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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
4/24/2006 8:47:43 PM
anna,
Thank you for your comments. No problem with being direct.
To answer your question: No (emphatically...no). The clouds were as they appeared 'in camera' with only a minor tweak to the exposure to lighten up the foreground. I considered playing with the saturation, but felt it didn't need it, but I did sharpen the image just a tad. Funny thing is, I wouldn't even know how to go about pasting the clouds in lol, and even if I did I'm not comfortable doing that kind of manipulation for a 'straight' photograph.
If I get a chance I will upload (or link) to the original jpeg as shot.
Take care and good light,
Anthony
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| Photo By: Anthony Gargani
(K:4527)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
4/21/2006 6:45:57 PM
Hugo, you are certainly a gentleman! I appreciate you stopping by to lend your wonderful eye to my humble shot (I mean this most sincerely, as an admirer of your work!).
Let's see...
Well, I did include the fence intentionally for two reasons-
a. I wanted to place something in the foreground (and also the branches you pointed out)as 'framing' for the shot. This was the scene when I stumbled upon it, and I felt that it gave it a more picturesque and postcard-like composition. I also read somewhere recently that landscapes are 'best' (subjective I know...)when you include something in the foreground to give the shot depth. If I moved closer I would have lost that element.
b. This is a place that I (most likely...) will NEVER get to go. As a private golf course it is very exclusive and requires quite a lot of money to join. I have lived in this town all of my life and this place represents an "off-limits" area to me. I thought the fence and the distance from the golfers represented this well.
Yes, saturation is tricky and often hard to know exactly what others are seeing. I have a calibrated monitor and the balance I went for was to be as accurate as possible but still accent the terrific color of the trees.
I will certainly consider your comments in the future the next time I'm taking this type of shot.
Thanks so much for your time, I appreciate it much!
Take care and good light to you always,
Anthony
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| Photo By: Anthony Gargani
(K:4527)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
4/21/2006 6:34:28 PM
Hi Jim!
Saw your post in the forum and decided to drop by your gallery. Very, no...VERY nice work! I had a horse as a young man and you certainly capture the essence of these magnificent animals beautifully.
I love the above shot, and the b&w conversion is done very well.
One small 'niggle'-the dof is so tight that the horse in the background is just out of focus. I'd love to see this shot with more depth to get both heads in focus.
Take care and good light,
Anthony
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| Photo By: James McGinnis
(K:6045)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
4/5/2006 11:39:22 PM
Pretty hard to avoid the stain of "great shot!" with a shot like this one-lol.
But honestly, there's nothing I would really be able to add to that. I really dig the conversion, without the sepia btw.
I came, I saw...
Great Shot Dave!
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| Photo By: Dave Arnold
(K:55680)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
4/5/2006 11:35:37 PM
Dave, you have many great shots in your gallery. This one really caught my attention. I think it's wonderful 'as is', but I'm curious what the affect of a B&W conversion would have on it?
Take care,
Anthony
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| Photo By: Dave Arnold
(K:55680)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
3/4/2006 4:30:04 PM
Al,
This is one of my favorites in your portfolio. I really dig this type of shot and the way you executed it.
BTW-if you get this can you *please* drop me an email with info on how I can contact you directly? I couldn't find any direct contact info, and I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks...
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Photo By: al shaikh
(K:15790)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
6/23/2005 3:58:03 PM
Nicely done shot John.
I really like the separation of 'layers'-the sand, water, pier, and sky.
You captured the morning light very well also.
Take care,
Anthony
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| Photo By: John Loreaux
(K:86210)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
6/7/2005 3:21:10 PM
Hey John, how's it going! Finally I catch one of your shots that doesn't have 75 comments LOL!
(I don't like to wait in line heheh...)
Another picture-another postcard! Seriously man, you need to get this stuff printed up. I really like this perspective and the exposure gives a very good *feel* for Smithville. It's a shame the water is moving, because if you could catch it when it was still it would really have impact with the reflection on the water. Perhaps a trip back sometime?
