Constructive Criticism
Discussion
Quick intro
I am a 19 year old male who takes photos of the supercars of London Only
Below is most of my best work, I need some constructive criticism on them as I believe they are not up to a good standard, let me know what your thoughts of them are even if it is bad.
I use a Canon 1100D with the kit lens and a Hama Polarizer
Silver Cloud III Convertible
Silver Cloud III Convertible by michaelbham243, on Flickr
F50
F50 by michaelbham243, on Flickr
Aventador
Aventador by michaelbham243, on Flickr
California
California by michaelbham243, on Flickr
FF by michaelbham243, on Flickr
Countach
Countach 25th by michaelbham243, on Flickr
SLR
Mercedes SLR by michaelbham243, on Flickr
ISR
ISR by michaelbham243, on Flickr
458 Spider
458 Spider by michaelbham243, on Flickr
Veyron GS
Veyron GS by michaelbham243, on Flickr
Mustang
Ford Mustang by michaelbham243, on Flickr
GranTurismo
Maserati GranTurismo by michaelbham243, on Flickr
I am a 19 year old male who takes photos of the supercars of London Only
Below is most of my best work, I need some constructive criticism on them as I believe they are not up to a good standard, let me know what your thoughts of them are even if it is bad.
I use a Canon 1100D with the kit lens and a Hama Polarizer
Silver Cloud III Convertible
Silver Cloud III Convertible by michaelbham243, on Flickr
F50
F50 by michaelbham243, on Flickr
Aventador
Aventador by michaelbham243, on Flickr
California
California by michaelbham243, on Flickr
FF by michaelbham243, on Flickr
Countach
Countach 25th by michaelbham243, on Flickr
SLR
Mercedes SLR by michaelbham243, on Flickr
ISR
ISR by michaelbham243, on Flickr
458 Spider
458 Spider by michaelbham243, on Flickr
Veyron GS
Veyron GS by michaelbham243, on Flickr
Mustang
Ford Mustang by michaelbham243, on Flickr
GranTurismo
Maserati GranTurismo by michaelbham243, on Flickr
Edited by michael243 on Tuesday 16th July 12:31
Craikeybaby said:
If you want good detailed crit, you're probably better off posting fewer images.
With just finding cars around London you aren't going to be able to control their position, so a lot of your images have got distracting backgrounds etc.
I just wanted to post a variety of photos so I shall delete some of them off the post now, and yeah I see now.With just finding cars around London you aren't going to be able to control their position, so a lot of your images have got distracting backgrounds etc.
Agreed on the backgrounds, there is far too much wasted space in your backgrounds.
A tighter focus on the subject (the car itself) would help. In the Countach picture for example, my eyes are immediately drawn to the bins in the background and the blue door rather than the car. The space either side of the car don't do anything to add to the composition so cut that out of the shot.
You have more time to compose your shots when the car is parked, so walk around and find an interesting angle or how you can use the surroundings to better effect. You have tried (I think) with the Veyron shot to do something more interesting but the clutter on the left hand side is blurred and distracting.
One more thing, try getting lower down to take your shots as it would give a better stance to what are generally lower vehicles. This is what makes the Aventador such a good shot IMO.
A tighter focus on the subject (the car itself) would help. In the Countach picture for example, my eyes are immediately drawn to the bins in the background and the blue door rather than the car. The space either side of the car don't do anything to add to the composition so cut that out of the shot.
You have more time to compose your shots when the car is parked, so walk around and find an interesting angle or how you can use the surroundings to better effect. You have tried (I think) with the Veyron shot to do something more interesting but the clutter on the left hand side is blurred and distracting.
One more thing, try getting lower down to take your shots as it would give a better stance to what are generally lower vehicles. This is what makes the Aventador such a good shot IMO.
GetCarter said:
Agreed... it's a lot about the backgrounds... which is why your Aventador is (IMO) by far the best photo.
ETA - though cloning out the chair that is sticking out of it's boot would be good.
