Sydney colour and BW

[rokkstar]

Ok,
so I'm still a tourist in this beautiful city and no matter how many times I see this view it still makes me stop and catch my breath.

First real outing with the D200. Would appreicate C&C on these. I'm really drawn to the B&W here even though the colours of the skyline are fantastic. What are peoples thoughts on this? I think it gives it a timeless feel whereas the colour looks a little dare I say, 80's!!





Cheers

[Willy wombat]

I think they are quite striking image (if not a little familiar on this board) but two things stood out in terms of C+C

Not sure on the crop of the bridge in #1 and the presence of the tower on the left side of the opera house in #3 is something you might consider removing.

[sheepie]

Not sure on the crop of the bridge in #1 and the presence of the tower on the left side of the opera house in #3 is something you might consider removing.

Ahhh - the leaning tower of Syd-e-ney - crop it

These are nice Matt, although I'm surprised at the standard approach you have taken to them.

Lovely colour in the two colour shots. I'd consider (along with croping the tower block on the left) trying to bring up the reflections from the Opera House (in the water) a little to try and balance the shot. An option to correct the distortion on the edges is to consider talking nicely to Stubbsy and get him to defish it for you

The B&W bridge shot is nicely balanced, although I don't like the crop too much - I guess I'm biased towards pano's in this area

The colour bridge shot is a classic.

Now go and make these pictures again using your normal flare and creativity

[rokkstar]

These are nice Matt, although I'm surprised at the standard approach you have taken to them.

I fall into the same trap as everyone else - I try to get a postcard of it and then I get home and am so utterly pissed off that I did.

I realise these are standard shots with a few errors. The cropping of the bridge for example and the leaning tower of Sydney are just wrong. I played with cropping it out last night, and I'm not sure why I didn't!!

I guess I just want a few shots of Sydney that everyone insantly recognises - kind of like a "I was there" thing. You've summed it up Leon, these are nice - no more no less. But man was it fun watching the light change and playing with the D200. I'm not really a landscape fan but I can definately see the appeal when you are the only one around and you have magnificent views.

Thanks for the C&C guys.

[sheepie]

I guess I just want a few shots of Sydney that everyone insantly recognises - kind of like a "I was there" thing.

I know exactly what you mean, it's always difficult to balance the "let's get the classic shots to prove we were there" versus the "let's be a little different"!
After nearly ten years, I still feel like a visitor in this great land, and usually fall into the 'get the postcard' mentality - I was surprised to see you taking the same path with these ones, but understand totally

[Steffen]

No, sorry Matt, your D70 took much better pictures.

Just kidding...

I like the second shot. The colours, clouds and bridge pylon conspire to some quite dramatic effect.

Cheers
Steffen.

[obzelite]

#2 may be a postcard shot, but i still think its a good shot.

#1 suffers due to the bridge, and #3 i feel needed more water and less sky.
The clouds are not as dramtic as the first two, the reflections however would make the shot.

[Glen]

Matt, I agree with all the above comments, would also suggest you borrow my 12-24 when you redo these, I only live about a kilometre from where you took these shots Walk up, borrow it and drop it back

[stubbsy]

Matt

I've looked here twice and not commented, but Ive decide to do so and I'm going to be frank & brutal. I know you can take it. The images are too same old same old for me (and yes I know you touched on that with your tourist shots comment), but you are more creative and talented than to leave Australia with shots as "ordinary" as these as momentos of your time out here. You need to go back and look for a better take on these icons and view this as a field trip to get the lie of the land. Now for some more detailed crtique.

#1 - the B & W treatment here doesn't really grab me. If the intent is to get a timeless image then I'd just include the bridge rather than all those newer skyscrapers. The tension between the bridge and the northern skyline due to the image composition distracts me too.

#2 - This an opportunity gone begging. You had great clouds and this one would have been a killer shot with a little sunset glow, but you missed it time wise I guess. The colours also seem very yellow/green to me which is a bit off putting.

#3 - again the clouds don't work. I think this would be a stronger image with a pano crop of just the skyline. The best of this bunch for me though.

Finally. Please don't misunderstand me. There are many, many people here for whom I'd say these are good images FOR THEM, but as I say you have a more talented eye than that.

Back out you go

[rokkstar]

Finally. Please don't misunderstand me. There are many, many people here for whom I'd say these are good images FOR THEM, but as I say you have a more talented eye than that.

Back out you go

Peter I think you put too much praise upon me.
I value the feedback and definately value the brutality . Like I say, I'm not overly good at landscapes and am always happy to come away with something that is in focus usually:)

I definatley want to get out more and get some better shots of SYdney. Next time anyone is going out for a night shoot let me know and I'll gladly come along.

Thanks again everyone.