Lock and Key

[bubblesxx19]

I'm new here, but not new to photography. I know I am not the best and have never claimed to be, but I would like to get better so any critiques are greatly appreciated. Also, is there some kind of 'good' way to give critiques?




Which one do you like better and why?

[Jacqui]

I like the composition in #1 better except for the "near edge merge" at the bottom of the knob (i.e. either crop it like you mean it or leave the whole thing in). However, nothing is in focus so I like the focus of #2 better. I would also try more dramatic lighting or something to give the picture more oomph. Good luck!

[Herriot]

I go with the second image as I feel it has a stronger composition. I am not so keen on the reflection of your hand and the fact that a couple of the bold lines are broken but like the idea.... Perhaps getting lower and shooting the same subject from below could produce some interesting results and could be renamed "Under lock and key"...?

Thanks for sharing!
Herriot

[gahspidy]

Welcome to the forum. . .I like the composition of the 1st picture, but I would like a little more room at the bottom( very slight increase) and the key should be sharp. It looks as if you got a little too close for the minumum focus on your lens.
The 2nd image is sharp, but I'm not feeling the composition there. It looks like a common view of the lock and key we would normally see.
btw, Under Lock and Key is a nice idea from Herriot

[bubblesxx19]

Thanks everyone for the critiques.

Jacqui - Thanks for your comment. I maybe should've mentioned that the only editing I did was resizing and adding a border (on the second one). You pointed out the "near edge merge" and I realize what you mean. I need to work on that. What would you recommend for more dramatic lighting? All I used in these photos was natural light.
Maybe when the lighting of the day is dramatic, like before sunset or something?

Herriot - Thanks for your comment, too! I noticed the reflection when I was resizing them. I didn't realize them at the time I took the picture. I don't think I know what you mean when you say the bold lines are broken... is it like the darker lines there? I like the idea of under lock and key, it never occured to me before. I think I'll experiment with that and maybe some other angles.

gahspidy - I know what you all mean about the key not being in focus in the first. I have a hard time with my camera; sometimes it'll focus ok and other times it will focus on the wrong thing or not at all. I think I do get too close; I use a Nikon Coolpix 3200 which I am fine with for the most part, but for macros you can't get very close. I'm trying to work on that one. Now that ya'll point it out, these are kind of bland and ordinary. I guess I just don't know how to find the interesting angles, etc. I'm trying to work at it though.


Thanks for the critiques everyone. I'll try some of your suggestions, hopefully by the next time I post some I'll have better shots.

[Jacqui]

Bubble - It's fun to read your comments and see how you're thinking about things differently. That's the whole fun process about photography. Here are some ideas:

Regarding your focusing problems: if you have a zoom lens, and you can't get close enough to your subject AND keep your focus, move physically away and then zoom in for the same composition. Are you autofocusing or manual focusing? Take control - use manual focus.

Composition - I don't think they are bland and ordinary, perhaps you think that because you have looked at it so much. Consider shooting from unusual angles. One of my favorite things to do is to shoot from underneath, a perspective most people don't have in everyday life. If you're shooting digital, you could experiment for days. Try shooting at different focal lengths, different angles, and especially try shooting freehand, without looking through the viewfinder. Fun stuff.

Dramatic lighting - You could try what you mention and shoot at sunset but you can also create your own lighting, too. You could put a black board just out of view perpendicular to the camera so the natural light doesn't spill around the subject as much, you could drag a table lamp out and use that for lighting, you could put a colored gel on that light and have it come from underneath while the main part of the lock is lit by ambient light, there's no end of fun you could have with this. :-)

Of course the big challenge for you is that you've chosen to use a reflective subject. Good luck! You can do it!

[bubblesxx19]

It's something I have to work with, focus and everything, with my digital camera. I have a Nikon Coolpix 3200 which is basically all point and shoot, except for a few things I can change. I don't use the viewfinder, as the picture comes out different from what it comes out with the LCD screen. With macros my camera doesn't allow you to get too close, which I think is one of my bigger problems as it doesn't focus. The only way I can use manual focus is if I use my film cameras, which I love!!!

I have tried different angles, I like to experiment that way. And, I did try shooting the lock and key from underneath which was suggested, I still have to transfer it to the computer, but I think it came out alright except I got another reflection... I was thinking of trying some different doorknobs, angles and lighting, so when I do I'll have to put it up for critique. You mention shooting at different focal lengths, if only my Nikon let me do that I would. I am looking at cameras, for future purchases, etc. - I do like my Nikon though and, it's not too bad for me to learn on. Learn to do things manually. Positioning myself for a good shot, using lighting, and other such things all before I get a digital camera that's a bit pricey with more manual control. Ya know? So, anything I can learn will help me in the long run.

That black board idea is good, I haven't heard of that before. I did try doing pictures with a desk/table lamp, I think I needed more than one because the outcome wasn't as I expected. I think I might post some of those for critique.


Thank you for all your help, I really do appreciate it!

- Taylor