Washington D.C. is a beautiful place, especially in summer on the National Mall with all the international visitors, American families, and student groups. I learned something today--I'm a lousy photographer when it comes to monuments and you really can't do a good job if you are in a hurry. I'm posting these photos to remind myself that I have a long way to go!
You're not a lousy photographer at all, Margo. You photos have minor issues that can easily be fixed in your photo editing program. I'd be happy to help you with that anytime.
ReplyDeleteThe first one has a bluish-green cast. That's a matter of white balance--easy fix. #2 the Washington Monument is falling over--all it needs is straightening--easy fix. #3 the dome and sky are overexposed--a gradient filter can easily fix. #4 & #5 are exposure issues. Easily fixed.
The point is, composition wise, #1-4 are fine. #5 could use more cropping since it's cropped in an awkward place. You didn't do bad at all. At least they're sharp--which is something that can't be fixed, also there's no sign of camera movement--at least at this size, again, that couldn't be fixed, either.
Since the beginning of photography, everyone had to depend on the darkroom to make a decent print. Your eyes can see so much more range of light than our cameras can handle. When photographing in the bright sun (bad time of day), there's too much range between the shadows and the highlights, so something has to give. That's why we have darkrooms and digital darkrooms.
Don't be so hard on yourself. You did a great job under the conditions.
How did I get so lucky to have your feedback, advice, and optimism! Thanks for discussing editing vs composition...somewhat reassuring...I know I can do better--I'm going back in September to try again. I so wish we weren't separated by 1,000 miles.
ReplyDeleteI'm in Oneonta tonight, a terribly photogenic village in your former territory. I hope to post a photo or two in the morning. How many babies today?????
I had the day off, so no babies today.
ReplyDeleteOneonta, that's not too far from where I used to live. There's a beautiful lake there, if I remember correctly, where you can get some magnificent shots.
It's beautiful country up there, isn't it? I'll be anxiously waiting to see your photos from this adventure.