December Image

Title - Vanishing Point

How I did it - I have been looking at the images by Julius Shulman and thinking about the vanishing point technique he used to photograph MCM architecture. I had the opportunity to visit the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in early November where I found this scene. Although I like the color version, I thought the image could be somewhat representative of a Shulman-style image when converted to BW (yellow filter). I think the image could have been much better had I placed a model in the portico for reference. Shot hand held at 1/125 sec, f11, 35 mm.

COMMENTS:

Mark Aksoy	A captivating study in perspective with a somewhat high key,  almost infra-red, quality to it.  The great depth-of-field brings out architectural details along the full length of  the building's facade.  I think there are enough elements in this image (shadow, tree, and building details) that a model is not needed.  However, a small figure in silhouette under the entrance at right would further help lead the eye into the image.
Cliff Banks	Your picture in my opinion wants to be cropped a little off the LHS. And the RHS and then a third off the top and then it would be all about resesession. However, I am not familiar with the work of Julius Shulman.
Bob Altman	Don't berate yourself. This is a very good shot. You saw this shot well. The vanishing point is fine and the eye goes right to the end of the wall. At the least the image could benefit from more contrast. There is too much gray and the shadows need to be punched up a bit.
Bob Barley
Rene Ross
Margaret Boike	I think this is a very nice image. I would say you accomplished your goal of illustrating vanishing points. I love the great shadows from the tree and how it frames the upper right corner and adds a softer element to the stark straight lines. Black and white was a good choice, too, I think, and the photo is cropped perfectly. I wouldn't change a thing.
Rich Krebs	Nice image. Good lines point to the door and beyond.

Member Bio

Bob Barley  I live in northern Colorado. I started shooting in high school after I received a Yashica 6x6 camera as a birthday gift. When I was in college, I traded the Yashica for a used Pentax 35 mm. After college a lack of time and interest put photography on the shelf for many years.  In 2007, I bought a digital point-and-shoot to take an occasional vacation photo. I eventually remembered that it would be more fun to have a camera with a viewfinder and higher resolution, so I bought a Canon 40D. I capture images in camera raw and jpeg. I post-process with Photoshop CS3 and Photomatix using a pc. I hope to leverage the Study Group's experience and knowledge to help me develop as a photographer. I look forward to exchanging notes with the other Group members.