The second critique evening was upon us.
A quick reminder as the title implies, these evenings are for a qualified judge to offer feedback on images without scoring.
The idea is to encourage members to submit images and learn how to improve their images without the fear of being trashed by scoring.
I surprised myself by enjoying the first of these evenings back in September – if not already, click here to read all about it.
Image One – Underneath the Arches
For my first image, I chose this image of Blackfriars bridge in London.
The image was take on a photography tour round London – read here.
I really like the different look to this image which was achieved by use of a fisheye lens.
It’s an image that received some favourable feedback on social media, with the original share being its original colour capture – see below:
I did a pretty rapid edit and was seeking mostly critique on the impact of the image compositionally and to get a feeling of whether it’s good enough for competition.
On my quick edit, I realised what a plain and dull sky there is over St. Pauls and there is a rather irritating blown out white patch across two metallic objects on the roof of a building to the left.
Judge’s critique
The judge said they liked the image and knew this bridge very well.
They said the metalwork was too bright and needed to be more “gritty”.
They recommended Nik Silver Efex with the wet rocks filter.
They also advised to darken the buildings, or at least any bright parts.
Image Two – Vantage Point
For my second choice image, I chose the following image of a heron taken at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen – see here.
I was most unsure about this image in terms of is it worth a punt in a competition?
I like the uniqueness of this heron perched high on a tree looking out.
Judge’s critique
The judge liked this shot and said usually the advice is to get as close as possible to the bird.
They liked the detail in the heron and the blurred colourful foliage.
They advised on some cropping at the right bottom section of the image.
Post-event thoughts
I enjoyed this event, hearing the feedback.
This particular judge who we’ve had before encourages audience feedback and debate, which is good.
There was a somewhat prickly start with the first few images with strong disagreements and differences of opinion, but it soon settled into a rhythm.
Just as well it did because we were 20+ minutes in at the start and only 3 of about 33 images in.
I was pleased with the feedback I received and agreed with every point.
The ‘arches’ shot of Blackfriars bridge is something I will definitely consider for competition, and the heron shot less so as I have a feeling it’s one of those ‘eight’ images.
There is one more critique evening to come in this 2024/25 season so it won’t be that long before I need to pick two images to submit.
In the meantime, it’s a print competition coming up next month, and I am getting close to submission deadline and nowhere near being prepared beyond having shortlisted two images.
Onwards and upwards…