Also, I'm not sure what lies to the left of the shot, but if you could move the shot to the left and put the edge of the carousel (sp?-heck MERRY GO ROUND)up against the right side of the frame it may look better.
Take care, my friend...
Anthony
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| Photo By: John Loreaux
(K:86210)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
6/7/2005 6:46:59 AM
Hello again Matej!
Re: cropping-I see what you mean, I'll try and play around with it a bit more. It could stand to loose a little on the left side I think (this is in front of an open parking garage).
Re: Lighting-this was taken around 8pm right after a thunderstorm. What you are seeing on the building are the last fading rays of sunlight breaking through the clouds off to the left. Just prior to this shot it was pitch black. I didn't think it took away from the shot so I left it in.
Thanks again, for the time you took to comment and make suggestions. It's nice to get some real help on my shots.
Take care,
Anthony
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| Photo By: Anthony Gargani
(K:4527)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
6/7/2005 6:42:01 AM
Hey Matej,
Thanks so much for taking the time to check out my shots. I appreciate the feedback and the the suggestion.
Actually I used a PS plugin to get this one. I also recently calibrated my monitor, and found it was set too dark so in all honesty, didn't realize the blacks were so 'light'. Thanks for pointing it out.
Sorry to take so long to get back to you, I've been shooting youth sports and I've had a whole bunch of pics to process and get online.
Take care my friend...
Anthony
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| Photo By: Anthony Gargani
(K:4527)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
5/31/2005 2:37:29 PM
Matej, a heartfelt congrats on the "Photographer of the Day" award.
Well deserved, not only for this shot but for all of your work.
Take care, Anthony
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| Photo By: Matej Maceas
(K:24381)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
5/27/2005 4:55:26 AM
Nice grab shot Ben. You do have to be quick to get shots like this. I wouldn't sweat the P&S thing too much. For me, a key element of photography is catching the moment as you did here. The shot is sharp, and the exposure works. You did a good job on the crop as well.
Thanks for your comment on my photo.
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| Photo By: Ben Mok
(K:4084)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
5/27/2005 4:51:54 AM
Hello Vito,
I really like the moment you caught here. The composition and focus is perfect. The lady in the foreground adds a nice effect to the shot.
Great intensity in this.
Thank you for your kind words on my shot...
Anthony
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| Photo By: vito lentini
(K:13130)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
3/18/2005 6:27:17 AM
oops...sorry I hit 'add comment' instead of 'preview'...anyway...
A basic 'sports' kit as described above would be for example:
1. A Canon 20D with a Canon 70-200 f/2.8L lens
2. A Nikon D70 with a Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 lens
A setup like that will get you off to a great start. It will also be relatively expensive figure around $2000+. There are options-a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens for either mount will only run about $700 vs $1000-$1200 for the Canon or Nikon lens. 20D bodies only run around $1400 currently and a Nikon D70 around $800-$900 body only.
Other cameras to consider that are cheaper would be the Canon Digital Rebel or Digital Rebel XT. The 'old' Digital Rebel is NOT a very capable sports camera but will work and would probably be fine for baseball. The Digital Rebel XT is more refined and closer to the Nikon D70 (in some respects better)and would be my recommendation if you go in that direction.
NOW-having said and typed all of that. If you only want to shoot sports 'casually' you can get by with a Digital SLR body and the 75-300mm zooms made by everyone. I would put these zooms in the 'fair weather' category and only take them out on sunny days-lol-where they will be fine. They shot above was taken with a Digital Rebel (original) and the Canon 55-200 f/4.5-5.6 USM MkII lens. As I said-it is possible to use cheaper gear succesfully.
IF you want to attempt sports shooting with the class of cameras known as 'point and shoots' your success rate will probably not be that great, but you can get usable result by shooting in manual or TV mode. Just dial in a shutter speed of around 1/500 and start experimenting to see how your camera handles it. You will need to work on your reaction and timing but it can be done.
