a polarizer and yes, shooting at high noon is difficult, further, you didn't read my NOTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! About the rest of the building. I didn't think a five foot, tossed, away white satellite dish would add much to this shot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Recheck, and it is always a wonderful idea to read everything the author has to say---------- [/Quote]

-----------------------------------

Back to me... Well, firstly, if you are submitting photography in a forum to be critiqued by your peers, then you would naturally expect to get a bit of variety in response to what you've submitted. Hopefully, the response will be objective, concise, and provide technical tips for improvement if the person critiquing felt it was needed.
I believe I have provided all of those in an honest forthcoming manner that was not insulting to you the photographer.

Secondly I did read your Notes, and though provided, notes are not the making of a good photo. The photo has to be able to stand up on it's own technical merit, of which your image was lacking as pointed out in my initial critique.

What I did not read, was the critiques of others before writing my own critique, as I do not wish to be influenced by the masses one way or another. I am however very surprise and a bit embarrassed that many of our peers have given this particular image of yours such a high rating. I have been away from the critiquing on this site for a few months, and when I left, I felt that my fellow photographers were getting the hang of critiquing photos fairly and accurately, but if this is an example of what has happened in my absence, then we have taken a big step backward. I will address this topic in the appropriate forum later and use your image as the basis of my argument.

We all take bad photos at some time, not everyone of them can be a masterpiece. I have not seen the remainder of your submitted images yet, and this one may very well be the exception to the rule. But for my peers to tell you wonderful things about an image that is not so wonderful, does not help you the photographer to hone and improve your techniques, skills and style, and reach that level of confidence and expertise that many photographers strive towards.

As for your reaction for my rating and critique, I only have to wonder if this is the sort of abuse that all who do not rate your images the way you wish, suffer. You are out of your place telling me that you DESERVE "maybe a 4". Come on now, we are all here to learn and improve, and to help each other. Why submit your images at all if you know they all deserve a 4. Personally, I don't enjoy assigning numbers to a photo, I think photos should be discussed on their technical merit and good techniques and elements complimented, ones needing improvements or tweaking, offered advise.

I have rechecked your notes, my critique and most importantly, the image you presented, and I must say that I stand fast by the comments I have left, and the rating I provided. I con only further suggest that you look inward and assess your image as if it were someone else's, hanging on a gallery wall, and ask yourself if you would pay good money for it? I also ask that after your anger dies down, you follow up with my suggestions, if only to prove me wrong, and give them a try. I don't think you will be disappointed with the results, and that after all is why I left them.
Good Luck and best of wishes in your future photographic endeavors.

Sincerely, Brian D. Watters

reply by the author on 03-Oct-2004

Your initial review was an 'attack' to me because seemingly you were telling me not to photograph the 'unusual' way, do it like the book says, just like everybody else, that is not me and no, this is my first and hopefully only, as you say 'attack'. You telling me the only way this should be photographed is 'your way' down the whole side of the building, therefore, I felt you did not read the notes. I was there and it was not possible to photograph the entire side because of the 'crap' up against it. Still I thought this building was worthy of attention. Further, I don't appreciate you 'attacking' the reviewers on this site as you were the only one that knows. We all have different eyes, different opinions, and are our own person as you are, you do make it sound as if when you are not here monoriting everyone, the site is not worthy. I stand fast myself, not to be rude and if you knew me you would never think of me as rude, however, when I feel I have been judged wrongly, because I was there, I believe I have to speak my mind, again, most of what you were 'telling' me to do was not possible. Now, that we got that out and over with, I do appreciate you responding back to me. I have no problem with you taking my photo to forum I believe it to be a good idea. Debbie

reply by Sysop912 on 03-Oct-2004

Debbie, Brian here again :)
I am sorry that you felt that my initial critique was an attack. I had only meant to offer my insight and suggestions as I do not like to leave a brief note saying that there is something wrong with the way a photo is captured or presented and not offer possible solutions as to measures that might aid the photographer in obtaining better results.
To, and I also still stand by my original critique, the photograph was taken in a very usual way. To me it looked like a snapshot. But that is just to me. Others like you say, may see it differently, and you yourself were there on the ground to make your own assessment and judgment call. To you, you did the right thing, and neither I nor anyone else can take that away from you.
I have no professional photographic training, and have learned everything I know from self taught darkroom experience, taking photos from an early Pre teen age, and critique forums such as this one.
I have only to rely on my instincts and experiences of what works for me and what doesn't. I also see what works and doesn't for others.
I enjoy analyzing photographs, satellite imagery and do a great deal of photo manipulation exercises. Some people are into stereos, my main obsession is photography and kayaking.
I don't think you would find me a bad person had we met under better circumstances, and I really hope that first impressions don't become lasting impressions for either of us.
As far as the attacking the other reviewers, well I really don;t like these "Copy and Paste" critiques that I'm seeing all over the site lately IE: Technique = 5 ; color = 5 ; etc. When looking through the posts I see that some artists / photographers that I respect very much have been using this method with no variation in ratings, just continuous posts containing exactly the same copied and pasted text. That is disheartening to me and I guess it is an attack from me, but I think a justifiable one.
I've looked at some of your other work and I must say you do have some very compelling images.
Getting a bad review from just one person isn't a bad thing, if you are happy with the quality of the reviews you're receiving from others. Everyone has different eyes and sees different things. My own works break a lot of the "Rules of photography", and won't be found in any books, so please don't feel that I was telling your to do it by the book. I was only offering my suggestions as to how it might be done differently and in just My opinion, for better results. :)
Can we agree to disagree on this one and start out fresh? Friends?
Brian D. Watters

