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UER Forum > Archived UE Photo Critiques > I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them. (Viewed 646 times)
CitySneak 


Location: Conroe, TX
Gender: Male




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I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
< on 1/7/2013 7:13 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Hey everybody I come from Conroe, Texas, in a suburb called River Plantation. My friends and I do a lot of adventuring in it. This night we had just finished spelunking in two neighborhood sewers we're familiar with and found an abandoned house. I just wanted to post photos that I had taken of the time we had. What are everybody's opinions of them?

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Abandoned not Forgotten 


Location: Northern NJ
Gender: Male




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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 1 on 1/7/2013 5:08 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Looks like you're getting a lot of views but no replies, so I figured I'd take a stab at it. Keep in mind I'm no professional and this is my amateur constructive criticism.

First and foremost - a couple general points about the pics:

-Camera: What kind of camera did you use to take these? Perhaps it's the work of the forum image uploader, but it looks like these were taken with a potato. I totally understand being young and unable to afford a nice camera, but you can get even a relatively decent one for cheap. Perhaps you have an iPhone (or other camera phone)? Cell phone cameras nowadays are better than many point-n-shoots. If you can't afford any of these, please accept my apologies - I did not mean to offend.

-Orientation: It appears that you are indiscriminately shooting portrait. There is definitely a time and a place for portrait shots, but I believe most photos look better in landscape - showing a wider view of things.

-Subject & Composition: It seems that in several of your photos there is no well defined subject - just a picture of chaos. I'm not sure what to look at, and this makes them un-interesting. Read about composition in photography, specifically the rule of thirds is a great start.


Now onto the photos themselves:

1. This is a nice "preparation" shot. I think it would look better in landscape orientation though.

2. I like that you see some action here, though the subjects are completely disorganized. The dog is half cut off at the bottom which really doesn't help the situation. Maybe standing further back and getting the dog in or out of the shot (not halfway) would help a lot.

3. This would be a pretty well composed shot if only it was in landscape, because my eyes want to go left. I want to see the continuation of that pile of rocks/bricks(?) going off to the left.

4. I can't really figure out what to look at here; the kids head or the manhole cover up top? It also looks like your finger got in the way of the lens here. I would try a different angle where you can see the entire manhole cover and optionally include the kids head for effect.

5. Looks like you guys are standing around pondering something. Can't really tell what's in the background or at your feet. I don't really understand what this is supposed to be a picture of.

6. I like where this is going, though the guy on the right getting cut off really ruins it. On top of that, I don't really have context as to what you are looking up at. I'm guessing you're the guy holding the camera and the one that got cut off. Tripods are awesome for this type situation and you can get them for pretty cheap!

7. This is a good start, but unfortunately the subject (the sewer grate) is cut off. On top of that, the peace sign is really unnecessary and ruins it further.

8. From what I can make it out, it looks like a decent picture - unfortunately, way too dark! I would also try this one in landscape.

9. I would have backed up a little bit more to show more of the sides of the pipe. It looks like the discoloration on the right edge of the pipe opening continues to the right, and capturing that would have added more to this shot.

10. Another actions shot, but looks like too much action going on. I would have backed up a bit more, so at least the guys head is not cut off!

11. This would be a nice shot if it was in focus and the guy pulling up his shorts wasn't in the middle of it. Centering the pipe opening, kid in the pipe and the opening at the top would have created a really nice symmetrical shot.

12. I like how this is centered. I would try this one in landscape as well. Nice shot, a better quality camera would take this a long way.

13. Not bad, though the subjects are looking in pretty random directions. In addition, I would like to see this in landscape - after seeing the two subjects in the middle, my eye is further drawn to the top-right where there appears to be another opening.

14. Landscape - I want to see the house in its entirety.

15. You need to work on the angle a little bit, this just seems kind of random.

16. Interesting picture, though there's no defined subject. The spiral staircase is begging to be the subject in this picture, but unfortunately it's getting partly cut off.

17. Meh.

I hope you found some of my advice helpful. I think you have a lot of room for improvement, but by taking just 1 picture you're already on your way there. Take a look at some other "draining" pictures and perhaps you can get some inspiration to try some similar shots on your own. Good luck and happy exploring!

Abandoned not Forgotten (Under Construction)
Flickr | YouTube | Facebook
Canon T4i | Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 | Canon 50mm f/1.8 II | Manfrotto 190XPROB
CitySneak 


Location: Conroe, TX
Gender: Male




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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 2 on 1/7/2013 6:44 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Abandoned not Forgotten
Looks like you're getting a lot of views but no replies, so I figured I'd take a stab at it. Keep in mind I'm no professional and this is my amateur constructive criticism.

First and foremost - a couple general points about the pics:

-Camera: What kind of camera did you use to take these? Perhaps it's the work of the forum image uploader, but it looks like these were taken with a potato. I totally understand being young and unable to afford a nice camera, but you can get even a relatively decent one for cheap. Perhaps you have an iPhone (or other camera phone)? Cell phone cameras nowadays are better than many point-n-shoots. If you can't afford any of these, please accept my apologies - I did not mean to offend.

