Composition - I really like the composition of this image. The only thing that is mildly distracting is the big tree in front, but since the DOF is good, the tree is not wildly out of focus and looks like it should be there. The curves of the road make a good contrast to the straight flagpoles. This image shows excellent balance with the taller trees on the right and shorter ones on the left with the tree nearest the camera evening it out. The flags are also balanced with less but taller on the right, and more, but shorter on the left.
Background - There is not too much wide open sky. The trees in the background are all pretty dark and blend in with each other especially on the left side. Although the goal is not to have each single trunk and branch distinguishable, there should be some breaks in this area to give it more depth and a more real look.
Camera Work - The composition of this image could have been greatly enhanced by a little more exposure. I believe it would provide a little more detail and make some of the objects in the image a little more distinguishable. The DOF is excellent for this image.
Processing - I would not have recommended using greyscale for this image. I think there is probably enough green in the picture to keep it from being too happy. The depth of the background is lost because it all kind of washes together into a dark grey blob on the left side. I think the depth on the right side would also be significantly enhanced in color. The flags would also look brighter and the mood of the image would change dramatically from the kind of morose feeling this image gives me. At least I would’ve turned up the contrast a bit to make the flags stand out from the grass more and brightened it up to accommodate the contrast change as it would probably make much of the picture black.
Overall - I think this is a solid composition that with a little different post processing would’ve done really well. The colors of the stars and stripes I think would help give this the real sense of pride we feel when thinking of the people who fought for our freedom.
Best of luck in future challenges - Bob
Very gray and low contrast - probably underexposed. Needs some real white highlights and some really dark darks. I'm usually a fan of black and white, but with all the flags, I think this photo might have benefited from color.
You ruined the American flag with B&W! You lost 3 points for that. Too dark. I thought you lowered the flag for a fallen hero. Better title needed. Your picture doesn't say your title. And in my opinion in this challenge titles are important. They say what you want your picture to lead us into read. Not the best shot. A little dark, maybe an over cast day. Does make for a somber shot which is befitting the setting. Since the memorial goes for raise flags I'll have to accept them raised. PTL4 Looked it over and the photo deserves more than a 4, no matter my feelings about the flags - raised or half staff. PTL6
I think I would have liked this shot to be a little bit brighter, but overall I really like it a lot, and it carries a lot of emotion. I do like the black and white. lhall
Composition: Subject Placement, Cropping, Background8, Technical: Focus, Exposure, Lighting, Processing5, Appeal: Is it Interesting, Motivating, Etc.? 6, Total Averaged Rating6. Autool IMO the relationship between the title and picture are key elements in this challenge. Too much of this nowdays. I think you needed better light and more contrast. How did it look in color, and did you try to save it by going to B/W? If so this seldom works.
The first thing I think when I see this picture is "underexposed." I think it isn't a totally bad thing to be a little dark here, just not to this degree. I generally like his picture though. The concept is very good. The advantage to being dark is that the flags really stand out. The disadvantage is that, well it looks very dreary, almost morbid and things are quite undefined. Good luck - Inspzil
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