Church

Hi all,

Not my normal kind of subject but I would appreciate some critique to help me explore architectural photo's please. It's a shame I had to use the flash, my husband had parked on a double yellow line and the traffic wardens were flocking like vultures so time was limited and the light was fading fast.

[Autumn]

Hi Gina

I know I am not sufficiently qualified to critique your image, but I too like architectural subjects.

I have found out that depending upon from where you take the photograph, determines the exageration of the converging verticals.

I have also determined that I am better standing pretting well square on to a building (if it is symmetrical). If there are converging verticals you can then straighten them in Photoshop.

You say you used flash. I don't think that would have had advantage or disadvantage, as you are so far away. I am sure someone will say whether or not I am right in this case.

I think what you think is the result of flash is the burning out of the sky and I believe this may be because you are focusing on the church. If you had focused on the sky, there would be more detail and the church would be darker.

Some clever people (not in a car), would make a decision to photograph an object (say this church) - take a tripod, focus on the sky and take a photograph, and then move the focus point (without moving the position of the camera) and then take a photo of the church.

They would then download both images and blend them in PS - perhaps HDR but I am not really sure about this as I have never done it.

The theory sounds good and I am always going to try it. I'll let you know when I do.

The lighting on your church is wonderful and it is just catching the trees. I'd be inclined to straighten, crop and try the curve tool on it.

Now I have done that I am not sure it is an improvement.

[Pops]

The lighting is good and the angle creates a nice symmetrical pattern but....the angle has prevented any detail, or texture, of the stone to be highlighted which is always plentiful in Church architecture.

[mib2]

Hi Guys

Spooky but I was having a go at a very similar subject. I always find this a very difficult item to shoot.

Here's my go - any thoughts - Dave R

[vlarcombe]

Hi Gina,

I'm not sure the flash has had much, if any impact . My big problem with this picture is that there's just too much tree in the way giving a very cluttered appearance and detracting from the tower itself.

The converging verticals will be worse the closer you are and the more you have to point the camera up but in this case I don't find it a problem, it just emphasises the tower thrusting upwards.

So next time you just need some money for parking, a tripod and some branch loppers to clear the view!

Vernon

Thanks for your advice everyone. I'm a portrait/people photographer so buildings and landscapes are out of my comfort zone. I'll take all your advice with me next time. I do have problems getting out and about because my mobility is not good due to the stroke a few years ago. I'm not making excuses for making mistakes here but as I can't walk very far without severe pain, time is fairly limited so I take my chances when I can and therefore don't have enough time to set up a shot with tripod etc.

I do appreciate all critique, favourable or not because it helps me learn more about technique, lighting etc.

Dave I love your church image, very clean and sharp.

Gina

[Pol]

Originally Posted by Gina

... I do have problems getting out and about because my mobility is not good due to the stroke a few years ago. I'm not making excuses for making mistakes here but as I can't walk very far without severe pain, time is fairly limited so I take my chances when I can and therefore don't have enough time to set up a shot with tripod etc.

Gina

Sorry this isn't photography critique but I hope it might help you with the photography in other ways.

My mobility is also somewhat limited since I injured the Sciatic nerve down my left side and Ulnar nerve in my left arm. I can walk but not for long distances - nor can I stand for long. I also have some difficulty getting up from kneeling or any other low profile position.

I sometimes use a 'Liberator Shop-a-seat' and it can be brilliant. It has 4 wheels, a strong frame, a bag that can hold the kit. The handle, operated by a cord, can fold down to lock the wheels whilst you sit and rest or sit and take photos. The bag/trolley is also good for holding a folded tripod etc.

I just searched for the 'Liberator Shop-a-seat' and see Amazon is offering it cheaper than anywhere else. Mine gets used all over the house and garden as well as being shoved into the campervan, car boot or whatever. The seat and frame can take up to 25st so we both use it at times ... it's great.

Here's a link for the Amazon offer

Here's a link for the Amazon offer

I also use a trekking pole, a garden kneeler (indoors and outdoors) and anything else I think might help.

Pol

Oh how lovely of you to tell me about this. I will definitely look at getting something to help me. Like you. I'm not a quitter and will use and adapt anything that will help me. I've been taking shots in our community playground today, I'll post a set under Eye of the camera. Maybe we should swap notes?

Love to you Pol, you'e a saviour!

Gina

[Pol]

Originally Posted by Gina

Oh how lovely of you to tell me about this. I will definitely look at getting something to help me. Like you. I'm not a quitter and will use and adapt anything that will help me. I've been taking shots in our community playground today, I'll post a set under Eye of the camera. Maybe we should swap notes?

Love to you Pol, you'e a saviour!

Gina

I'll send you a PM with some ideas and links from places where we've bought stuff that turned out to be useful, stuff that makes life much easier. There are all sorts of fairly simple, inexpensive gadgets available.

Pol