Thread: Farm shots... CC please

I took these shots today, and my original intent was to shoot the vines with a shallow DOF leading back to the top of the shot. But doing that, I think I wrecked the first shot -- should've had it with f8.0. The second shot is just not as strong from a composition standpoint. But I'd be interested in hearing thoughts on both images.

Manual, SS 1/1600, ISO 200, f4.5, focal length 30mm


Manual SS 1/1600, ISO 200, f3.5, focal length 20.7mm


As always, I did learn something more in taking these shots today, about how your focal point is as important in DOF as your aperture, considering the first shot had a smaller aperture but shallower DOF because I focused in the bottom left corner; whereas the second shot had a larger DOF because I focused in the center of the shot instead. Not news to any of you, I'm sure, but helpful for me in figuring this whole photography 'thing' out!

I'm on my phone so couldn't comment on colours etc. Composition wise I like the first shot better as is. If the second shot was cropped slightly tighter so you couldn't see as much of the bottom of the closer vines it might be better, not sure. There is just something about the composition that, to me, is a little flat. With the first pic I'd like it better if we were looking down the path a little more, like it was leading us in to the picture. Does that make sense? That might just be me as I like that effect.

Well done on figuring out more as you go!

I like the first shot best. If you wanted the barn in focus I would arrange so you can have it in focus and the vines out of focus leaving ap wide open. I would not shoot this f 8 Not unless it was a horizontal shot or better comp. Even then I think the open ap would suit this much better. Also, you may consider different angles - like maybe lower to the ground so you appear to be in the vines rather than shooting down at everything.

Color - I would add a tad of magenta maybe some red a bit.

Originally Posted by robgem

With the first pic I'd like it better if we were looking down the path a little more, like it was leading us in to the picture. Does that make sense? That might just be me as I like that effect.

Originally Posted by CJWilkes

Also, you may consider different angles - like maybe lower to the ground so you appear to be in the vines rather than shooting down at everything.

I thought of trying that, but the vines don't have a lot of greenery on them yet and seemed kind of flat. But I didn't actually give it a shot, so perhaps it would've turned out better than I thought, especially since you both had the same suggestion!

Originally Posted by CJWilkes

I like the first shot best. If you wanted the barn in focus I would arrange so you can have it in focus and the vines out of focus leaving ap wide open. I would not shoot this f 8 Not unless it was a horizontal shot or better comp. Even then I think the open ap would suit this much better.

OK, that's really helpful, thank you! That makes a lot of sense.

Thanks for looking -- I learn more every time I ask for CC!

I like #1 comp better. I would love to see these with a contrast boost!

Originally Posted by TracyF

I thought of trying that, but the vines don't have a lot of greenery on them yet and seemed kind of flat. But I didn't actually give it a shot, so perhaps it would've turned out better than I thought, especially since you both had the same suggestion!
OK, that's really helpful, thank you! That makes a lot of sense.

Thanks for looking -- I learn more every time I ask for CC!

When you get down among the weeds or greenery it makes the feel of happening upon rather than looking down on - does that make sense?

These were both taken on my belly or squatted real low:



and if you get right into the vines it will give an affect like this:



Put your lens real close to where there is green and it will appear to have lots of green. Frame your lens with the green letting a bit of it get in front of the lens to frame your subject.

This area was not nearly as green as it appears. I took advantage of ANY green I saw:



Please don't mind the harsh sun. LOL

Anyhow - looking at the images you have you have plenty of green to alter the look of the area even though it does not seem like it, you would be surprised.

Wow, Cindy, thank you SO much for sharing those images and giving me some really great advice. I'm such a newbie and I greatly appreciate you sharing not just your advice but some examples of what you're talking about, to help me learn. It means a LOT to me. Thank you!!! I love your work and this inspires me!

Wow, Cindy, I didn't realize green is emphasized when you do that. I'm going to have to try it

Tracy, I wonder what would have happened if you got down close to that post at the bottom left corner there and shot towards the barn like that, with the post on your left. I'm a big fan of getting down on the ground when taking shots too.

No problem. If you notice in the second image it is not green but yellowish. That was in some catnip growing in a pond. You can bring out any color you want by playing with your surroundings.

I recommend going through other photographers sites and seeing their images. There are many to look through. I am one who tends to love to shoot low and through things. People laugh and are in shot at my sessions. LOL But I love that sort of look.

There really is not much too wrong with your images. You have some good snap shots. Learn your aperatures and shutter speeds. This will help immensely in accomplishing the look you want to get. The wider open f/1.8 or 2 will cause more focal with back ground blurring where as f/11 will have EVERYthing in focus. It has its place too. I like closing up for silhouettes or sunsets or scenery shots. Also when trying to create bursts.

Hope that makes sense

Sorry I have not been around much. It has been a long year. I will try to post more often.

Really like the second one