Basically, Ty, I think it's a fine picture to work with. I'm not bothered at all by the light post on the right, especially as there is a symmetrically placed one on the left that let's me know its function. Also, I'm not bothered by the exhaust haze. For me it makes the photo more active than a lot of train shots. I do think that the train is not optimally place for greatest effect and that there's a bit too much rip rock on the bottom. Also the color and tone could be crisper. I created a rough idea of the improvements in the photo that I think could be made below. I moved the front of the train down a bit using transformation (distortion) and cropped out some of the rock. Then I altered the levels and contrast a bit to make the photo pop a little more. I hope you like the difference. Steve
Doyle's critique. I see his points, and I think he did a good job in assessing this photo. Yet, through my eyes, I only partially agree with him. I like the radiating heat, that really works well, and adds a lot to the impact of this photo. Quite powerful.
Talking about crops, I think I would get rid of the signals, by cropping out the left one, and cloning out the green one.
Technically, I think this shot is well composed though. It could use a bit more sharpness in the foreground, though. Keeping the rock on the right in focus would've also placed more emphasis on the loc. Also, a bit more saturation wouldn't hurt this photo either, I believe.
Concerning the composition, there are a number of possible solutions; one of them is to place the track and train a bit lower in the composition, including a bit more of the backdrop. That would probably mean shooting this scene in portrait format, in order to preserve the foreground. That would also save the issue I perceive with the signal on the left..>:)
thanks for the critique, i'm relatively new to photography, and your tips help explain what my eye is seeing without knowing exactly what i'm looking for. thanks agian for helping me sharpen my skills.
Ty: This is a nice capture with a great DOF, wonderful colors and a great subject that I would venture to say many people will enjoy. I especially like the three main areas, the rocks (with their colors and textures), the train, and the tree-lined backdrop. Each brings a fresh dimension to the overall composition. The only critical suggestions I have would be that the blurry area above the first orange engine is a tad distracting. If it's steam or heat vapors, that's not quite clear and could probably be made more clear if the crop wasn't so low into it. The leading edge of the blurred area one can see a grey metal object with an oval, reminescent of a rear view mirror though it's probably an exhaust pipe, it's not clear what it is. I would seriously consider raising the ceiling (so to speak) and cloning out the circular area above the pipe. You have a great capture here. Congratulations!
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{K:49168} 10/14/2006
Ty: 