Christian Photographers Community

I look at this picture, and think it's just a rock and more rocks with the ocean behind.....nothing to attract anyone, yet I still like it.  I really like it.  I like the way it makes me feel when I look at it.  I'm wondering if it's just the emotional pull.  I've watched the stormy waters smash on this big old rock (much bigger than it appears here, and I've watched it for years.  

What do you think?  I really want to know.  I almost deleted it the other day, but didn't.  I finally put it in my portfolio on DPC just because ......

I like it, Nita, for several reasons.  

One is the emotional part you talk about.  It is obviously an area that has seen a lot of turmoil and storms.  I guess all the rocks "say" that, yet it is so serene and peaceful right now.

Compositionally, I like it because it has distinctive bands of "color" (ie-- sand, grass, rocks, water, trees, clouds, sky), but they are "broken" by the large rock on teh left.

The colors are also nice.

Perhaps to add some interest, and this is purely subjective, because I think it is a nice shot as it is, would be to add something to the foreground.  Maybe a flower or something.  Or a person to get some idea of scale.

Great work, and I'm glad you "kept" it.

Oh, Nita, I love it.  I really like rocks and the sea.

I'm glad you kept it too.  

Ooooh!  I must be learning.  I think the picture is striking, but I was going to suggest having a person included to show the size.  And wow!  That's one of Karma's suggestions, too!

I think I'll try to get more of this rock, and take suggestions and have something to give you an idea of the size.  I think it's over 50ft.  I'm never good at measurements.

Maybe it is the washed look that I like.   Thanks for your comments and suggestions.  And Jeanne.......I guess you ARE getting better huh?  If we agree with Karmet, I guess we're doing something right.  

Still thinking on my camera......repair or get a different one.

Go for the new camera, Nita!  Of course, that would all hinge on the response you receive regarding the cost of repair.  hmmmm decisions, decisions....

This is a wonderful rock, Nita!  It makes me think of THE ROCK!   Also the song Pat posts at times The Bible Stands ... The Bible stands tho the earth may crumble ... it will firmly stand tho the mountains tumble ... etc.

Jane.........oh, wise woman.  How tall do you think this rock is?  The part above water I mean.  Actually it's more of a rock cliff.

   Fifty feet sounds good ....

It would look awesome with a dramatic sunrise/set, as well.  Perhaps an orange sky with the rocks and shore silhouetted.  (I don't ask for much, do I?? )  But I don't know the direction it faces, so I don't know if it would be possible or not.

hmmmmm.  You know, In all my years I don't ever remember watching a sunset from this spot.  I have a few favorite places for that, and don't even know if this rock every sees the setting sun.   I'll do that, Karma..   I'll be upset if I go out there tonight and it's gorgeous..because my camera isn't working right now.

I would move in just close enough to eliminate the sand and the grass.  While my sweet Karma likes the bands of color, I would like to see the rock be the dominant part of the shot.  Keep the top of the shot exactly as it is, just crop off the bottom a little.  You could try it in PSP instead of reshooting, but sometimes reshooting is a lot of fun.  This would also let the edge of the rock be slightly left of center, which would strengthen the composition.  

Does this shot face west or east?  If it faces east, try a sunRISE.  Definitely do it in afternoon or morning light, even if it's not a sunrise or sunset.  

I think it's a great shot, by the way, so please don't take any of my advice as criticism.  Just suggestions  

This is kind of where I'm going...

HEH!  I responded to Nard earlier but my post isn't here.  I wonder what happened??  Anyway, I thought of that when I first looked at it.  I ended up keeping the sand, but it does make a nice shot without it.

 Also in my lost post, I told you that NOW I know who you are.  Your mention of Karma reminded me of who you were.
I even welcomed you over in NEM. haha  

 We couldn't get a sunrise here, but maybe an afternoon or early evening.  I'm not sure what it would be.  I'll drive out and see.   I can't take a picture until I either get this one repaired or get a new one.

