Chat Thread - W-end comp 13-14 Feb 2010 - VALENTINE

[terrik]

Originally Posted by beauxreflets

Terri, copy the - http: ..jpg - bit from image property and paste it into the thread using the Insert image icon /(making sure the script box is empty so the http:// bit is not repeated)

mmm, i know. that's what i thought i did. obviously not.
sigh.....shall try again.

[flake]

In response to two posts:

Beaxreflets There is no copyright infringement I made damn sure there wasn't before I posted this, it is purely for illustration as it states and is also credited to the originator. It is not unethical.

You say that the original image 'looks far more natural' So please tell me why it does. The changes to the image are subtle, merely dragging the tones apart. I'm really looking forward to these observations, because as I said when I posted it with such a small file it's actually quite difficult to see the differences let alone 'far more'.

As to Jinky Shame on you too! that is not the way I read the post, if you don't want the critique then don't ask for it! Equally the fact that Hinfrance asked about a very specific parameter implies that he knew that there was an issue. So you agree with Andy in that there is a large difference between the two images, perhaps you would also point out these glaring differences and also tell me why they have happened, because I don't think you can.

It seems that despite you saying that that you weren't upset, in reality you actually were. It wasn't H's entry that 'romped' it last week, it was Terriks!

Breaking rules is one thing, but you have to know what those rules are before you begin to break them. In all fields - music, art, dance, etc etc. the practictioners - practice to get the technique right, that is the foundation upon which everything is built, very very few succeed to greatness without having the basic technique. Photography is no different, you say that there are situations with no black or whites, and there are, but they are few & far between, fog/ mist is one, H's photo is not one of those. So here's another little challenge in the second picture, find those areas of white (without using the levels tab).

For those other people reading this, this is the reason why your work doesn't attact constructive criticism, because no matter how well intentioned or helpful, there are those with fragile egos who cannot abide seeing their work criticised in any way.

[flake]

"The reproduction changes / moves the whole emphasis away from this rose and ruins a very nice touch skillfully created by the originator."

I cannot agree with this, the change is subtle adding more tones, and if anything the yellow of the roses appears even more vibrant. I was hoping you would be able to descrive to me what the changes had actually done to the image rather than how you perceive it.

However: Imagine a box of crayons - 256 of them all different shades of grey crayon 0 is black and crayon 255 is pure white, when you have a histogram which spreads across all of them, it is like having access to all of these shades, when the image is under exposed lets say to 180 then there is only access to 181 crayon, 75 less. Now although the image will look roughly the same the difference will be in the midtones and when they are squashed together it is more difficult to see the detail, especially in the darker areas.

I think you are seeing the differences you want to see, unable to quantify the changes you change to the subjective 'feel' 'true to the atmosphere' but what does that mean?

For those people who think that I am too concerned with getting the technical aspects of photography correct, let me say this. Every single stock library from iStock to Getty images demands a certain technical quality in the images they accept. If those images do not meet the technical standards demanded they are rejected regardless of artistic merit.

Now I happen to agree with these standards, they are there for a reason set by people who are experts in the photographic field to meet the demands of picture editors, who again are usually expert with plenty of experience.

So in the first instance (and judging by these professional standards) an image must have technical merit before the artistic merit is judged. Most professional photographers don't have an issue meeting these standards, and surely it should be the aspiration of each up & comming photographer to improve their technique to that of the professional standard. Whats so wrong with getting it right?

[Cutter]

Flake I would like to go on record that I would welcome critiqe however strong and critical , knowing that my photography skills will improve as a result. I also believe as you, that you have to have a good basic knowledge to build on, its something that is cruscial in hairdressing : good basics before you start developing your own style.
It is sad to see the arguments develope on a forum where we all are here to improve our skills. without crtique it would be difficult, perhaps how that critiqe is put across is another issue.

Stop fighting life is too short.

[Cutter]

MY entry: Corked : Left high and dry, just my luck !!!!

Originally Posted by Cutter

MY entry: Corked : Left high and dry, just my luck !!!!

Phew - I was getting lonely thinking no one else was entering

[Cutter]

Originally Posted by beauxreflets

Phew - I was getting lonely thinking no one else was entering

I enjoy the comps it makes me think: hey we might come 1st and 2nd Andy

[flake]

Please excuse me for being a bit thick here Andy, but I can't make the connection between the title and the image.

Finally ?

Originally Posted by flake

Please excuse me for being a bit thick here Andy, but I can't make the connection between the title and the image.

Finally ?

The idea I worked on, was to dream up and produce an amusing Valentine's Card, suitable for corny / fun expressions others could write for/ to their potential / existing love/s.?

"Finally" - When my daughter saw the image she thought the Valentine couple had found each other, and suggested finally with speech marks would express that better than any possibly corny sounding expression I was coming up with.

[matt wilson]

Flake ...

your pushing the whites has created an unnatural yellowish halo effect from the flowers .

Grow up please .

won't be bothering with an entry at all.

Whether it's your intention or not you come over as arrogant ,insensitive and rude.

So here's another member you've managed to alienate .well done .

It will soon be just you entering voting for yourself and giving yourself a wonderful crit.