Randy Bell
January 2025 - Perspective
About the Image(s)
I took a walk the other day with my camera and one fixed focal length lens, a 35mm. I am
trying to carry one fixed focal length lens with my camera more often instead carrying a zoom
lens when I take these walks. I came up to this building and thought I would play with some
perspective shots for some practice. I've been to this building many times in the past and have
taken various photos with similar views. I like this area because of the architecture and
geometry of the building and the various lines and shapes that are within it.
I shot this with a 35mm lens at f/5.6, 1/125 second, ISO 64. I am trying to break away from
Lightroom especially since I have a very old version, so this photo was edited in some new (to
me) software, Affinity Photo. This software is more like Photoshop than Lightroom which I am
quite used to so there is a learning curve that I am working through.
9 comments posted
Randy, a well seen perspective! The wall introduces the viewer to the depth of the image, the light and dark areas make the image interesting.
My idea was immediately, this is a black and white image. The highlights and shadows, the blue sky lend themselves well to the conversion.
I tried a conversion by taking out all the colors and adjusting the brightness and contrast with the tone correction. I removed the upper right shadow of the house so that the bright areas form a circle that leads back into the image.
Perhaps you will like my black and white conversion and it will give you an idea for further processing.
Posted: 01/10/2025 07:43:02
My idea was immediately, this is a black and white image. The highlights and shadows, the blue sky lend themselves well to the conversion.
I tried a conversion by taking out all the colors and adjusting the brightness and contrast with the tone correction. I removed the upper right shadow of the house so that the bright areas form a circle that leads back into the image.
Perhaps you will like my black and white conversion and it will give you an idea for further processing.
Posted: 01/10/2025 07:43:02
Thanks for your comments, Sabine. I do like your conversion to black and white. I have been here several times over the years and a shot from a few years ago, I did convert to black and white, which is attached. I keep coming back to try different shots.
Using an older version of Lightroom for so many years, I rarely thought of removing portions of the photos that may be distracting. Probably because I wasn't very successful in removing them. Maybe with the new software I am using, that will change. Posted: 01/14/2025 01:27:01
Using an older version of Lightroom for so many years, I rarely thought of removing portions of the photos that may be distracting. Probably because I wasn't very successful in removing them. Maybe with the new software I am using, that will change. Posted: 01/14/2025 01:27:01
This is cool perspective, nice snap.
I am not well versed in architecture photography so take my comments with a grain of salt. When I first looked at your photo, I loved the leading line of the wall coming into the shot. But then it kind of bothered me that the top of the building was cut off. I also was intrigued (or distracted?) by what I think are table umbrellas on the other side of the wall.
I do like Sabine's black and white conversion which makes it look more like art. I can't see the umbrellas and the missing building top does not bother me as much. Posted: 01/13/2025 14:13:46
I am not well versed in architecture photography so take my comments with a grain of salt. When I first looked at your photo, I loved the leading line of the wall coming into the shot. But then it kind of bothered me that the top of the building was cut off. I also was intrigued (or distracted?) by what I think are table umbrellas on the other side of the wall.
I do like Sabine's black and white conversion which makes it look more like art. I can't see the umbrellas and the missing building top does not bother me as much. Posted: 01/13/2025 14:13:46
The umbrellas also bothered me a bit, so I stamped them away. Posted: 01/13/2025 14:45:14
Thanks for your comments, Sylvia. I can see your point about the building on the right being cut off. That was not something I considered when taking this. A lens wider than the 35mm I was using would have helped in that regard. The umbrellas are in a lower courtyard area of the building where people often sit for coffee or lunch breaks. Maybe a wider shot would have helped tie that into the rest of the scene. I'll try that when I go back there someday. Posted: 01/14/2025 01:45:47
Randy, Love Perspective's geometrical lines and shadows. I also agree that monochrome enhances the photo bringing out the shadows on the buildings and ground. I admire your practice of walking with a fixed lens. Forcing you to be more intentional in your composition as opposed to relying on cropping. Looking forward to seeing your images.
I experimented with bringing out the shadows in photoshop with curves and B&W color mix. Also cropped bit. Posted: 01/15/2025 17:38:55
I experimented with bringing out the shadows in photoshop with curves and B&W color mix. Also cropped bit. Posted: 01/15/2025 17:38:55
Thank you for your comments, Yvonne. I agree the black and white conversion works better for this image. Posted: 01/20/2025 04:04:12
Randy, I commend your commitment to use a fixed focal length lens on your walks, something I know I need to do more of myself, but often just too lazy to do so. Your photo is exposed very well and sharp across the image. Your photo with various shapes, color and contrast between light and dark make this a very interesting composition. What I like most about your image is how my eye is immediately drawn to the leading lines of the wall and pillars, taking me to a curious place at the back of the photo which I think includes an entrance, an exit and an overhead utility door. Of the alternatives offered by group members, I think your photo tells the most interesting story. Nicely done. Posted: 01/16/2025 18:44:14
Thank you, Jim. I appreciate your feedback. Posted: 01/20/2025 04:06:20