   Anyway......thanks for all the feedback.  I really appreciate it.

I wouldn't get rid of this photo.  I like it.  If you don't like it keep it and see if you can retake it but this time take it the way it is pleasing to you.  

I'm not putting this here for a critique or anything because this is just a point and shoot, but I JUST HAD TO SHOW YOU my favorite rock again.  This was Sunday afternoon during a storm out at sea.
Oh, I wish I could figure out how to take good pictures, but I wanted you to see the difference between this and the first(peaceful and serene) picture of MY rock.

Nita, you can take good pictures.  Don't be so hard on yourself.  This is a lovely picture.  I really like the bird at the top.  

Sometimes certains subjects make the hardest ones to capture on camera.  It might not be you but the subject.  Does that make sense?

Keep shooting

Sonja, you are so sweet, but I know I need to learn more about settings, and what each might do to change things.  I'm guilty of using the preprogrammed settings when in doubt, and that's most of the time.  That's why I appreciate when you who are more experienced, and with lots of first place honors to back up your gift(VBG) explain what you did so that we can learn from you.

Three basic rules for good photography....

Pick a good subject
Control the lighting
Set your camera for a good exposure

There are lots of "little" things that CAN be done for various effects, etc.  But if you follow those three rules and SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT, you WILL have good pictures.

Rule 1 - You've got a good subject.  Rule 2 - God controls the lighting, so your job is to pick the time of day when the lighting is best.  Often, thirty seconds of waiting can make a world of difference with outdoor shots.  Be patient and take a LOT of shots of YOUR rock.  Rule 3 - Set your camera for auto exposure and use the autofocus.  Don't be ashamed of that.  Keep trying to learn more, but automatic cameras have made a LOT of good and great pictures.  

Outdoor photographers, in trying to satisfy Rule 2, often have to crawl out of bed really early in the morning

This is a great shot, Nita.  Don't be, as Sonja said, so hard on yourself

Well said, Nards!  Now why can't I think of things like that to say.  

Thanks again to both of you.  When I look at something, I see the way I want it to look....lol......but I can't make the camera see what I see.

  Nard, you're right about the early bird getting the best shot. Not always.....as this morning for instance (overcast and dark) but there are those hurry-and-get-out-there times.

Oh, Nita, I love that photo.  Oh, the splash of the waves crashing on the rock must have been deafening!  

Nita that picture is better than any of mine I would keep it. It is very creative.
wow  

Quote from: Nita on October 14, 2003, 07:28:21 PM
but it does make a nice shot without it.

Different strokes for different folks...MAKES A NICE SHOT WITH IT too!
In MHO!

Nita,

Quote from: Nita on October 13, 2003, 01:22:38 AM
I look at this picture, and think it's just a rock and more rocks with the ocean behind.....nothing to attract anyone, yet I still like it.  I really like it.  I like the way it makes me feel when I look at it.  I'm wondering if it's just the emotional pull.  I've watched the stormy waters smash on this big old rock (much bigger than it appears here, and I've watched it for years.  

What do you think?  I really want to know.  I almost deleted it the other day, but didn't.  I finally put it in my portfolio on DPC just because ......

Nita,
       Firstly, I like your choice of subject.  The picture is not that bad. I would suggest that you take the picture on different time of the day (morning, noon and late afternoon) so you'll have a variety of choices to choose from.  Next, I would suggest that you take the same subject with varying exposures. Also, find a nice spot or angle to shoot the subject. Follow the rule of thirds, this will greatly improve your composition. And lastly, as most of us say, PRACTICE, PRACTICE and PRACTICE.
       Keep up the good work. God bless. 

Noel, thanks for commenting on my questions.   I DO have lots of pictures of this subject...different angles, times of day, but haven't tried different exposures yet.  I guess I need to get busy again.    My photography has sort of been shifted to the back burner, and I need to get interested again.