reply by Sysop912 on 03-Oct-2004

Debbie, Brian here again :)
I am sorry that you felt that my initial critique was an attack. I had only meant to offer my insight and suggestions as I do not like to leave a brief note saying that there is something wrong with the way a photo is captured or presented and not offer possible solutions as to measures that might aid the photographer in obtaining better results.
To, and I also still stand by my original critique, the photograph was taken in a very usual way. To me it looked like a snapshot. But that is just to me. Others like you say, may see it differently, and you yourself were there on the ground to make your own assessment and judgment call. To you, you did the right thing, and neither I nor anyone else can take that away from you.
I have no professional photographic training, and have learned everything I know from self taught darkroom experience, taking photos from an early Pre teen age, and critique forums such as this one.
I have only to rely on my instincts and experiences of what works for me and what doesn't. I also see what works and doesn't for others.
I enjoy analyzing photographs, satellite imagery and do a great deal of photo manipulation exercises. Some people are into stereos, my main obsession is photography and kayaking.
I don't think you would find me a bad person had we met under better circumstances, and I really hope that first impressions don't become lasting impressions for either of us.
As far as the attacking the other reviewers, well I really don;t like these "Copy and Paste" critiques that I'm seeing all over the site lately IE: Technique = 5 ; color = 5 ; etc. When looking through the posts I see that some artists / photographers that I respect very much have been using this method with no variation in ratings, just continuous posts containing exactly the same copied and pasted text. That is disheartening to me and I guess it is an attack from me, but I think a justifiable one.
I've looked at some of your other work and I must say you do have some very compelling images.
Getting a bad review from just one person isn't a bad thing, if you are happy with the quality of the reviews you're receiving from others. Everyone has different eyes and sees different things. My own works break a lot of the "Rules of photography", and won't be found in any books, so please don't feel that I was telling your to do it by the book. I was only offering my suggestions as to how it might be done differently and in just My opinion, for better results. :)
Can we agree to disagree on this one and start out fresh? Friends?
Brian D. Watters

reply by Sysop912 on 03-Oct-2004

I hate when it double posts like that. Sorry.

Comment from patter
Initial impact 5
Creativity of presentation. 5
Color Harmony 4
Center of Interest 5
Technical Excellence 5
Technique 5
Story Telling Ability 5
Lighting 5

Is there a clear center of interest?YES 5
Is the image composed well? YES 5

The frame was filled which established the center of interest and simutaneously, it helped exclude competing background details. You had organized elements. You had a controlled background that brought out the old barn.

You kept it simple!!!

I really loved this photo. The blue roof is such a hoot!

By having a clear center of interest along with subordinate elements that compliment the subject, I knew immediately what the photo was about. This to me makes for a great photo. The subject was strong, so, my eyes moved to explore other areas of the image, but then my eyes were drawn inevitably back to the subject.
Your focus was crisp and the exposure appropriate. Your exposure controls emphasized the age of the structure and the foreground gave a hint of the starkness in the old barn's surroundings. I really sensed the antiquity.

Great work!

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2004

---

reply by the author on 02-Oct-2004

Thank you for such a great review patter!!!!!!!!!

Comment from PhototronicKC
I like these old barns like this. You seem to have an affinity for the settler era. I can almost hear ma on the triangle dinner bell. Good job!

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2004

---

reply by the author on 02-Oct-2004

Thank you ever so much KC!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from davideyoung
I hate to disappoint you, but the photo DOES look like it is hiding more than it is showing. I will take your word for it though. The angle, focus, lighting and framing are all good. Nice shot.

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2004

---

reply by the author on 02-Oct-2004

LOL!!!! Thank you david!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from dollyllama
I don't think that bad boy would hold up too well in either a twister or a bad hail claim but it's made it this far so you never know. The roof is not a very different blue from the sky - maybe captured on purpose? The ever present Dark Shadows are there. Humble abode of Barnabus Collins? ; o ) Jeff

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2004

---

reply by the author on 02-Oct-2004

Thank you very much Jeff!!!!!! Also, I so appreciate you recommending Dawn check out my work, very nice of you, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from RUBY REDWINE
Initial impact 5
Creativity of presentation N/A
Color Harmony 10
Center of Interest 5
Technical Excellence 5
Technique 5
Story Telling Ability N/A
Lighting 5

RUBY

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2004

---

reply by the author on 02-Oct-2004

Thank you very much Ruby!!!!!!!!!!