Thank you all for your insights and thoughts. I only wish I'd set out with a photo I liked better, since I had to work with it...
Kass and Rick: As you both suggested, I lobbed 33.3% off the bottom, but I realize I should have done a bit less and taken a little off the top... Still, I like this arrangement much better...
Deyvid: While I'm still not crazy for this image, I learned HEAPS from studying how to utilize the Rule of Thirds. I will look to that lesson again when I'm up against a situation that isn't quite what I was hoping for. (Out of place in this note, I saw your comment about changing the exposure to back light an image, used it tonight and was so happy with the results! Thanks for your input!)
Joanne: You suggested I make Ken's image darker...I may have overdone it a bit, but read on...
To you all, it's a nice thing that you pair Ken and me so tightly that you all assumed I was reaching for an image of him! In actuality, he was sitting there having a drink and pita chips while I took photos, and when I saw this framed image, he was actually a bit in the way! I asked that he put the bag of chips out of the picture, but didn't ask for him to respond in any way to my photos.
The two photos on the left aren't far from SOOC. I did adjust the exposure of the pool water to lighten it a bit. The one on the right is SOOC except for darkening the items and Ken on the riser.
Thanks so much! I may not always come back with homework in hand, but please know I welcome a good critique and will work hard to better my skills.
@kathyboyles Kathy, I think Kathy, leading this project, is going to be a big help. She did say this was a busy time for her, but I feel that gives us more time to practice. I asked for a critique from people who follow me, and I got help regarding cropping and not about light, which is fine! Everything helps! Have you checked the time for the Golden Hour where you live? I'm amazed at how much better I can focus the photos in this light! Look over the step-by-step instructions at the top of the thread and keep practicing. When it works right, it will knock your socks off! Thanks for the follow. I'm "in class" with you, but i'll help if I can...
@taffy I much prefer the one on the left, though I'd change the proportion a bit...remove some of the top and drop it down a bit more on the bottom. I'm so engrossed now in learning all this "stuff", I'm getting nothing posted and little viewed! Have lots of photos...am trying to understand how to crop using the rule of 3rds... I love the pressure! It's the way I work best!
@taffy As it was when I took Geometry in HS, I knew "I could see it" but I couldn't prove it... I can "see the 3rds"...I've got to figure out the cropping part... Thanks for coming along for the ride!
Well aren't you the good student taking all things into account, and as if we are the experts, LOL (Far from it) but feedback, and reading of everyone's ideas and preferences do help in the whole process. And besides, it's fun. So much of photography is "in the eye of the beholder." Indeed there are some critical points to consider in composing a shot, especially with lighting, and color, etc. but much is up to personal preference. All in all, it is a fun hobby, and with the world of digital technology, so much easier today.
Louise, if you need additional resources, here is an article on the Rule of Thirds. The website is full of great articles on 'everything' photography so thought I would share the site: http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds/
@kass Good morning! You KNOW I need additional resources! Thank you so much! The triptych isn't more than an effort to see if I could apply suggestions from the group since so many were nice enough to share their thoughts as I'd asked. With every attempt, it's all coming clearer, so thanks for the article! "Higher education" isn't won in a day!
