Ready to Launch

[Digital]

C&C welcomed.
Bruce

[Manfred M]

My first question is what are you trying to do with this image?

If you are checking out your might metering skills, I would say you have been successful. If on the other hand you were to tell me that you are looking at sending this to a fine art publication hoping that they will publish it, I might suggest you go back to the drawing board.

It looks like you are working in pretty hard lighting, so that is not going to give you the strongest image. I generally don't like images that have the back side of an individual as the first thing I notice.

[xpatUSA]

It seems that images from Photobucket become type .webp when downloaded for closer examination. Nothing that I have opens that file type.

I was interested in focus plane/sharpness ...

If the subject is the boat and crew, I might have used a shallower DOF to blur the background slightly but that's just a personal view.

[xpatUSA]

It seems that images from Photobucket become type .webp when downloaded for closer examination. Nothing that I have opens that file type.

There are converters on-line:



https://ezgif.com/webp-to-jpg/

Image may not last ...

[pschlute]

It seems that images from Photobucket become type .webp when downloaded for closer examination. Nothing that I have opens that file type.

As daft as it sounds..... you can simply re-name the extension to .jpg

[xpatUSA]

As daft as it sounds..... you can simply re-name the extension to .jpg

First thing I tried, Peter, got a Windows error and no image. Didn't try all my apps though -One was enough.

[pschlute]

I stand corrected.... change the name and it can be opened in windows "photos", but not in Photoshop ?

[Geoff F]

I tend to agree with previous comments. OK as a personal record but rather meaningless to everybody else.

You can't change the light so it has worked OK for the available conditions.

Maybe, I would consider cropping away most of that rather bland sky and going to a widescreen format. Maybe lose a little from the bottom as well; which, I suspect, will give more emphasis to the distant houses and produce a more interesting scene.

[Digital]

Let me give context to this photo. Since Covid 19 came around, I find myself isolated from family, and friends. Daily, I go to Lake Carroll to watch the visitors, and the wildlife. One of the most interesting things to watch is the boat launching. Some how it is all so different, but the same.
This photo represented to me all the boat launchings I have witnessed. I realize that the viewer can not imagine the personal side of this photo by just viewing. That is the reason I am trying to give it context.
Manfred, I have thought about your question of what are you trying to do with this image, and I have no ready answer. The only thing I have is what (to me) it represents.
To all who commented, I appreciate your viewing, and your comments.

Bruce

[Digital]

Geoff, is this crop what you had in mind?


Bruce

[escape]

I like the cropped version. I get what you are saying about feeling isolated. Keep getting out there takin pictures. I want to see more.

[Manfred M]

Manfred, I have thought about your question of what are you trying to do with this image, and I have no ready answer.

This is the one question all of my photography instructors would ask.

In the beginning it confused my but as I gained experience it started to make sense to me. Until you know why you are taking the specific shot, your approach to it will be confused and unfocused. That is something that the viewers are likely to figure out, especially if they are experienced photographers.

Next time you are at the lake, do exactly what you have told us; do some images of people launching their boat and try to get enough material (different angles, focal lengths, shooting positions) to tell us this story.

Once you have a purpose that is more specific you may find getting a body of work together will be easier and you will be able to pull out your best shots

We can all relate with you and not being able to connect with friends and family during COVID-19 (all expect our youngest daughter) live quite far away. I haven't seen my father, brother (and his family) or our oldest daughter for over 2 years.

[Wandjina]

I would like to see the distant waterline made level. At the moment it looks to me as though the waterline is sloping to the left of the image. Even if the original image was perfectly level when taken, I think this "visual anomaly" might be corrected.

[Digital]

I would like to see the distant waterline made level. At the moment it looks to me as though the waterline is sloping to the left of the image. Even if the original image was perfectly level when taken, I think this "visual anomaly" might be corrected.

[Geoff F]

For me, the crop gives a better connection between foreground and background. There is probably also an option to go for an even wider true widescreen format as well.

[xpatUSA]

I would like to see the distant waterline made level. At the moment it looks to me as though the waterline is sloping to the left of the image. Even if the original image was perfectly level when taken, I think this "visual anomaly" might be corrected.

Interesting preference. I wonder what photographic lore says about keeping river banks, shorelines, street kerbs, etc. level - in spite of their actual perspective?

Manfred?