-Orientation: It appears that you are indiscriminately shooting portrait. There is definitely a time and a place for portrait shots, but I believe most photos look better in landscape - showing a wider view of things.

-Subject & Composition: It seems that in several of your photos there is no well defined subject - just a picture of chaos. I'm not sure what to look at, and this makes them un-interesting. Read about composition in photography, specifically the rule of thirds is a great start.


Now onto the photos themselves:

1. This is a nice "preparation" shot. I think it would look better in landscape orientation though.

2. I like that you see some action here, though the subjects are completely disorganized. The dog is half cut off at the bottom which really doesn't help the situation. Maybe standing further back and getting the dog in or out of the shot (not halfway) would help a lot.

3. This would be a pretty well composed shot if only it was in landscape, because my eyes want to go left. I want to see the continuation of that pile of rocks/bricks(?) going off to the left.

4. I can't really figure out what to look at here; the kids head or the manhole cover up top? It also looks like your finger got in the way of the lens here. I would try a different angle where you can see the entire manhole cover and optionally include the kids head for effect.

5. Looks like you guys are standing around pondering something. Can't really tell what's in the background or at your feet. I don't really understand what this is supposed to be a picture of.

6. I like where this is going, though the guy on the right getting cut off really ruins it. On top of that, I don't really have context as to what you are looking up at. I'm guessing you're the guy holding the camera and the one that got cut off. Tripods are awesome for this type situation and you can get them for pretty cheap!

7. This is a good start, but unfortunately the subject (the sewer grate) is cut off. On top of that, the peace sign is really unnecessary and ruins it further.

8. From what I can make it out, it looks like a decent picture - unfortunately, way too dark! I would also try this one in landscape.

9. I would have backed up a little bit more to show more of the sides of the pipe. It looks like the discoloration on the right edge of the pipe opening continues to the right, and capturing that would have added more to this shot.

10. Another actions shot, but looks like too much action going on. I would have backed up a bit more, so at least the guys head is not cut off!

11. This would be a nice shot if it was in focus and the guy pulling up his shorts wasn't in the middle of it. Centering the pipe opening, kid in the pipe and the opening at the top would have created a really nice symmetrical shot.

12. I like how this is centered. I would try this one in landscape as well. Nice shot, a better quality camera would take this a long way.

13. Not bad, though the subjects are looking in pretty random directions. In addition, I would like to see this in landscape - after seeing the two subjects in the middle, my eye is further drawn to the top-right where there appears to be another opening.

14. Landscape - I want to see the house in its entirety.

15. You need to work on the angle a little bit, this just seems kind of random.

16. Interesting picture, though there's no defined subject. The spiral staircase is begging to be the subject in this picture, but unfortunately it's getting partly cut off.

17. Meh.

I hope you found some of my advice helpful. I think you have a lot of room for improvement, but by taking just 1 picture you're already on your way there. Take a look at some other "draining" pictures and perhaps you can get some inspiration to try some similar shots on your own. Good luck and happy exploring!


Thanks man. I appreciate it. I would have taken more pictures of the abandoned house but then my hand-me-down blackberry started messing up and I couldn't access the camera. We were also in the middle of a neighborhood full of paranoid white middle-aged Texans and their families so we didn't want to tarry too long in the house. (Otherwise we might have ended up running from sirens) About the drains, my friend was going on about how we had an hour to get back to his house and how we couldn't take much time so most of the pictures were taken with everybody moving, so we couldn't hunker down and work on our shots. So my aim here was really just showing where we are and what it looks like and stuff. (Next time, my friend is taking all of them since he says he is so good at pics.)

P.S. Really appreciate you critiquing, I'm definitely going to use your advice for a time when we aren't so rushed with gay ass shit like school starting again.
[last edit 1/7/2013 6:53 PM by CitySneak - edited 1 times]

Abandoned not Forgotten 


Location: Northern NJ
Gender: Male




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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 3 on 1/7/2013 7:26 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by CitySneak


Thanks man. I appreciate it. I would have taken more pictures of the abandoned house but then my hand-me-down blackberry started messing up and I couldn't access the camera. We were also in the middle of a neighborhood full of paranoid white middle-aged Texans and their families so we didn't want to tarry too long in the house. (Otherwise we might have ended up running from sirens) About the drains, my friend was going on about how we had an hour to get back to his house and how we couldn't take much time so most of the pictures were taken with everybody moving, so we couldn't hunker down and work on our shots. So my aim here was really just showing where we are and what it looks like and stuff. (Next time, my friend is taking all of them since he says he is so good at pics.)

P.S. Really appreciate you critiquing, I'm definitely going to use your advice for a time when we aren't so rushed with gay ass shit like school starting again.


