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You’re absolutely right StefB! But you know, I think that it’s even more than that. I’m starting to realize that in this day and age, everything is about specs and numbers. Unfortunately, because of this; a lot of people have a perception that we no longer have to work for our photographs. I’ve also seen it in on the software side too; “as long as you have Photoshop, you can fix ANYTHING.” Of course this is not exactly true, but it’s hard to educate others once someone develops that belief. I think it’s important to be technical if people truly want to know how to use your camera, but at the same time, if they’re soooo technical in terms of specs, like in the same way men are with cars & trucks, they’re going to be a very, very poor photographer, because every months they’ll be purchasing a new camera. We must make sure that we are not using these technologies as a clutch, or a way to compensate for insecurities about being a photographer (I’ve seen it so much, unfortunately).
Very nice.
That makes no sense. Who is “she”? @Faix is not a she. I’m not a she. @Tersha just chimed in.
Oops, honest mistake. There was no way I was going to interpret that his avatar, of painted fingernails is actually a male profile. I didn’t realize that you’ve posted in the middle of that.
As far is “it being a converted image” goes… ISO is not particularly relevant.
I’m not sure if that’s completely true.
@michael-lloyd and @falx ….a question…I’m thinking of converting a Canon 50D to infra red….when you had yours done what filter did you choose for the camera, there seems to be different effects from them?
The higher the number, the more inferred is blocked. I believe IR900 is the strongest. However, I don’t recommend using IR900 unless there is absolutely no wind or breeze. Otherwise your long exposure can be distorted, unless of course this is what you want for artistic purposes.. I find that IR750 works best. But you can get a kit of 4 IR filters for about less than $40-50.
Inferred is not like any other filter; you have to use them in a certain way. The best way I found to use them is to auto-focus on your subject FIRST, then turn off the auto-focus, and then put on your IR filter and take the shot. Sometimes the IR is too dark for the sensor to see anything.
I don’t have experience with a converted camera though. I suppose I’ll try that myself too some time in the future.
Yogi
because as stated in her original post, it is a converted image. However that’s not saying she can’t be at 100 ISO, this all depends on how much sunlight is present.
Judging from these photos, it is VERY load and clear, that you are a classical photographer. It felt like I was immediately transported to the sixties/seventies. I think the last one is my favorite out of the three. However, I’ve heard many anal photographers that complain about too much contrast in photos like the last photo; but I absolutely love how you’ve processed this image. It is beautiful & artistic. Great Job dude!
My goodness. I’ve been watching too many of those damn Sci-Fi programs! The first thing I thought of was one of those movies with the giant killer snakes, that swoop down from those same trees to come bite people’s heads off!! Ouch!! Anyways LOL… I love the shot you’ve took.
The photo is beautiful just the way it is. Brilliant colors.
This is beautiful! Can’t go wrong with a prime lens.
You’re welcome Jon. Yes, I’ve seen a lot of those tacky B&W you’re talking about LOL. I think the important thing that we all need to remind ourselves is that, photography is art and not necessarily a single compulsory technique. There are sooo many things that could be used to enhance your photo. I could have still used a little White Balance and then desaturate too. However, be mindful when you start working with two different saturation levels in the same photo, particularly when the subject is a human being. Skin tone is very delicate, and you can unintentionally make the person look unnatural (in proportion to the lighting around the person), or you can make the person appear to have health issues. I’ve also seen this when people use too strong of a blue white balance filter on their camera.
Yes the Dof is extremely important. Because the aperture wasn’t small enough, it actually makes the bike look more extraneous. However, if both the guy and the bike were in focus, the photo could have easily told the story of a guy that stopped to rest before he got back on his bike.
Don’t force yourself to do anything! Please let your creativity come natural. If you want to try a few techniques is one thing, but don’t force yourself. In time you will find out what works for YOU. Take each photo on a case by case basis. One thing I’ve learned about street photography, is that you somewhat have to be a fast thinker, especially if you prefer manual function. I think being a fast thinker is about of that adrenaline rush that we get when doing street photography; it’s that very excitement that makes it so enjoyable. Don’t mistaken that rush, to mean your doing something wrong, because your not.
Since you have given permission for us to edit your photos, hear are some examples of ways to improve this photo. I have decided to de-saturate the entire photo, which also helped the over exposed bike face as well. I had made no other edits to number1. Notice how the colors blend more without having to use “white balance.” Second photo I cropped it and made it compliant with the 2/3 rule (which I almost never abide by, but sometimes it is necessary). I’ve also removed the soda can. because the image was low resolution, I wasn’t able to get it crisp edit, but you get the idea. You could also use blur to hide the small imperfections.
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Example1
Example2
Hi Jon. Photography is very personal. What will work for you, may not work for someone else. The important thing is that you do what is most comfortable to you; your photographs will come out much better that way. Personally, a good zoom lens has always proved essential when doing street photography. The pedestrians tend not to feel intimidated; because I am not invading their personal space. A good zoom lens will also allow you to get close enough, without having to physically run up on someone and startling them for a picture. However, a prime lens will give you the best and crispest aperture up close. So, it is a trade off you’ll have to make. Normally, I wouldn’t use my prime lens, unless I am taking pictures of flowers, animals, or people who are already in my company. Very rarely do I ask for a picture, simply because I prefer the candid shots. I like it when people are at their purest form; the photos take on greater meaning. A lot of amateurs in general think that an expensive lens are all purpose, and this is not true. There are many different lenses for different situations, for different types of photographs. This is why professionals carry about 2-4 different lenses when the go out on shoots.
I think your photo looks great! Because street photography is so personal, I normally don’t like to give advice on shots. But since you’ve asked us, I think there should only be two minor adjustments. I recommend trying to de-saturate the green color to try and soften it, because it dominates the photo. Second, tone down the color of the bike a little. I’m guessing the bike came out slightly more exposed because light was bouncing off of it. Or you could have just cropped out the bike; there is no rule saying it has to be there. Lastly, personally I like the soda can, because it helps tell the story of the photo, and helps the viewer to understand the environment the subject was in. Hope that helps you. You have a natural talent.
Believe me, you’re not the only one who has been plagued with this question at least one time in their lives. As said before, people will answer your question “Is my photo good enough??” from many different perspectives. It is my opinion that you master your camera, understand light, how to “see” light, how to manipulate light, basic composition, work towards being proficient in your photo editing application, and the last thing is practice. I don’t think anyone on this planet that has started with photography, got “perfect” photographs upon the first press of the shutter button. Bottom line it takes practice, constant learning, and developing your sense of “the perfect shot” (which comes with practice. I think these are basic principles that every photographer has, or will eventually follow; whether you’re a professional or amateur.
The other thing is, be aware that people will often give you advice based on personal preference. There are some people that think every single photo should be in HDR. Mind you, not even real HDR. I’ve seen so many HDR photos that are way over processed; and in the poster’s mind, it is the “best photograph! Some photographers are totally against using certain techniques, software, or even certain camera equipment or accessories.
On-line is really hard in my opinion; because people will give you advice even when there is nothing wrong with a photo. I’ve read people say the dumbest and the most unimportant things about someone’s photographs. And most of these dumb comments are not really sound advice; but personal preferences made in to law.
If you’re first starting out as a photographer, it can really be hard trying to discern what is good advice, and what can be thrown away. But one thing for sure, as along as you keep learning from different sources, and types of photographers, as long as you keep practicing, your confidence level will rise and the need for validation will decrease.
Yogi
