|
Surf`s up!|
|
| camera | KODAK Z7590 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA |
| exposure mode | shutter priority |
| shutterspeed | 1/800s |
| aperture | f/3.2 |
| sensitivity | ISO80 |
| focal length | 11.1mm |
| resolution | 2437x1579 pixels |
|
Surf`s up!
I very seldom do architectural shots, as I struggle with the perpendiculars. However, I thought I would give it a go with this one, and I liked the black and white conversion. I also did a tighter crop of this one, getting rid of the large dark area on the right, and straightening the image to make the edge of the bricks perpendicular to the right edge of the frame, but then I t lost the angle on the windows down to the left hand corner, and I quite liked that bit. Is there something in Photoshop Elements which would allow me to pull the top corners outwards, if you know what I mean? This is the roof of the building which houses the Imax Cinema in Bournemouth. This cinema and leisure complex, which was built in the 1990s, was supposed to reinvigorate Bournemouth's waterfront. The cinema closed after three years. Not a bad building, you might think, cleverly designed roof echoing its seaside situation. True, but what the photograph does not show, is the fact that this tall and imposing building, with its innovated `sea-scape` roof, totally blocks out a beautiful and long-standing view of the real thing. What on earth were the planners thinking!
comments (26)
Yes...the roof does give an impression of waves rolling along, and I think your perspective shows that off well, Rosalyn.
Errr...about the other thing....Planners, plan; thinking is a whole different skill-set...if you want thinking planners, then you have to pay the multi-skill premium for that rare breed. [grin]
Rosalyn Sears: lol! I agree with your comment about `thinking planners`. (:o)
Funny association and a nice clean shot.
Rosalyn Sears: Thanks, Martin. I wasn`t too sure about this one at all. (:o)
The title is well choosen here Roz I would say, nice capture and the B&W is great for this one, in Paint Shop is something to pull the corners outwards.....but I think this one looks okay
Rosalyn Sears: Thank you, Astrid. I`m glad you think it looks okay the way it is - I think I have looked at it too long. Do you find you ever do that? (:o)
You need the sense of perspective, Roz, so keep the corners as is, imho. For me this photo is about the waves and your title! Even the birds are fooled.
Rosalyn Sears: Thank you, Ginnie. I`m really glad you like it. As I said to Astrid, I think maybe I have thought about it for too long. Life`s too short to labour too long over one photograph, especially if it was just an experimental one. (:o)
If you have Edit>transform >distort in elements you can tug and pull on a copy layer and if needs be add a grid if you are extra pernikity...or the crop tool might have a perspective check box on the top line, drag the crop over full size, click the perspective box and drag those sliders, or....think I'd better stop there!
Rosalyn Sears: Hi Max. Oh dear, my head hurts just thinking about this. lol! I think this might be one of those things which I will save for a wet, winter weekend, when I can`t get out with my camera. I am determined to get to grips with Photoshop, and I will experiment with all your suggestions. Thank you. (:o)
Very nice B&W shot. The title suits perfectly the image
Rosalyn Sears: Thank you, Richard. Glad you like it. (:o)
Roz, Picassa (a free down load) has a very useful and simple tool for straightening simple verticals and horizontals ... it's worth trying it ...though it won't pull verticals both ways at the same time. Well I like structural shots and this is pretty ok. richard
Rosalyn Sears: Hi Richard. I have Picassa, and I did try straightening it, but you know, I just couldn`t decide if I was making it better or worse! Definitely think I looked too long at this one, until I couldn`t see the wood for the trees. (:o)
I like it the way this is, I would not crop any tighter, and I agree, the BW looks good...
Rosalyn Sears: Thank you, Aksel. That is good to know. (:o)
Waves over a building. It's funny because I had a building like that front of the first bank I used to work and spent time looking at it and wondering what kind of flat or office could be under the waves ... and dreaming I could live there.
It's original ... I love the composition !!! Ann
Rosalyn Sears: Now there is a coincidence! Glad you like it, Ann. (:o)
Roz, I stuggle with perspective too...on windows, buildings, doors and have been dealing with that by not dealing with it---i.e. chickening out and taking a straight on shots
Now you've brought it up and others have talked about it, all in all, I think it is what it is and your photograph is a perfect example of the need for perspective. So thanks for the perspective on perspective!
