LIGHT (was: Re: [Leica] WAS: LEICA SEMINAR! 2004. NOW: PHOTOGRAPHIC DISCUSSION. ?)

[r.s.taylor at comcast.net (Richard S. Taylor)]

Aaron - Many thanks for the careful look and comments.  "Gentle" is 
not a word I would have applied to these but I do see your point.  I 
wonder if the overall gray mood set by the weather produced the 
result, or did you see something else there?

The issue of foreground objects in landscapes baffles me at some 
level.  I usually prefer peopleless landscapes for some reason and 
don't miss foreground objects.  Yet, I remember references to the 
iconic National Geographic "red canoe" in some of the discussions at 
the recent Hyannis Leica Meeting and how important it was felt to be 
to a good shot.  To your eye does it just provide additional scale or 
do something else?

I'll try some new croppings on 6 & 7 and see what I come up with.

Again, many thanks.


>OK, I'll bite, too!  I missed your earlier post (out of town), but I 
>find something to like in almost every photo you've shown. 
>Generally, they are what I call "gentle" photographs.  That is to 
>say, the lighting is gentle and they're not self-consciously "arty," 
>rather they are nice gentle reminders of place.  You may find it 
>harder to get feedback here with gentle photos, as people will often 
>quietly enjoy them and then move on.  That isn't to say you should 
>change and shoot only for LUG-response!  On the contrary, shoot what 
>you like and keep showing and the occasional comment will come!
>
>Specifically...in #2 the mistiness and the color of the grass is 
>very nice...If you plan to make a print, the highlights in the 
>clouds are a little blown for my tastes, although you may be able to 
>improve on this in PS and give them a bit more detail.  Or perhaps 
>careful rescanning might help, if you feel it's worth it.
>
>#3 is amusing in a (here it comes again) gentle way.  I think if you 
>keep looking for scenes like this you will from time-to-time come up 
>with some really hilarious moments and juxtapositions.
>
>#4 is a bit too subtle for my tastes...others may disagree.  I would 
>have wanted a foreground subject in there to give the eye somewhere 
>else to go.  Of course, that's not always possible, but I can't help 
>wishing.
>
>#5 shows a very good eye.  Nice work noticing the light on the 
>building with all the strange turrets.  It combines really well with 
>the narrow street.  I like the foreground objects (bike, words, 
>woman) to give some life to the shot.
>
>Of #6 and #7 (the reflections), I couldn't agree more with Doug.  I 
>_much_ prefer the tighter crop, and in fact this is my favorite of 
>your series.  Although I do think I would have had a hard time 
>figuring it out without seeing the other first.  What about a touch 
>more water on the bottom?  Perhaps with a few ripples showing it 
>might work even better both in terms of texture and giving us clues 
>as to the water.
>
>Keep posting!
>
>Best,
>Aaron
>
>

-- 
Regards,

Dick
Boston MA