Sharing my first kinda successful (i think) LF photo

[Lee Christopher]

Even though I don't chat much here (what does a newbie say among all the greatness shared on these pages?), I just thought I'd share three very mundane shots of an interior I did for practice recently as my humble way of acknowledging all the wonderful folks who welcomed as well as assisted with so many niggly questions I've had along the way. Still got a long ways to go ...

Thanks for all your help! :)


http://clprodn.smugmug.com/photos/682105080_Nfarb-L.jpg

http://clprodn.smugmug.com/photos/682105035_D9cuy-L.jpg

http://clprodn.smugmug.com/photos/682105112_ULzRn-L.jpg


p.s. I notice I loose about 10-20% sharpness after scanning. I can see the fibers in the carpet clearly in the trans.

[bobwysiwyg]

From another beginner in LF, very nice. A lot nicer than my first, dust laden image. Learned the dust lesson the hard way. ;)

[Eric Rose]

I really like the third photo. Well done.

[Steven Barall]

Everything looks great. Congrats. Unless you drum scan you will not be completely satisfied with the scan quality. Show us more sometime. -Steven

[Lee Christopher]

Thanks for the kind words. You're all too kind.

If you look at my join date, and when I was asking about recessed lensboards, you'll figure out how long it took me to get these photos. :eek:

Still struggling with dust and film flatness while scanning.

[Richard M. Coda]

Very nice! Congrats! First two are perfect... all your verticals are vertical. Last one, the right side starts to drift but that can be fixed in Photoshop.

Rich

[Lee Christopher]

Thanks Rich.

I'll need to watch out for a lot of details. I never realized how excruciating composing and focusing in a dim interior was even with 200W modeling lamps just a foot away from furniture. Bringing up blocked-up shadow areas while trying to maintain some semblance of the designer's concept or 'mood' was another challenge.

[joeyrsmith]

Just curious.
Are interiors (architectural) the subject of choice for you?
If so, please look for the book by Norman Mcgrath.
Who is probably the best known LF photographer for this subject matter.
"Photographing buildings inside and out"
The book will show you important techniques on lighting and filteration.
I have had it for years now, and has more than once saved my bacon on commerical shoots.
Good luck and keep shooting.
p.s. looks like you have the eye for it.

[Lee Christopher]

Thanks Joey.

I'm fascinated by interiors and architecture but haven't really tried it out till recently. Previous attempts on small formats were nothing more than tripod mounted snapshots at most.

Also thanks for the heads-up on that book! :)

[Renato Tonelli]

Very, very nice - I especially like the middle one.

[rdenney]

If so, please look for the book by Norman Mcgrath.

I second this recommendation. This is the best book I've scene on architectural interiors, particularly on how to light them.

Rick "lighting is always the tricky bit" Denney

[Lee Christopher]

Thanks once again guys! :)

I'm going to rethink the photos and see what I can do in post, as well on future shoots.

[Michael Graves]

Took me about ten years to achieve anything like this. Which is why I tell everyone I'm slow, but trainable. Great job! Keep it up and stop lurking.

[Jim Michael]

This video series (http://www.poweroflighting.com/) is quite good, with quite a bit of time spent on solving location light balance issues.

[Lee Christopher]

Thanks for sharing Jim.

I'm looking in 'that' auction site if a color meter is affordably available.

A huge THANKS for the members who took the time and effort to share very detailed critique and make suggestions (I approached two members via PM).

I promised I would have another look at the photos and re-edit them since I could not re-shoot, and while it took me a bit longer than expected, here are my re-worked ones with slight adjustments and color correction(s). I'm not sure about the reception area shot, so I'm posting up two versions. Please let me know which looks better.

CHEERS!



http://clprodn.smugmug.com/photos/693430379_FDWFp-L.jpghttp://clprodn.smugmug.com/photos/693428199_jwvGw-L.jpg


http://clprodn.smugmug.com/photos/693261565_3bdry-L.jpg


http://clprodn.smugmug.com/photos/693426010_x2R3r-L.jpg