Weather

[Rachel Foster]

I think I forgot to put up the storm windows. Inside my daughter's bedroom....

Shot with the Rebel (60mm macro), handheld as I could not get close enough with tripod, ISO 400, f/3.5, 1/2000.

Shot with the 5d II, tripod, 24-105 IS, f/4.5, iso 200, 1/1000, 105 mm.

.

I was trying to capture the filigree designs, and also the feeling of "cold." I know this sort of shot may be an acquired taste, but this appeals to me. My questions center on presentation: cropping is a major issue. Secondly, should I hit the contrast on this or will that just make it "gaudy?"

 

[Charlotte Thompson]

Rachel

God these are beautiful
looks like the "Palace of a Gorgeous Winter Queen"
is the light natural_
nature is stunningly sweet with us isn't she
to show her true beauty
and
for you to capture it*

Charlotte-

 

[Rachel Foster]

Thank you, Charlotte. Your poetic response is lovely.

 

[Nolan Sinclair]

Hey Rachel,

I think the contrast in both pictures is perfect, but when I look at them I find that my eyes darting around trying to find a shape or a pattern or something structured that helps to suggest what I'm supposed to be looking at.

I like the second picture more than the first because of the shapes the ice has left behind on the bare glass. Off the top of my head, I'd probably crop close enough that I got more bare glass in the picture in an effort to draw more attention to the intricacy of the filigree.

 

[Rachel Foster]

Thanks, Nolan! I thought it lacked a focal point too, and am not sure how to correct that. I'll give your suggestion a go. I also have another shot with more bare glass in it that I'll look at again.

 

[Rachel Foster]

Is this better?

 

[Nolan Sinclair]

To my eyes, the above is a big improvement; I find the void in the upper left gives me somewhere to start when I look, and the closer perspective gives me a better look at all that ice.

Which makes me feel cold.

But anyways, how do you feel about the crop, Rachel? Is it an improvement or not? Is it in line with what you visualized when you hit the shutter?

 

[Rachel Foster]

I was looking at the designs in a "macro" sort of way. I've not yet learned to appreciate the extent to which my "mind" blocks out noise and extraneous input. The camera does not do this, of course, and that's why cropping is still difficult for me.

I liked this shot best when I first saw the images but didn't trust my instincts.

 

[Rachel Foster]

Testing signature.

 

[Charlotte Thompson]

Rachel

I wanna wear this- odd huh- but I love what you did with the blue on the top -
it looks like a gorgeous winter lace scarf or skirt to wear
but I have this ongoing imagination-
lovely shot

Charlotte-

 

[Rachel Foster]

I love the description you gave, Charlotte. It helps me conceptualize how I'd want to reshoot it.

 

[Charlotte Thompson]

Rachel

it also makes me want to use it as eye shadow
or put it on a spoon and eat it*

Charlotte-

 

[Mike Shimwell]

Hi Rachel,

A very quick response. The third shot works the best for me. In the first two there is no focal point or path through the image, which leaves the eye confused. The complexity is great, but needs structure to balance it.

In the third shot the negative space (Asher?) at the upper left give the image a form that reflects the much larger natural structure of a hillside with the dark sky behind. Then the ice takes shape and you can see the form of trees within and the delicate filigree too. The very gentle colours add to the composition nicely in my view.

I might try a touch more contrast or local contrast, but be careful as it's easy to overblow the delicacy

Mike

 

[Rachel Foster]

I completely agree, Mike. I've been waiting for the window to frost like that again for a reshoot. Thanks!