This photograph today is about more than just the image. It’s about progress. Photography in the name of progress!
Coming across this photograph, one might focus on the problems. The problems are superficial though and that’s why I don’t tolerate trolls. I’ll address the problems, but I’ll be sure to say why you should ignore them. I think photography in the name of progress could be something that more people need to understand as we view so many digital photographs online today.
Let’s look at the big issue and why someone might harp on it.
The HDR haloing issue around the fire hydrant is one of the notorious issues that people go through when shooting for HDR Photography. I know the shot isn’t perfect and that’s why I love it. I’ve began to look at images like this and realize the photograph represents progress.
Over 3 years ago, this photograph looked great to me because that’s where I was in development. Photography is a skill that’s been self-taught over time, and HDR Photography is even more self-taught than anything else. Every bit of skill has progressed over time. This is probably the case for you as well. I hear going to photography school will kill your love for photography anyways!
I can look at the shot now and realize that I’ve grown and improved from this level. Your image, that a grumpy photographer might make an off comment towards, suddenly becomes a photograph in the name of progress. Hence, I recommend providing constructive criticism when commenting on the work of other photographers. You never know if the image is quite old and they’ve moved on from that point. If they haven’t grown from that level of processing work, it could be you that helps them push through the plateau. Be the change and remember this one thing too:
Remember that you’re next photograph is always your best photograph. Everything in the name of progress.
Whats wrong with this photo?!?!
I love it!!!
At the time of processing the photo I didn’t see anything wrong. I’m trying to say I still don’t either because it shows me progress. Some people get very very upset over the haloing (the almost glow around the top of the hydrant) and they freak out. It’s one of the reasons people hate High Dynamic Range Photography so much. :)
I think you like it because you want to be back in Las Vegas where it’s sunny and hot.
Photography school does not kill you’re love for photography unless you can’t take constructive criticism and don’t have convictions in you’re cohesive vision. Art school forces you to shoot more and progresses your skills at a much faster rate, I believe.
I believe photography should never take the love out of you. I know what you mean, it’s a forced way to shoot all the time and get feedback. I have talked to a few photography students and they’ve mentioned that it can get so technical that you start to forget to have fun. This can cause some people to stray from their passion for photography.
I like it. The hydrant looks nice and metallic and shiny.
I don’t care whether images represent reality if that is not what they are setting out to do.
A good image is a good image and doesn’t need to justify iteself, in my opinion.
What HDR software do you use?
.-= David´s last blog ..Photography News – The BJP New-Look Website =-.
Couldn’t agree more David!
I use HDRsoft Photomatix and then send the tone mapped image into photoshop to finish off. How bout you?
Hi Scott,
Photoshop CS3 but my experience is that it’s not the real deal for HDR.
I tried Photomatix about a year ago on my Mac and it started running wild on the CPU. Might try it again now, though.
Which version do you use – the stand alone, the Photoshop plugin, the Lite version, the Aperture plugin….. etc. ?
Hi, Thanks for posting this nice photo here! I must say that judgment often rely on the eye of the beholder simply because every person has a relative perception in what they perceive. In my part I do believe that this photo depicts a simply amazing masterpiece of photography.
It’s all in the eye of the beholder. Remember, you’re never as bad as your worst shot and never as good as your best shot. So keep shooting ;)
I once came to the conclusion that beauty is inexposure. In terms of photography, most of the time all you see is beautiful images.People like to take pictures to show the beauty of things and places, but in reality, this world has so many imperfections than beauty. I like photography that tells (shows) it like it is.
Furthermore I love this photo!
This is great!
The photo is clear and nice, HDRsoft Photometric it helps my photography level up. I like it. Thank you for sharing us.
I loved this hydrant picture as it is nice, shiny and metallic. It is a good photography Scott but I don’t know why you are hesitating to accept this as a good one. I would say art is always beautiful when people like you enjoy and love your job as you do. I would say this is a tribute to the photography. We are always with you to praise your good art Scott. Continue your artistic works endlessly and make us enjoyable. Thank you!
Hi,great article. Informations are pretty exciting and saves me a lot time which I spend on something else instead of searching :) Thank you