image doctor
Image Doctor: Reflections
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Photographer: Elizabeth Johnston Added: 30-Apr-12 Camera Type: Lens: Shutter Speed: Aperture: |
Adjustments: B&W conversion, contrast, exposure Photographer's Comments: This is a photo of my dog at the beach. I have only just started exploring black and white photography, and am keen on learning about how to improve my images. |
Image doctor's advice
Hi Elizabeth,
Our world might be full of colour but for some reason we still like to see is in black-and-white. Part of the reason for this is that black-and-white photography really is the distillation of good image making; without the distraction of colour you really do have to start analysing light, design and emotion.
I do like this photograph, and I am curious as to how the dog does seem to have two shadows (two suns?). There is not a lot that I would do to change this photo, but the next time you are in this situation I would be inclined to get a little lower (by kneeling on the sand) so that you are reducing the space between the dog and the horizon.
For some reason most photographers see the world from eyelevel or about 1.5 metres from the ground; this might be and most of us to the world every day, but it does become rather predictable. By getting lower we change the perspective of the scene and suddenly it looks a little bit more interesting.
Cheers, Anthony.
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The 'second shadow' is actually the full glass reflection of the dog off the wet sand. When B+W treated it does look exactly like a second shadow. I agree that a change in angle/perspective would create more interest, however you are capturing a spontaneous event (I too have to relegate to using my dogs as models, I think they're getting a big head over it too!)
Nik B on 15-Jun-12 06:59 AM
Wouldn't the reflection be off the water?
David Blake on 30-May-12 02:45 PM
I think the lighter shadow is a reflection in the wet sand (either of the actual dog or the other shadow), as I have noticed reflections in wet sand similar to that before.
Elizabeth Johnston on 26-May-12 07:26 PM
From looking at the shadow of the trees, it appears the lighter shadow is from the sun. Is there a source of reflected light from behind the dog to create the stronger shadow?
Trevor Huteau on 24-May-12 02:50 PM
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