An Obsession

[jamesmck]

Did you ever obsess about getting a photo of something just right?  Only applies to inanimate things, I guess.  Well, I've shot this attractive blue door on many occasions over the past couple of years, going back in hopes that the lighting might change, slightly altering composition, and so on.  Well, today I was in the neighborhood and gave it another try (Panasonic Lumix G1, 20mm/1.7 lens - since this is a m4/3, the effective focal length is 40mm).  What do you think?  Should I keep trying?  Thanks for any comments.

James

[Philip]

I'm not one to advise someone against rephotographing something over and over -- I keep doing it with the view from my office window.  And there's not a single "right" picture of anything.  But this one works, and it works well.  I especially love the reflections in the doors, particularly in those long middle panels and in the tiles above the doors.  Nothing is overblown, nothing underexposed -- it's a good picture! 

But I bet you can get other good pictures of it, too.


.

I've got that song going through my head now.  "Blue door: what's that secret you're keeping?"

[rgeorge911]

James,

I like it.  But, don't stop there.

While the reflections are interesting, I think a polarizer would reduce them, and give a deeper blue.  Could be worth a try.

I would also think about how to get the perspective less tombstoned.  Maybe attach the camera to a tripod, use the self-timer, and hold it up high and level?

By all means, keep shooting it!

Reed
DMC-365.blogspot.com

[LarryD]

We all know I love to shot the same subject over and over different lighting film developer angles lenses... Nice shot and as said don't stop...

[radiophoto]

Bring a ladder next time and stand on it to take the picture.  I'll bet from head-on it would look much better.  I love the color of this door, and the fittings around it are attractive as well.  Maybe a different part of the day, when there are some shadows to give it life?  Keep at it, James, and thanks for offering us the chance to critique.

[br1078lum]

Only you will know when you have the image that was in the back of your mind, James.  Heck, just moving an inch will change the perspective.  I read not too long ago about a Korean fellow who took a photo out his window every day for 27 years, and he said they are all different.  He wasn't doing it to find that perfect photo, but it just shows that there are so many variables in photography, sometimes you just have to say "Close enough".  But I hope you do eventually get that one shot you want.

PF

[lesged]

James,

I think it is a strikingly beautiful photograph. To my taste, it's fine just the way you've presented it. It was the POV from your position on the sidewalk that caught your eye and I believe it's better to maintain that initial aspect. If you had an apparatus that allowed you to rise up to eye level, it would create an entirely different image.

This one rocks! Bravo, James!

[jamesmck]

Thanks for the comments, Philip, Reed, Larry, Pete, Phil, and Les. I agree about maybe getting something more head-on. But, this is a narrow city street and I don't want to upset any of the residents.  So, a ladder seems out of the question.  Maybe if I could get a parking space directly across the street I could perch somewhere on my car. :cool:  On the other hand, Les, I agree that since this is the view that caught my eye, the photo should be a record of that. Thanks, Reed, for the polarizer suggestion. Will have to try that on another day in that neighborhood. 

Again, I appreciate the comments and suggestions.

James

[Scott]

This screams for 4x5 Provia and some front rise to keep the perspective square...