Looks good though a bit too contrasty for me Manning. I like the depth and colors you acheived, thanks!

Hey Kort....this is one of those "It is what it is" kind of shots.  I don't see anything that really jumps out at me from this view.  There's TOO much here to take in (overload) and alot of distracting elements (buildings; light post, trees)  Nothing to draw my eyes into the image.

Yeah,  you could probably crop here or there get a "decent" end result or 2, but honestly I don't feel they would be gallery quality.  

Sorry to use you own words here, but I think they are relevant in this instance: (from the passion in Photography thread)

"I see many photos that are nicely captured, but to me lack the passion that I am sure inspired the photographer to take the picture in the first place. They are nice straightforward captures, or they make good use of a technique, but the awe is not present."

I couldn't have said it any better.

Joe

Thanks for the honesty Joe. I think there are a lot of neat little parts to look at in this image, esp. at full size, but as a whole it just doens't cut the mustard (who came up with that saying?). Lew, love your humor and really like what you did with the beast. I hope you had a good rest. ;'] http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-cut1.htm

Hey , I just wanted to clarify my comments, which were based on the image as a whole and not a DITI kinda thang.  It was a straightforward critique.

I've been in this "mode"  as of late,  where I'm personally challenging myself to "think" more when I'm taking photos and keep in mind, composition, lighting and quality...and try to capture that " in camera"

Too often I've found myself, "shooting from the hip",  so to speak and just taking pics of stuff for the hell of it.... knowing that I can later "attempt" to salvage "something" from one of them.

You see, I'm trying to get out of that postwork mindset and concentrate more on Photography.  Again, this is just something I'm determined to do...for personal growth.

Joe

Funny - I'd always taken "cut the mustard" as sarcastic. Given that mustard is in fact "liquid", it describes someone who is not even able to drag a knife through the most non-resistant materials - "can't cut the mustard."

Basically, a meaner sarcastic version of "not up to snuff."
-Lew ;-)

That's fine Joe, and I think your mindset is a good one. However, sometimes you don't have the luxury of planning shots, you take what you can get. I was hoping to get something here, but realize it is a crapshoot (chew on that one Lew ;'P ). I do try to avoid shooting from the hip (another one for ya Lew! ;'D ) but sometimes have to content myself with thinking fast about how best to compose a shot and making sure that my camera settings are the best for the situation and that I don't shake when I press the shutter release.

Oh, now you're just messing with me ;-)

Yeah, sometimes you get what you get, but got it fast because it was going away. (sniff sniff - sounds so SAD, doesn't it?) Yeah, it IS a crapshoot (:-P) when you shoot from the hip (HA!... and stuff... so ;-P).

-Lew ;-)

:b_grin:

I agee the image is much too busy for focus on all of it.  I panned bits and pieces and found pieces interesting, moreso than the entire "snap shot".   

I did try one attempt, focus on the graffitti(you spell it)....     Tom.

I like that - oddly, what's coming to mind is a web banner. Granted a somewhat BUSY banner, but that's where my brain is at right now.
-Lew ;-)

Thanks for the feedback Tom. I think you are right about the grafiti, however it is spelled. ;'] And Lew, I think you hit upon something. I've got a new banner for the Gallery now, heheh.

That would definitely fit - yeah.
Photoshop is tedious today - can you tell I'm tired of watches (from the significant rise in posts)?
-Lew ;-)

Is that the indicator? LOL! :)

Sadly, a direct correlation - LOL!
It means 1 of 2 things - business is slow and I have more free time, or (low grumbling voice like a human chainsaw) "I'm tired of watches/jewelry...!" and looking for a distraction.