A bike in the woods

[splats]

I took this last week , while out in the woods with my son. something just hit me the way it was sitting there. and No its not mine ( I wish it was )

[Photo-John]

Ahhhh yes - the old bike in the woods photo. I understand it all too well. Unfortunately, it usually doesn't work very well. And I fear it falls shrt here. The problem is that this type of photo is usually intimately tied to the way we feel while we're on the trail. But the photo of the static bike just doesn't convey that feeling. You definitely have to take the picture. There's no way around it. But very rarely does it mean anything to anyone else.

Even though the bike-in-the-woods photo usually doesn't work, I'm going offer some suggestions on how to improve this.

1) More interesting angle - get funky to add some drama
2) Dramatic lighting - the light is pretty flat and dead in this image. It's good for detail. But this photo needs some life.
3) Dramatic background. I like the background in this image. But, like the unridden bike, it's too static. Something needs to have some action in this photo!

When you say, "No its not mine ( I wish it was )," I assume you're referring to the bike? Looks like a Cove SS? Who's is it?

[splats]

It is a Cove Stiffie , geared , it is a Buddy of Mine's. ( good eye the Cove )

I was thinking about making it B&W , But I think that would detract from it. I agree it does need something.

Here is an action shot(s)

[Photo-John]

I like the sequence more than the plain bike shot. But like I said, I understand the bike photo. It speaks to me. But I know from lots of past experience that it's not good enough. I'm thinking that having the rider sitting on the rock might have made it work. I like the idea of black and white, too. I think color might just be a distraction in both of these.

[splats]

Maybe next time we get a flat on the trail, I'll take that asan opertunity

[Alison]

I like the action shot best! There is more happening in it. Yeah, I like it!

[Photo-John]

I like the action shot best! There is more happening in it. Yeah, I like it!

Alison-
Thanks for posting. Try to say more about what you like and don't like. What is happening, and why is it better? What was wrong with the original?

The critique process is good for both the photographer and the critic. When you make an effort to really break down a photo to understand and articulate what works and what doesn't, you learn things that you can apply to your own photography. The critique process, when done right, is very powerful for all participants. It's really an integral part of the photographic learning process.

[Alison]

Well my first thoughts were that the top image was dull and lifeless and then when I saw the other image, I dunno, maybe it's because there are people in it why I like it more.
I am only an intermediate as you know and this sort of thing isn't actually my thing so I felt I couldn't really say much.

[Photo-John]

I am only an intermediate as you know and this sort of thing isn't actually my thing so I felt I couldn't really say much.

Common mistake, Alison. Photography is communication. The best photographs communitcate to the most people. It's as simple as that. Your opinion counts as much as anyone else's. And it's good for the photographer to have opinions form all kinds of people.

More importantly, and this is the point I was trying to convey, you're the one who has the most to gain when you post a detailed critique. The process of trying to understand and articulate what works and doesn't work, helps your photography. Whatever you learn from critiquing these photos, can be applied to your own photos. It's very cool the way it works. You get to learn from other people's mistakes.

Don't be afraid to share your thoughts and opinions here. I want this to be a place where you can feel safe. Because that's a place where we can all learn and grow

[splats]

Thank you Allison , But I really like to hear what People think, especially People who Know nothing about Mt biking ( and Photo-John , know bikes ) . I tend to like the Action shots the Best. But I saw that and it hit my fancy of trying the "artsy " type of photo and see what every body thought.

[greghalliday]

I like both of these images. I would be embarrassed to confess how many pictures of my Santa Cruz I have just leaning against a tree, on the repair stand, on the ground in Moab, etc... On the second image, however, I would have a tip that may or may not work...fill flash. If you have a flash with reasonable output (my 420EX has enough) you may want to try high speed sync and see what happens. It really helps to pop out colors on drab overcast fall/winter days. Af course riders in black clothing riding black bikes doesn't do much in the color area either. BTW props to Photo-John for picking out a Cove. Most wouldn't even know what that is.
Greg

[Photo-John]

I would be embarrassed to confess how many pictures of my Santa Cruz I have just leaning against a tree, on the repair stand, on the ground in Moab, etc...

I've got tons of those photos, too

If you ride alone, you just end up with them. You have to take them. You hope they'll be good. But they almost never are. Oh well. I've started to think of them as scouting shots. I take them to look at later and plan a real photo, with a rider on the bike.