My Passport:)

[Mike Shimwell]

OK, I'm a sucker and should be doing some more email duty, but here's my ticket to ride. I spend far too long in these places.

Mike

 

[Cem_Usakligil]

As in "Last Train to London - ELO"? ;-).

I like the composition and the tonality a lot. Also, the half hidden guy on the bench adds to the picture. One thing I miss is the actual feeling of being tired, weary and lonesome when I am traveling at night. I guess that this station is too tidy and bright for that.

Cheers,

 

[Rachel Foster]

I need to look at this one a while. I've often puzzled about what makes a shot of the ordinary a snapshot or something more. Dozens of people can shoot the same everyday scene. One might get 'art.' What is the magic ingredient?

 

[Cem_Usakligil]

I need to look at this one a while. I've often puzzled about what makes a shot of the ordinary a snapshot or something more. Dozens of people can shoot the same everyday scene. One might get 'art.' What is the magic ingredient?

There is no magic ingredient. But there is a difference. It is anything but an ordinary snapshot we are looking at here. Thought has gone into composing the image and placing certain elements such as the lines on the ground coinciding with the shadows of the columns. It is a night scene captured skillfully. Technically speaking, the picture is very good and ticks all the boxes such as focus, lighting, contrast, horizon, dof, compositional balance, etc. Besides, it is taken at night and is displayed in B&W, which both indicate a certain intent by it's maker. To me it is not a snapshot. Having said that, some pictures with all the right elements in them will still be snapshots and there is nothing wrong with it. At the end of the day, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Cheers,

 

[Rachel Foster]

Oh, Cem, I never meant to imply this was a snapshot. I'm asking why it's not. I'm trying to identify the elements that make it differ so maybe someday I can do some scenes of quality also.

 

[Cem_Usakligil]

Oh, Cem, I never meant to imply this was a snapshot. I'm asking why it's not. I'm trying to identify the elements that make it differ so maybe someday I can do some scenes of quality also.

Hi Rachel,

If I may say so, you are being too hard on yourself. I have seen many pictures of yours which are good quality, some even great. We have had this recurring discussion many times. You should photograph more with your heart and be less analytical. Too much analysis is hampering your progress if you ask me.

Cheers,

 

[Rachel Foster]

Thank you Cem. The problem may be that I have the audacity to compare myself to people of immense talent, including Mike, Ken, you, Asher, Alain, Charles, Janet, Nic, etc., etc., etc., and aspire to the same level.

 

[Kathy Rappaport]

Hi Rachel,

If I may say so, you are being too hard on yourself. I have seen many pictures of yours which are good quality, some even great. We have had this recurring discussion many times. You should photograph more with your heart and be less analytical. Too much analysis is hampering your progress if you ask me.
Cheers,

Cem, I could not agree with this statement more. Rachel....pay attention!

 

[Rachel Foster]

Thanks all. I'll try but.....

 

[fahim mohammed]

Mike, much different than when my collegues and me would sleep over at Victoria during my student
days! the luggage and postal carts getting ready for the morning. the late night commuters were
not like the half hidden ( beautiful placement !) exec. type. we were a scruffy lot, then and I guess even now.!

More, more...I want to relive the days gone by.

Best.

 

[Mike Shimwell]

Thanks all. I'll try but.....

Rachel

don't try, just do it (to steal a phrase)

I think you'll enjoy the freedom and you will learn on the way. It's often hard for people with any sort of technical background to put the analytical approach aside.

There are all sorts of things that people have done over the years to try to learn - one lens, one film etc etc. You might try putting your 100 macro on your camera, setting it to aperture priority and using only that for a couple of weeks. Make sure that you print some of what you shoot - half a dozen a week and then stick them up on a pin board and look at them from time to time. Dare I say it, you might not even try to fix them much before printing - quickly run them through your favourite raw converter with a quick twiddle on each and then hit print.

Just one idea that might help. There are many others, and probably many better...

Mike

 

[Mike Shimwell]

Mike, much different than when my collegues and me would sleep over at Victoria during my student
days! the luggage and postal carts getting ready for the morning. the late night commuters were
not like the half hidden ( beautiful placement !) exec. type. we were a scruffy lot, then and I guess even now.!

More, more...I want to relive the days gone by.

Best.

Ah yes, happy days sleeping on platforms waiting for the mail train! I seem to remember that it was cold and you had the risk of being moved on by the transport police.

I have to admit that I still find railway stations beguiling - York especially - as I retain the sense of being able to walk into a station and begin a journey to anywhere in Europe, or even beyond. Anonymity and opportunity combined.

Mike

 

[Rachel Foster]

I will try that! Thanks!