A few final words...
There is a very good sports shooter named Nill Toulme who frequents the Digital Photography Review and Fred Miranda forums. He put together a very concise and well written 'guide' to how he shoots sports. I highly recommend that you check him out. You can probably find his posts by searching the forums of the sites listed above.
Please keep in touch and let me know if this has been helpful. If you can give me anymore additional information like what equipment you have and how far you want to take this I can offer you more direct advise.
Thanks again for your kind words and best of luck to you,
Anthony
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| Photo By: Anthony Gargani
(K:4527)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
3/18/2005 6:08:38 AM
Karen, thanks so much for your kind words, I appreciate it.
Ok, first advice I can give you regarding sports photography is that you go to a real photography help site such as:
Fred Miranda
Sports Shooter
The fastest way for you to find those sites is to google them. If I put links in this reply it will get held up for three to five days (at least). Both of those sites offer fantastic information on sports photography. Fred Miranda's site offers photography help in all areas and best of all it's forums are in real time-no delays, and very active. There are numerous samples shots posted by some of the best photogs I've seen-pros and amateurs. Sports Shooter is a member only community, but you can read all of the posts. You just cannot comment there.
Another very friendly community is Digital Grin (again search via google). Digital Grin is rather different and very mellow and friendly. It's a small community of only about 2200 members. You can get great help there as well. They have a dedicated sports forum where you can post examples and get help on any aspect of photography.
All of the above forums (communities) have several in-house pros that are very willing to assistant new and amateur photographers with advice on everything from white balance to equipment. They are much different than usefilm I have discovered and actually much more helpful (at least for me). Usually if you ask a question it's answered within the hour (unless you post at 1am a lot like me lol).
About sports photography (from my experience...)
I have been pretty much focused on shooting sports photography for the past say six months or so. Prior to that I took the occasional shot but usually was disapointed in the results. The first things I learned were:
Timing is everything-have a basic understanding of the game and how it flows.
Fast shutter speed is essential if you want to freeze action.
Watch your position, and more importantly-the position of the sun.
Get low-lower perspective creates a more natural and engaging shot. You want to be at the same level as the players when you shoot. There are exceptions, but in general this is what the pros are always saying.
Shoot tight-no I mean TIGHT!!! Most amateurs have way too much space around the players they are shooting. Usually because they are using inadequate equipment.
Always try to get-FACE-BALL-ACTION, in the shot. Again,there are exceptions, but in general you want to get those three.
EQUIPMENT MATTERS. IF you are really serious about getting 'good' or 'great' shots of your kids playing baseball you need a camera and a lens that is up to the task. If shooting digital, this means SLR-period. I can almost guarantee you that you will not get the shots you *really* want to get without a camera capable of clean high ISO shooting and no shutter lag. Think of it this way, for sports even a shutter speed of 1/250 is considered slow. You really want to be up around 1/500 (on average) or FASTER.
As for lenses, minimum lens suggested is a 70-200 zoom or a 200mm prime. This focal length\range will work pretty well for youth sports and smaller fields. When you get up to the Jr. High and High School level they get too short in a hurry. In addition, fast aperture lenses are where it's at. F/2.8 (or faster) is where it's at. Two main reasons for fast lenses are-the larger the aperture the faster the shutter speed, and a larger aperture reduces depth of field which isolates your subject and makes for a more impressive picture. You can get away with say an f/4 lens, but it will be somewhat limited on very overcast days and will not isolate players as much as an f/2.8.
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| Photo By: Anthony Gargani
(K:4527)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
12/15/2004 7:11:23 AM
Ray! I had no idea you were so TALL!
Seriously, I dig it. Like a good 'B' movie-simple effective, CHEAP (I mean that in a good way).
Interesting perspective-at first I couldn't tell if you were lying in a bed with your feet against the wall or standing up and shooting down at the floor.
As always-your B&W is great. I can never get that feel from my B&W-but I'm not processing it myself so I get what the Fuji machine spits out-lol...
