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Nick Blackhall's picture

How can these be better?

Hey everyone! Long time listener, first-time caller. I am wondering how I could make these images better. Specifically, I mean how can I make these better in the processing? All of these shots were done on extremely limited timeframes, so I didn't have a whole lot of choice in the compositions. Anyway, as a relative newbie to the site, I would love to hear some feedback/critique on these images. Thanks in advance!

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6 Comments

1) I would not say this is a great composition. I would cut off the lower part to a certain extend. The shadows are too much. Maybe bring put the clouds the a bit of dodging.
2) This is great. Nothing big to improve here.
3) The bottom lights are distracting, especially on the left side.
4) Great framing. To my taste this shot is too bright. At least the "vegetation" framing. If you darken this, the main subject, the waterfall, will catch more attention.

Great feedback! Thanks for taking the time to help me out!

Hello Nick!
I'm going to try and answer these lighting round style, similar to Jens, so if they come across as direct, it's because I'm trying to keep the word count low

1) While it is a nice view, it's not a great photo because it lacks a subject. As Thomas Heaton said, "A nice view doesn't make a great photograph"

2) I like this one a lot, but it seems like it's not super sharp/in focus, but that could just be the website's file compression.

3) Pretty much what Jens said, but also, too much empty featureless black sky at the top. I love the moon, it really makes the photo.

4) Composition is solid, but the lights/darks are a little off. This would be a good situation to use a vignette to draw the eye to the waterfall. Also if you can, try using the brush tool to raise the clarity of the waterfall, to make it pop a little more.

I hope that helps.

Don’t worry about coming across as direct. That’s kind of what a critique is all about. Thanks for taking the time to give me some of your thoughts, I appreciate it!

Im also not sure why it's not super sharp. I feel like the original is, but maybe it got compressed like you said.

For me, the moon makes the third photo and I think that it gets lost because you've got so much in there. What if you crop the left half out completely (everything to the right of the Sheraton)? It's unfortunate that you would have to lose the arch but that moon!