Stanford Chapel

I had the chance to swing by the Stanford Chapel the other day. I had been here once before, but didn't have a tripod. This time I remembered to bring it along, but I'd like to get some feedback from the group. I bracketed most of the shots, but I don't think I went wide enough - the contrast between the overhead light and the dark chapel was too great. I tried plugging it into some HDR software, but I'm not generally a fan of that look. This is really a magnificent building with wonderful architecture and detail.

PC

#1
http://gallery.photographyreview.com...2080a_x800.jpg

#2
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2358/...5900d3c3_o.jpg

#3
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/...4dacec58_o.jpg

very nice images, and great wide angle shots, full of color,for the first two,just a tad too dark for my taste on the last one, the only thing that i could critique,would be that the first two,i'm feeling alittle grain effect,perhaps the iso was cranked up alittle too much,they are great shots but lack the very crisp clear element,imo.

Agree that there is a bit much noise on these, what ISO setting were you using?

I'm not sure I'm seeing what you guys are seeing. These were shot at ISO 100. I would say that nearly every surface has some sort of texture on it which is more apparent at the original sizes, but I'm not so sure about noise. Help me understand this, because I'm a little confused.

PC

PC, the first image is a bit unsettling with the off angle and the wide angle distortion, but still i find it interesting and a fine image.
Now, the second and third shots are awesome. Excellent. Great compositions, just the right exposure in the shadows without losing the moody ambience of the location, and the colors fantastic. I am not seeing noise but rather lots of detail in the shadows and textures. My only suggestion is that the white balance between the second and third image looks to be different. although both are appealing on their own, I think if these were shown as a set it might be more powerful to have them both with the same WB and tones.
there is a stronger pink and magenta in the second image and in the third it is more yellow and green.I don't think this is a big issue but i would check to see if one is accurate and the other not.
Once again, these are excellent images.

I like them all. The distortion is a bit troublesome in the first but then again might be considered artsy. I'd try leveling it and then there is that blue cast from the dome bleeding into the arch.
I think the dark areas in the other two only add to the shots as they pretty much portray what you see. Bumping exposure would blow out the light areas and I think the only way to get the dark is to spend a lot of money on lights and equipment.
Nice work.

PC, I think the best one is number three. I do think however think you need to skew the top to the left slightly and lose just a little of the left frame to balance it out. The second one would have worked better if you hadn't cut off the painting of the angel. The distortion in the first one doesn't bother me but I do see a haze or light flare at the window you might try and PS out. Sorry for working backwards.LOL

I have an edit of the third if you want to see it?

PBD & Herriot - Thanks for looking and commenting.

Gary - I appreciate your great feedback. I agree that the colors are off between the shots and I need to correct that. While they were taken at the same time they were all processed independently (when time is available). They're all from the same place and should have the same color balance.

Frog - Thank you for the comments as well. I agree that the wide angle is a little unusual, but it's really hard to capture something this large from inside without going wide. I have been fighting somewhat with the light bleeding on the arch, but haven't had much success in PP.

Greg - Thanks for the recommendation on the skew. I was a little concerned about the light on the left side, but figured I would leave it as-is for now. I also see what you mention on the second. I thought of that when I was shooting, but was trying to capture all the arches and keeping the painting intact seemed to distract somewhat. Can you email me on the edit?

Thanks for the great comments and feedback.

PC

PS - Here's one more.

# 3 is my favorite.Excellent work PC!

Great advice, tips.

I'm here to learn.
Rick