Cool, shot look forward to more from your new 'toy'...
Take care,
Anthony
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| Photo By: Ray Heath
(K:4559)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
12/10/2004 8:53:01 AM
Another interesting shot Ray.
I want to give it the total thumbs up, but a couple things have me thinking...
The composition seems off somehow. Like the building should be centered and leveled. Seems like it's favoring the left side and there's a tilt from left to right.
Also, as interesting as the toning is, it feels a bit overdone. Almost hurts my eyes to stare at it. I wonder how it would look if it was mellowed out some?
Anyway, as you have said your'e the artist-if that's the way you want it-hey I'm cool with it.
I think it's great your'e using the old AE-1 (I know-PROGRAM). I have two of the AE-1 bodies and a couple of FD lenses. My favorite is the 50mm f1.4. Unfortunately, my other FD lenses are non-Canons and not very good. Looking at your AE-1 shots gives me the urge to break mine out.
Take care-
Anthony
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| Photo By: Ray Heath
(K:4559)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
12/10/2004 8:45:27 AM
Ray, lots of good comments so far-why not some more?
I haven't read all of them, but someone mentioned the angle of the shot. I agree-killer angle man! The pattern of the outline of the roof tops is intense. And all the other smaller patterns further toward the ground all come together to make a 'deep' photo that can be studied for some time without getting boring.
With or without the addition of the sky effect, this would be a powerful shot.
(but you knew that-lol)
Take care-be well
Anthony
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| Photo By: Ray Heath
(K:4559)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
12/10/2004 8:40:53 AM
Ray, very cool shot.
I am attracted to this type of perspective of 'forgotten things'. Good composition, excellent detail on the peeling paint. I think what I like best about it is the overall color tone. Unless I'm mistaken, my guess is that this is how the iron work actually looks. Of course, if not and you did adjust the toning that's fine.
I think part of the appeal is in the limited depth of field, which gives the shot its depth.
Nice find and well presented...
Take care,
Anthony
ps-your kind words on my pictures (weeks ago now-lol) were very much appreciated-thank you.
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| Photo By: Ray Heath
(K:4559)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
11/13/2004 5:29:53 PM
Hi Laszlo,
I like this portrait very much. I think it captures the time and place well, and in a natural way.
There may be some who would suggest that it is too dark, or that you should have used fill flash. I disagree. I think we rely on fill flash too often and destroy the 'way things really looked'. You have done a good job with the composition and captured a beautiful woman in a beautiful place. I also like the fact that her hair is blowing freely and her smile proves that she is perfectly comfortable with that-this is what makes a portrait great.
Good job-
Regards, Anthony
ps-you have many other fine works in your portfolio. I hope you can understand that I was kidding with you on my other comments on your test shots-I hope I didn't offend you.
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| Photo By: Laszlo Illes
(K:2019)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
11/13/2004 7:37:58 AM
Agree...
As I wrote on the other image-SCARY STUFF!
I see people...DEAD PEOPLE...they're all around me...
Halloween Cards?
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| Photo By: Dale Ann Cubbage
(K:9755)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
11/13/2004 7:18:23 AM
YIKES! Greeting cards? hmmm...
I haven't looked at the other images so keep that in mind when you read the following...
This image is scary! CREEPY scary. It reminds me of an old image taken of a dead person. I don't have a problem with it technically, so please don't be offended or take me wrong. But this image honestly gives me a chill. I see a much more demonic figure here than angelic...
The blackened mouth and the skin pallor combined with what I think are lifeless eyes....
Not sure what theme of greeting cards you were thinking of, but you may want to get some other opinions on this idea.
Take care,
Anthony
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| Photo By: Dale Ann Cubbage
(K:9755)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
11/13/2004 7:12:27 AM
So deep it's shallow?
Art has no feeling...
it is only a 'trigger' that releases a feeling...
In the end who cares?
I like the colors, but the penmanship is very poor. Oh, the molody is nice but I can't dance to it...