I never really had a look at the background before, I shall now, also I didnt even notice what was at the back of the aventador ETA - though cloning out the chair that is sticking out of it's boot would be good.
Edited by GetCarter on Tuesday 16th July 12:36
Mezzanine said:
Agreed on the backgrounds, there is far too much wasted space in your backgrounds.
A tighter focus on the subject (the car itself) would help. In the Countach picture for example, my eyes are immediately drawn to the bins in the background and the blue door rather than the car. The space either side of the car don't do anything to add to the composition so cut that out of the shot.
You have more time to compose your shots when the car is parked, so walk around and find an interesting angle or how you can use the surroundings to better effect. You have tried (I think) with the Veyron shot to do something more interesting but the clutter on the left hand side is blurred and distracting.
One more thing, try getting lower down to take your shots as it would give a better stance to what are generally lower vehicles. This is what makes the Aventador such a good shot IMO.
For the Countach it was quite hard as it was either get the whole thing or miss out parts of it.A tighter focus on the subject (the car itself) would help. In the Countach picture for example, my eyes are immediately drawn to the bins in the background and the blue door rather than the car. The space either side of the car don't do anything to add to the composition so cut that out of the shot.
You have more time to compose your shots when the car is parked, so walk around and find an interesting angle or how you can use the surroundings to better effect. You have tried (I think) with the Veyron shot to do something more interesting but the clutter on the left hand side is blurred and distracting.
One more thing, try getting lower down to take your shots as it would give a better stance to what are generally lower vehicles. This is what makes the Aventador such a good shot IMO.
It is a lot easier when they are parked, I dont have the eye to find interesting angles or how to use the surroundings
Also I tried something new, it didnt cost me anything so not too bothered with the outcome.
I think that is the only photo I have when I have taken a photo from so low down, it is my fav photo.
Thanks
GetCarter said:
Agreed... it's a lot about the backgrounds... which is why your Aventador is (IMO) by far the best photo.
ETA - though cloning out the chair that is sticking out of it's boot would be good.
Absolutely. The Aventdor is actually a cracking image. I'll echo what Steve said: try and clone out the chair near the boot or if you can't do that, desaturate it a bit. The image has a lovely monochromatic feel even though it isn't.ETA - though cloning out the chair that is sticking out of it's boot would be good.
Edited by GetCarter on Tuesday 16th July 12:36
My thoughts on each one.
Silver Cloud III Convertible
As it is moving, a slower shutter speed would improve the picture a lot. The composition could be a bit better too, but the bacground is quite nice.
F50
I would fram it more towards the bottom of the picture, and try and get rid of that parking sign!
Aventador
Nice, get rid of the road at bottom though! Maybe a different crop as those windows at the top don't really seem to fit the shop below!
California
Looks like a red car in a parking space. A lower angle, more of the car in shot and some off camera lighting would be nice (but probably impossible!)
FF
Tighter composition, slower shutter speed would definitely improve this one!
Countach
It matches the bins and fire extinguisher anyway... I would go low down, head on, and longest focal length you can get away with so it's just the nose of the car.
SLR
Quite like the angle but I would go in tighter and lower so it's just the car and building!
ISR
Lower again would probably be better, and maybe photoshop out the parking lines.
458 Spider
Similar to the SLR really, I think your side on ones like the Aventador work better when the are parked outside a nice looking building.
Veyron GS
Really doesn't work for me! It's the light in the foreground and the big bit of concrete. I can see what you were trying to do, but maybe try something else, like a close up of the grille or some other part of the car if there is nothing else.
Mustang
I think if you composed it so the motorbike wasn't there, but the bicycles there it would look really cool and retro! If you've got another frame like that post it up!
GranTurismo
It matches the coach in background almost... but otherwise a bit cluttered. Go in tight if there is nothing else you can do to control the background.
Sorry if sounded over critical, I didn't mean to be! I know how difficult it can be to get something looking really good when you've got no control over what's happening all around. Keep at it though and show us some more!
It's all subjective anyway, I'm sure there are plenty of people who hate my pictures!
