Comments/advise welcome on this shot

[Monique Hofland]

Last Saturday there was an open day at the Aston Martin factory at Newport Pagnell. I'm trying to learn to make better photos and every now and then I make one I'm happy with. This is one of them.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/506334323_8cc6922622.jpg

Any comment or advise is appreciated, since I want to keep on learning.

[Mark Delbrueck]

I don't think this was a good angle to choose. Think of your compositions in terms of the principles and elements of design (balance, gradiation, repitition, contrast, harmony, dominance, unity). This composition is really messy. It has no flow, no real focal point. It does have contrast, and difinitive edges which is a good thing. But I'm not sure what you are trying to focus on. Can't be the grille, since its cut off in the frame. It can't be the headliglht, because its such a small element in the frame, and is also cut off by the hood. And It can't be the livelry because again, thats also cut off. In my opinion, it is best to keep your compositions as simple as possible at car shows. I try to either fill the frame completely with a detail shot, or stick to full body shots.

[Monique Hofland]

I don't think this was a good angle to choose. Think of your compositions in terms of the principles and elements of design (balance, gradiation, repitition, contrast, harmony, dominance, unity).

:confused:
Feel the need to explain that to me? I've got no idea what you're talking about.

This composition is really messy. It has no flow, no real focal point. It does have contrast, and difinitive edges which is a good thing. But I'm not sure what you are trying to focus on. Can't be the grille, since its cut off in the frame. It can't be the headliglht, because its such a small element in the frame, and is also cut off by the hood. And It can't be the livelry because again, thats also cut off. In my opinion, it is best to keep your compositions as simple as possible at car shows. I try to either fill the frame completely with a detail shot, or stick to full body shots.

Ok, I see what you're getting at here. But I just wonder, are the rules really that strict? Does it matter the grille isn't in there completely?
Don't get me wrong, I know there are some 'rules', but if we all stick to them all the time, we'd all make the same photos, wouldn't we?

[Derric Slocum]

i dont think the rules are that strict as long as you break them in a way that makes sense. im no pro so i dont know if my advice and critisim is all that good but this just looks like a quick snapshot. it doesnt appear that alot of thought was put into the shot. like it was mentioned before, what is the subject? the grill, the emblem, the number, the headlight?

[Monique Hofland]

Derrrick, all comments/advice means the same to me. Doesn't matter who gives it. At the end of the day it's up to me to use it or not. ;-)
I always feel it's helpful to hear as many opinions as possible so you can use what you can/want to.
It might be unclear what my focus is, I still like the photo. That won't change, but I can rethink the whole setup with my next try.

[Jeff Boerio]

Monique,

For me, the picture is mildly interesting, but like some others have said, the composition isn't quite what I like. This doesn't mean there isn't a use for the image, and it doesn't render the image completely useless. I can't tell you how many times I've had the opportunity to take a picture of something from slightly different angles, and only taken one, and then been disappointed in what I had, and therefor frustrated for not getting more.

If you've got the space on the card, take several pictures from just slightly different angles, focus points, etc. You might be surprised by what you will really like, and you will probably be more satisfied.

Jeff

[Monique Hofland]

Thank you, Jeff. You might be pleased to know I've taken over 400 photos of about 30 opr 35 cars on this day. I always take a few and actually should take even more per car. Also, in some case you come home and decide some photos need cropping. I do that too and sometimes the result is very nice.

Just out of curiosity: is this one better?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/506334275_179282aca6.jpg

Bear with me, though. I know the shadow on the right is horrible, but I was in no position to move the car and later in the day they added two more cars to this spot, so I couldn't take this photo again.

[Derric Slocum]

i like that shot, you already know the biggest issue i see. its actually a pretty good location for a show.

[Richard Owen]

The barrel distortion in the second shot does little for Zagato's lines.

Watch your shadows, and your reflections too.