If you dig it Ray, it's oK by me...
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| Photo By: Ray Heath
(K:4559)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
11/12/2004 9:13:00 AM
Very cool, Kamran.
Why?
Because, as someone above me noted-I don't recall ever seeing it from this perspective before. And now that I have looked at it for several minutes, this seems like the most natural perspective to put it in.
The framing of the Sphinx by the Great Pyramid behind it is so perfect, it seems obvious (to me anyway) that this is a view the original architects had in mind.
Perhaps it is a tad bright, but if you could work with it for a bit, I'm sure it would be a perfect print on someone's wall somewhere!
good eye to see this...
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| Photo By: Kamran
(K:3526)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
11/12/2004 9:07:22 AM
This is a funny shot. Really funny...and the title just makes it better.
Too the photography 'purist' I imagine there are all sorts of things 'wrong' with it (composition, harsh direct overhead lighting, subject too centered, blah...,blah..., blah...).
But you know what? When I look at it I just bust up laughing that's what. It's cute, it's different, it's funny.
In the face of impending danger from this wild lizard, the boy justs smiles and puts his hands up in a protective way. He has become 'one' with the iguana!
Good eye...
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| Photo By: Kamran
(K:3526)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
11/12/2004 9:02:17 AM
This is great! I really like this one a lot. What makes it is that it is a self portrait. Even if it wasn't it would still be cool, but the self portrait part makes it special.
Just a tad 'soft' on your face perhaps, but the rest of the image overcomes that easily. The motion of the pigeons is intense. I like the black and white conversion also.
Great idea...
I have a Digital Rebel also, so I know how hard it is to pull off a well focused self or timed portrait.
Nice work here Kamran...
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| Photo By: Kamran
(K:3526)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
11/12/2004 8:51:50 AM
Hi Sue,
Thank you for your comment, and the 'solution' to the 'mystery' lol...
Re: Planning....
I never touched the can (I swear!). If you want the honest truth, I pulled over onto the side of the road, jumped out for a bit of *relief* and on my way back to the car saw it sitting there. Having my trusty camera on me, of course, I took a few shots.
Thanks again...
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| Photo By: Anthony Gargani
(K:4527)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
11/9/2004 6:44:49 AM
Hello again Bill...
And again-thanks for you kind words. I'm glad you like this one as your experience and ability are valuable to me.
I did play with the cropping somewhat (this is a crop of the original in fact), but this really looked the best to me as it allowed as much of the 'subject' to be seen as possible and included the ambiance of the room.
Thanks for you kind words about my wife, I (we-lol) appreciate you compliment.
Tony
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| Photo By: Anthony Gargani
(K:4527)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
11/9/2004 6:39:48 AM
Hey Bill, thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it. Luckily, I wasn't driving, this was taken on a friends boat-he's a real 'boat-guy' and we were visiting him and his wife.
Yea, when I look at the hand I can't help but think "if only...I had gotten the whole hand in the image". My back was literally against 'the wall' and I was as wide as I could go (28mm). I suppose if I'm going to keep my promise to myself to "be my own worst critic" I should pull this one (and several others...) as it really belongs in the 'just-missed' pile.
Again, I'm glad you stopped by-thanks.
Tony
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| Photo By: Anthony Gargani
(K:4527)
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Critique By:
Anthony Gargani (K:4527)
10/31/2004 7:10:54 AM
As always John, I'm late to the party. When do you post these when I'm sleeping?
Everyone else grabbed all the 'good' words, but what the heck...
GREAT SHOT! I love the detail in this, beautiful close up shot. Colors and everything came out perfect. I can't think of a thing I'd change with it.
Here's an idea for you:
Try and duplicate this shot using all different types of leaves on the water. Use different colors etc. Print them all up the same size and mount them somehow using mats or something. I think it would make a great large (poster size) collage that would look wonderful hanging on the right wall...
Congrats, and take care...
Anthony
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| Photo By: John Loreaux
(K:86210)
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