Silver Cloud III Convertible
As it is moving, a slower shutter speed would improve the picture a lot. The composition could be a bit better too, but the bacground is quite nice.
F50
I would fram it more towards the bottom of the picture, and try and get rid of that parking sign!
Aventador
Nice, get rid of the road at bottom though! Maybe a different crop as those windows at the top don't really seem to fit the shop below!
California
Looks like a red car in a parking space. A lower angle, more of the car in shot and some off camera lighting would be nice (but probably impossible!)
FF
Tighter composition, slower shutter speed would definitely improve this one!
Countach
It matches the bins and fire extinguisher anyway... I would go low down, head on, and longest focal length you can get away with so it's just the nose of the car.
SLR
Quite like the angle but I would go in tighter and lower so it's just the car and building!
ISR
Lower again would probably be better, and maybe photoshop out the parking lines.
458 Spider
Similar to the SLR really, I think your side on ones like the Aventador work better when the are parked outside a nice looking building.
Veyron GS
Really doesn't work for me! It's the light in the foreground and the big bit of concrete. I can see what you were trying to do, but maybe try something else, like a close up of the grille or some other part of the car if there is nothing else.
Mustang
I think if you composed it so the motorbike wasn't there, but the bicycles there it would look really cool and retro! If you've got another frame like that post it up!
GranTurismo
It matches the coach in background almost... but otherwise a bit cluttered. Go in tight if there is nothing else you can do to control the background.
Sorry if sounded over critical, I didn't mean to be! I know how difficult it can be to get something looking really good when you've got no control over what's happening all around. Keep at it though and show us some more!
It's all subjective anyway, I'm sure there are plenty of people who hate my pictures!
RobbieKB said:
Absolutely. The Aventdor is actually a cracking image. I'll echo what Steve said: try and clone out the chair near the boot or if you can't do that, desaturate it a bit. The image has a lovely monochromatic feel even though it isn't.
Agree. I'd be tempted to get rid the green at the top, either by cropping or desaturating. And I'd also straighten up the picture. RobbieKB said:
Absolutely. The Aventdor is actually a cracking image. I'll echo what Steve said: try and clone out the chair near the boot or if you can't do that, desaturate it a bit. The image has a lovely monochromatic feel even though it isn't.
Oh, I forgot to mention how hard I find using Photoshop, I only use it to add my name as I dont know how to use any other tool as it really messes up 
michael243 said:
Oh, I forgot to mention how hard I find using Photoshop, I only use it to add my name as I dont know how to use any other tool as it really messes up
Just work out (first) how to use the clone tool. It's really easy and invaluable.ETA... this took about 15 seconds
Edited by GetCarter on Tuesday 16th July 13:21
GetCarter said:
michael243 said:
Oh, I forgot to mention how hard I find using Photoshop, I only use it to add my name as I dont know how to use any other tool as it really messes up
Just work out (first) how to use the clone tool. It's really easy and invaluable.mike80 said:
My thoughts on each one.
Silver Cloud III Convertible
As it is moving, a slower shutter speed would improve the picture a lot. The composition could be a bit better too, but the bacground is quite nice.
F50
I would fram it more towards the bottom of the picture, and try and get rid of that parking sign!
Aventador
Nice, get rid of the road at bottom though! Maybe a different crop as those windows at the top don't really seem to fit the shop below!
California
Looks like a red car in a parking space. A lower angle, more of the car in shot and some off camera lighting would be nice (but probably impossible!)
FF
Tighter composition, slower shutter speed would definitely improve this one!
Countach
It matches the bins and fire extinguisher anyway... I would go low down, head on, and longest focal length you can get away with so it's just the nose of the car.
SLR
Quite like the angle but I would go in tighter and lower so it's just the car and building!
ISR
Lower again would probably be better, and maybe photoshop out the parking lines.
458 Spider
Similar to the SLR really, I think your side on ones like the Aventador work better when the are parked outside a nice looking building.
Veyron GS
Really doesn't work for me! It's the light in the foreground and the big bit of concrete. I can see what you were trying to do, but maybe try something else, like a close up of the grille or some other part of the car if there is nothing else.
