stuck on assignment #5 (HELP)

[peeper]

I have uploaded 2 photographs. The one of the building with all the windows in it is a bit fuzzy. I am aware of this. I plan on re-taking the shot. I'm still trying to get my 3 compositional photographs. I thought the photo with the windows could be used for leading lines, geometric shapes, or even the rule of thirds because I placed my thirds between all the windows.
Photo #2 with the big urns I thought might pass for rule of thirds or even leading lines with the pillars rising up.
I still need 1 more photo but at least I would be that much closer. I've been stuck on this assignment for a couple months now. I want to move on.

[lisadaisy36]

Don't worry, I was stck on #5 for a long time because I was so picky about what I wanted to shoot, at it never felt like the right shot.

On #1, I wouldn't say leading lines because it isn't drawing your eyes to "lead" anywherre (like a path or direction. If anything it would be rule of thirds, but I think this is too easy of a shot for ROT.

One the 2nd shot, is that a doorway in between th two urns? If so, what about getting down a little low, centering the doorway and wrapping the edges of the shot with those urns?? Just a thought.

So, in short they are both grood shots, but don't have a strong composition.

I will share what I turned in, maybe it will help with ideas :)

Rule of Thirds:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v375/58/10/1076897288/n1076897288_30217672_1033.jpg

Geometrical:
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1953/58/10/1076897288/n1076897288_30295287_9015.jpg

Leading Lines:
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1953/58/10/1076897288/n1076897288_30295295_1054.jpg

[peeper]

Thanks Lisa.

[neonmike]

I think you're getting the wrong impression about leading lines. Leading line photos generally illustrate some form of a line that draws your attention through the photo.

The windows and pillars in your shots don't eally lead the eye anywhere. If you look at lisadaisy's example, you'll notice that the fence as well as it's shadow lead your eyes further into the photo. That's a really good example ou leading lines. Anonther thing to remember, is to have the lines lead to something. Think of leading lines as a treasure map. They should lead you through the photo until you find the "x". LOL

As for rule of thirds, this is easier accoplished by simplifying your composition. Chose one subject as your main focal point. Set that at one of the intersecting points and take your shot.

The photo of the Urns would better illustrate the rule of thirds if your squared up showing only one urn and set that on an intersecting point. Alternatively you could use more shallow DOF to blur out the farther urn while keeping the closer one in focus. As for the window shot working for rule of thirds, it may just be me but, it looks like the spaces between the windows falls on the intersecting points. This puts the center window smack in the middle of the shot. With the windows catching most of the eye's attention the rule of thirds doesn't seem to be in effect.

Over all though I like the thought behind te photos. I think both shots are very interesting. However I don't think either outline what the assignment is really looking for.

[peeper]

Thanks Mike. I totally follow you on the leading lines and thinking of it as a treasure map will help me get some great shots.

I have some great shots that follow both elements but they where taken before the assignment.
I have some good ideas but it has been cold and snowy so it's been hard to get out. I don't want to rush it and I want to be sure that I submit my best. Thanks for the help.

[neonmike]

I hear ya on the weather! I've been having the same problem. I can't wait till things start to warm up a bit. I loose all motivation in the cold. Swear I had Hypothermia at some point. LOL

[peeper]

I think I got lucky.
This is not the best photo in the world but I think it fits with the rule of thirds. Does it not?

[lisadaisy36]

I think I got lucky.
This is not the best photo in the world but I think it fits with the rule of thirds. Does it not?

Yes the bird does fall into the rule of thirds (great shot by the way) ... only feedback I have is the trunk in kid of distracting the eye from your main subject, so it doesn't make your ROT pop.

[neonmike]

I agree with Lisa. Great shot but that trunk takes away from it.

I have to say though, you're finding some really nice shots.

[peeper]

When you guys say the trunk do you mean the tree in the background or the fence post that the hawk is standing on?
Let me remind you it was a one shot deal. I wish there was tall grass and prairie land behind him/her.
So do you both agree that I should NOT use this photo as my rule of thirds photo?

[coffee]

I like your photo. Nice to be in the right place hu? If you are splitting hairs, I would say your subject is actually in the right 1/4th of the frame. With the tree trunk in the position it is, the photo overall isn't well balanced. If I was to use this image, I would crop out some of the left of the frame to better balance, and come closer to fulfilling the ROT.

[lisadaisy36]

When you guys say the trunk do you mean the tree in the background or the fence post that the hawk is standing on?
Let me remind you it was a one shot deal. I wish there was tall grass and prairie land behind him/her.
So do you both agree that I should NOT use this photo as my rule of thirds photo?

Yeah the tree trunk. I think if you were to submit it, it would qualify, but you may get docked for that trunk. Onc, I turned in a shot and there was this small flower in the background that I didn't even notice was distracting. I ended up getting a 6/10 on the assignment.

You put the owl in the PERFECT spot, so don't change your method ... you have got that down. Maybe find something else you can position just like you did. Keep your eyes open for the lil things too.. a leaf, flower, etc ...

You are doing great!! I can't wait to see more of your work.

[lisadaisy36]

I like your photo. Nice to be in the right place hu? If you are splitting hairs, I would say your subject is actually in the right 1/4th of the frame. With the tree trunk in the position it is, the photo overall isn't well balanced. If I was to use this image, I would crop out some of the left of the frame to better balance, and come closer to fulfilling the ROT.

That's a good idea too! Make the trunk your background. Crop it as a portrait, but still kep the owl to the right side.

[rjoh]

When you guys say the trunk do you mean the tree in the background or the fence post that the hawk is standing on?
Let me remind you it was a one shot deal. I wish there was tall grass and prairie land behind him/her.
So do you both agree that I should NOT use this photo as my rule of thirds photo?
Hi Peeper - The trunk of the tree behind the owl because of its size initially dominates the photograph which detracts from the subject. Also the colours of the plummage of the owl with its muted tones tends to blend with the colours of the trunk of the tree (but a fine looking bird it is nonetheless).

Maybe by moving your camera to the right the composition of the photograph would have placed the owl in the left side of the frame with a less involved background while still meeting ROT criteria. What do you think? - Cheers rjoh.