Architectual Photography Photo Critique
Big Hotel Wall
by Alberto Castro
Views: 5552
Category: Architectual Photography
Nikon D3000
Lens: Zoom: Variable focal
F-stop: F8
ISO: 100
Flash: None
Tripod: No
Description: I liked this side of the hotel...i had seen it many times and I just got the time to see all >
I liked this side of the hotel...i had seen it many times and I just got the time to go and take that photo
Photo Critique Summary
Subject of photo
8
Composition & Perspective
9
Focus
10
Use of camera, exposure & speed
10
Color & Lighting
9
Depth of field
10
General impression
9
Overall Rating
9.3
GuruShots Pro
Subject of photo:
8
Architecture always involves buildings or structures - this hotel has the unusual feature of the smoother lower area to contrast with the sandstone style upper areas, which add to the design.
Composition & Perspective:
9
A good use of dramatic perspective and composition. I often shoot to show a more abstract view for my clients (along with the "typical" view) and this is a good example. Did you note that the lens has some barrel distortion? Many lenses exhibit slight barrel or pincushion distortion (some unfortunately both!) - next time try to correct this in PS so that the horizontal lines remain just that.
The only distracting element for me is the light at the very bottom of frame - my eye is immediately drawn to it. You could either crop to remove or clone it out in PS, which will ensure the viewer concentrates on the actual building rather than the light.
Focus:
10
Focus is good - f8 is good for architecture to ensure that the depth of field runs all the way through the image.
Use of camera, exposure & speed:
10
Exposure is excellent - your image shows good definition in the shadow areas without blowing out the highlights.
Color & Lighting:
9
Colour balance looks good, my only concern is that the image is a little "flat". Often buildings look good with side lighting to show the textures of the materials used. Early morning or late afternoon are often excellent times to shoot buildings - avoid the middle of the day when the sun is right overhead. I note that you did shoot in the morning - but perhaps the orientation of the building did not allow for side lighting at this time. Seeing the subject at different times during the day will let you see which time is best to get the most out of its design. (I always do a site visit prior to shooting - so that I know what time of the day will suit the building best.)
Depth of field:
10
Excellent - f8 to f16 is ideal for this subject matter.
General impression:
9
A very good attempt to capture the features of this particular building. With some slight tweaks, this image can be a real winner.
How to improve your photo
1.
Try to shoot earlier or later in the day to increase the contrast of the image and to show texture. Front lighting is not good for buildings, side lighting is much better. Dawn and dusk are also great times to get a nice feel for this type of subject matter - balancing the lighting of the building with the ambient can result in some dramatic results.
2.
Correct any lens distortion in PS prior to showing your finished work - architecture is very much about lines and details. Barrel and/or pincushion distortion is not good to see in a final image. (I often need to correct in PS with extremely wide angle views - don't be afraid to do also.)
3.
Visit the subject at different times of the day to see when the lighting is at its most dramatic. If your subject has texture, shoot to show this - side lighting can make even the most mundane building/structure look great.
4.
If possible, use a tripod - it will eliminate an chance of camera shake, and also let you experiment with exposure too.
Get feedback on your photos from Pro Nanette Reid