Mustang
I think if you composed it so the motorbike wasn't there, but the bicycles there it would look really cool and retro! If you've got another frame like that post it up!
GranTurismo
It matches the coach in background almost... but otherwise a bit cluttered. Go in tight if there is nothing else you can do to control the background.
Sorry if sounded over critical, I didn't mean to be! I know how difficult it can be to get something looking really good when you've got no control over what's happening all around. Keep at it though and show us some more!
It's all subjective anyway, I'm sure there are plenty of people who hate my pictures!
I dont really know how the change the shutter speed for how fast the cars are moving, I just keep it on 1/250Silver Cloud III Convertible
As it is moving, a slower shutter speed would improve the picture a lot. The composition could be a bit better too, but the bacground is quite nice.
F50
I would fram it more towards the bottom of the picture, and try and get rid of that parking sign!
Aventador
Nice, get rid of the road at bottom though! Maybe a different crop as those windows at the top don't really seem to fit the shop below!
California
Looks like a red car in a parking space. A lower angle, more of the car in shot and some off camera lighting would be nice (but probably impossible!)
FF
Tighter composition, slower shutter speed would definitely improve this one!
Countach
It matches the bins and fire extinguisher anyway... I would go low down, head on, and longest focal length you can get away with so it's just the nose of the car.
SLR
Quite like the angle but I would go in tighter and lower so it's just the car and building!
ISR
Lower again would probably be better, and maybe photoshop out the parking lines.
458 Spider
Similar to the SLR really, I think your side on ones like the Aventador work better when the are parked outside a nice looking building.
Veyron GS
Really doesn't work for me! It's the light in the foreground and the big bit of concrete. I can see what you were trying to do, but maybe try something else, like a close up of the grille or some other part of the car if there is nothing else.
Mustang
I think if you composed it so the motorbike wasn't there, but the bicycles there it would look really cool and retro! If you've got another frame like that post it up!
GranTurismo
It matches the coach in background almost... but otherwise a bit cluttered. Go in tight if there is nothing else you can do to control the background.
Sorry if sounded over critical, I didn't mean to be! I know how difficult it can be to get something looking really good when you've got no control over what's happening all around. Keep at it though and show us some more!
It's all subjective anyway, I'm sure there are plenty of people who hate my pictures!
It funny how I see all these things but never seen them at the time
The aventador photo I had to wait 20 mins to get that as the amount of people stopping for photos was quite unreal, this was taken in the like 5 secs nobody stood next to it or a car never drove past.
Regarding the Cali, I tried to fit it all in, and not miss any of the image out, but then like as with the Countach I got things in it that ruins the image
The SLR, I purposely tried to get the green light of the traffic lights in the photo as I thought it would look better
I was quite low down with the ISR, so I couldnt of got a photo from lower down, which is a shame but it was impossible
458 Spider was taken in a rush as I was hungry and needed the toilet so I understand about that
I tried something new with the Veyron, it never worked out but at least I tried something and I couldnt get close ups as I was being stared at by the door men
I think I have another photo of the Mustang so I shall have a look for it now
Finally the GranTurismo it was raining heavy and I didnt want to water damage my Camera
Thanks for the long detailed reply
Mezzanine said:
Sure there are plenty of YouTube tutorials out there to help you improve your PS skills.
Or ask the professional guys on this forum.
It just being able to do it yourself, as I tried the clone tool and it just clones things else where in the photo and it looks all different colours and dont match etc Or ask the professional guys on this forum.
RobbieKB said:
I shall have a look to see if it does help me with learning how to use it properly, Thanks GetCarter said:
You need to select where to clone from. I used the black of the shop.
and btw... just did what I thought would work... with the white line, contrast & de-saturation: (all personal opinion though)
Hmm, I am either blind or stupid but other then making the white line fully over the image I see no other difference and btw... just did what I thought would work... with the white line, contrast & de-saturation: (all personal opinion though)
At least I am learning something through
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