On my recent vacation to Savannah I had the opportunity to visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and to experiment with some camera movement.
Here's some of my favored results. The last three images were taken on my iPhone, the first being a nighttime shot of the cathedral itself.
Just posting to engage discussion, would love to flush out thoughts and understand if there are any common favorites/dislikes etc.
Every opinion gratefully accepted, good or bad.
Love how the feet are sharp in the first one.Really like the last one too. The others might be better if you used contrast, sharpness or brightness on a part of the image to create a subject for the eyes to land on. The first and last images have this which is why I probably like them more
Thanks for the input R1ch. I have actually tried what you suggested on these and others, and it doesn't work for my taste.
I feel the lack of contrast & detail give a more of a dreamy look, others of course may disagree.
I understand this is more experimental and artistic. I guess my brain likes images that have a subject or landing place. I do like the dreamy look. Perhaps I am trying to see these as a panning shot where my brain want to see something sharp or in focus. I only supply feedback because you asked.
Hey Rich, don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate the feedback.
This kind of work is always highly subjective so you personal view is both extremely valid and helpful.
Thanks for taking the time to voice your perspective.
Respect the vision here, Alan.
For me, many of these shots are more, "architectural," or "detail," in nature and I find myself wanting to see the scenes for what they are. As a result, the ICM approach feels "forced," on a subject that doesn't warrant it. Do you have more exaggerated attempts you can share?
As you often say though, just one person's opinion here, so if you like it, that's all that matters.
I hear you loud and clear Robert, thanks for the feedback. Here are a couple of similar shots, but with greater movement.
Actually, the 2nd was the one I meant to post originally (it's hard to keep straight...) and speaks to Jennifer's feedback.
I'd be interested to know your preferences between these and the originals
#1 - I like the original in your post better
#2 - Something in between both? The top half of the original is beautiful, but a little less on the bottom half of the one here.
I love seeing your work!
I really like the third. Great sense of motion with the figures in the stained glass.
Thanks for your feedback Peter, it's good to hear your voice.
#1 I REALLY love this photo! Once again you are a master of color, Alan. You really have an eye for it. The only other thing that would be cool is to have priest or maybe a worshipper kneeling to give it more of a spiritual feeling. Great job on this!
#2 I like the colors on this one, but it feels a little more like a mistake photo rather than intentional. Maybe if the bottom arch was more dreamy like the upper half of the image?
#3 SO COOL - I love the focus on the stained-glass windows with no attention to the background except when you're finished reveling in the stained-glass, you get to finish with the hint of the window arches behind.
#4 I really love the dreamy feel of this image. Probably what the entirety of #2 should feel like. The blues and gold/yellows are gorgeous together, and the long ICM lines give the feeling of extending to heaven.
#5 I'm still trying to get used to humanessence. I'm not a fan of it in this one as I am in your first one (as well as a lot of the other ones you do).
#6 Gorgeous architecture! What a privilege to be able to photograph there.
#7 Not as beautiful as the ones before.
#8 This one is so well-composed. The colors, as always, are lovely. The ICM provides a surreal, spiritual feeling. Normally I wouldn't want to see people in it (unless like as I mentioned in #1), but in this one it works so well to have the adult with child - after the pleasure of traveling through the sanctuary, eyes rest on this humble man and child standing at the end of the wonderfully-lit blue leading line. I love it!
THANK YOU for the inspiration and the chance to visit inside this cathedral with you! Hope you had a great vacation!
Thanks Jennifer, I REALLY appreciate the thought and effort you put into providing feedback on each image.
I agree entirely with your point on #1 but sadly the opportunity didn't arise.
For #2, see my response to Robert's post above.
The vacation was great, Savannah is definitely worth a visit!