You're very welcome! That sucks, I hate blackberrys! Did someone see you going into the house? If I'm exploring a location that is in public view, I actually feel safest once I am inside of it - because unless someone saw you entering, they'll have no idea you're inside. I know what it's like being in a rush, and unfortunately the quality of pictures suffers because of it. That's why I like to wake up bright and early and start exploring with plenty of time to spare before sunset. The pictures will definitely work as a visual aid when telling your friends about your adventure, but it's just so much more satisfying to be able to tell a whole story with just a picture (picture is worth a 1000 words). You should both take pictures, bring as many cameras as you can and take as many pictures as you can - then sort through them and pick the very best ones. Try experimenting with different types of shots and you will learn a thing or two just from playing around!

Abandoned not Forgotten (Under Construction)
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Canon T4i | Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 | Canon 50mm f/1.8 II | Manfrotto 190XPROB
dsankt 


Location: live and in the fresh




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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 4 on 1/7/2013 8:16 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
If you decide to get serious on the photography front, this may be of interest.

http://sleepycity.net/howto

sleepycity.net: watch out for the third rail baby, that shit is high voltage. urbex and urban exploration photography
CitySneak 


Location: Conroe, TX
Gender: Male




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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 5 on 1/7/2013 9:13 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by dsankt
If you decide to get serious on the photography front, this may be of interest.

http://sleepycity.net/howto


Wow, thanks this is very interesting and helpful. I'll try out the techniques listed with whatever camera that can do them. I finally understand how light painting is done now!

macgruder 


Location: Northern NJ
Gender: Male




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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 6 on 1/7/2013 10:55 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Well, it's obvious the pictures aren't the greatest. You seem to be having fun though, so that's all that matters.

Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 50mm 1.2, Canon 28mm 1.8, Canon 16-35 f2.8L
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenbley/
Abandoned not Forgotten 


Location: Northern NJ
Gender: Male




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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 7 on 1/8/2013 1:44 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by dsankt
If you decide to get serious on the photography front, this may be of interest.

http://sleepycity.net/howto


This is excellent, thanks for sharing!

Posted by macgruder
Well, it's obvious the pictures aren't the greatest. You seem to be having fun though, so that's all that matters.


I like your attitude

Abandoned not Forgotten (Under Construction)
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Canon T4i | Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 | Canon 50mm f/1.8 II | Manfrotto 190XPROB
moapy 






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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 8 on 1/9/2013 12:32 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by dsankt
If you decide to get serious on the photography front, this may be of interest.

http://sleepycity.net/howto


Curse you and your fucking amazing photos dsankt, they make the rest of us look like shit ;)

La Cigale 


Location: Paris, France
Gender: Male




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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 9 on 1/9/2013 1:45 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Not a single photo here is of any note, not even in the capacity of an idea that was poorly executed. I usually take on anything to give my opinion, even if I don't like it, but I can see something, but this is seriously a joke. This might be interesting with the story as a report, but there is nothing even close to a photograph you intended to be anything more than a happy snap. Please don't waste our time. I'm sorry for being harsh, but seriously.

*** There is a fucking up up up***
robk700 


Location: Los Angeles / D.C.
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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 10 on 1/9/2013 7:26 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by La Cigale
Not a single photo here is of any note, not even in the capacity of an idea that was poorly executed. I usually take on anything to give my opinion, even if I don't like it, but I can see something, but this is seriously a joke. This might be interesting with the story as a report, but there is nothing even close to a photograph you intended to be anything more than a happy snap. Please don't waste our time. I'm sorry for being harsh, but seriously.


I see you are new here so I'll be nice. Take a look at the other threads in this forum and compare them to what you are asking. Obviously this is the wrong post in the wrong thread. That being said, looks like you had some great adventures. But your post doesn't belong in this forum.

SalamiAvenger 






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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 11 on 1/10/2013 3:10 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Never thought I'd say this, but give the kid a break. Yeah, the photos are nothing special, but the kid did more than most of the armchair adventurers on here ever have.. You guys were nicer to the guy that took HDR photos of his couch in the rain. That's sad.

mhester 


Location: Hails from parts unknown
Gender: Male




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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 12 on 3/8/2013 3:55 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I second that, these kids are just having fun and making the best of what they can with their Blackberry lol. I mean the pics are nothing great but at least they had the guts to post em. I would at least upgrade to a point and shoot. You can get many that are not that exspensive that will greatly help the quality of your pics.

Long time Urban explorer, who wants to push my love for the abandoned world into the art community.
Kuroneko 


Location: Tokyo
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Re: I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them.
<Reply # 13 on 3/8/2013 6:51 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I think its cool you're taking photographs and posting them here, and not on Facebook (that's like Instagram for adults), or Tumblr to start.

As to the pics, if you're serious:

o Get a decent point-and-shoot. Perhaps a secondhand GR-D.
o Think seriously about an old film rangefinder.
o Think twice about posting faces.
o Read about Rule-of-Thirds.
o Keep at it.

See ya! Neko.

UER Forum > Archived UE Photo Critiques > I just want to present some pictures, but it would be cool to hear everybody's opinions on them. (Viewed 646 times)



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