Rosalyn Sears: Nice to know I`m not the only one, Kathryn! I`m not particularly confident doing this type of shot anyway (outside my comfort zone of arm`s length), and I looked at this so long that, in the end, I just gave up! Glad you think it is okay the way it is. Some of the comments on how to correct perspective are very useful, aren`t they? (:o)
I like the combo of angles and curves, B&W works well too.
Rosalyn Sears: Thank you - I appreciate your comment. (:o)
In Photoshop Elements 5.0 you go under Filters. Right on top there are a number (4 or 5) selections that are underlined. One of them is Correct Lens Distortion or words to this effect. Select and enjoy.
Excellent picture and title again. General ideas around buildings and the perpendiculars: 1. Shooting at your camera's widest angle you go into the curved areas of the glassware (excellent lenses will correct this with opposite lenses in line - concave and convex - the additional glassware cost an arma and a leg). The curved areas bend the verticals. This tendency you can counter by not going to the widest angle. 2. Buildings as a tourist especially means you shot from below upwards. You remember how you drew a road going narrower as you go further. The same happens to the building and the sides move in to the top. You can fix it with lens correction or when you shoot, position yourself higher up. Real tall buildings will remain an issue. 3. One of the easy ideas in battling with perpendicularity is to position yourself opposite a corner with the flank walls making 45 degree lines outwards from where you stand. Somehow the verticals remain intact. The added advantage is that you view more than one side of the building in one go. Tall or long buildings will still be an issue - fix in lens correction. 4. Avoid multiple angles. Shoot from flat surfaces. E.g. if you stand on the edge of a curved road you are adding an xtra angle to the upwards angle. Don't tilt the camera - keep it level to the surface. With a tripod you can do well to pay attention to the level bubbles. Buildings are not easy - don't let anyone tell you different. Knowing all the stuff above, I generally tend to forget while I am busy. My biggest sin is using the widest angle. Oh yes and then there are specialised lenses. Ihope some of this helps you.
Rosalyn Sears: Oh Louis - you are so kind taking so much time with your posting. I really appreciate all the advice, and will be storing it in my memory bank for next time I try one of these shots. Unfortunately, I am not able to change lenses on my trusty little Kodak, and I`m not quite ready to move on to another camera yet, although my husband keeps suggesting that he buys me one for Christmas. At the moment, I wouldn`t know which camera to suggest he buys, and it would be awful if be bought one and I found I could not work out how to use it! (:o)
According to the manuals, the thing to use is a rising front camera. Here's a wiki that explains it ('cos I certainly can't)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/View_camera.
But we're all DSLR users here, I imagine, so we do our best without. I think sometimes the thing to do is to accept the convergence and make it part of the composition.
Rosalyn Sears: Thank you for the link. I think I like your second suggestion best. (;o)
brilliant! Great shot Ros. A great abstract. The b&w works so well too. This will inspire me to work on some abstracts...
Rosalyn Sears: My goodness - `brilliant`? High praise indeed, but I am so pleased you like it. (:o)
Good one. A very unusual design, never seen it. The title goes perfect
Rosalyn Sears: Thank you, Aps. Very kind of you to say so. (:o)
Nice - you should shoot buildings more often.
Rosalyn Sears: Thanks, Bernie. I will try some more shots.....maybe. (:o)
Love the title Roz. Its a pity it was closed after such a short period of time. Is the building used for anythink else?
What a shame it spoils the view. Nice in B&W
Rosalyn Sears: Thanks, Tracy. I think it houses a bar and cafe now. Yes it is a shame. I will take a photograph of the sea front looking back from the end of the pier, and you will see exactly what I mean. (:o)
Well seen and taken Ros. Ah planners, what would you do with them? Most options are, sadly, illegal.
Rosalyn Sears: Thanks Bill. (:o) Planners? Hanging`s too good for them!
I saw on the news tonight that they've started pulling some of the worst bits down round the pier, perhaps they'll do the same here Rosalyn?
Keep on taking the architecture shots
Rosalyn Sears: Hi Chris. Yes, they are restoring the back of the Pavillion (the bit that faces on to the Pleasure Gardens) - about time too. Unfortunately, I think the wavey monstrosity is set to stay. I will keep trying the architectural shots - you never know, I might start to enjoy it. 200 shots ago, I would never have thought I would have enjoyed converting any of my photogaphs to black and white! (:o)
Another cracker Roz - I would have been tempted to adjust the left vertical, but then that's just me ;o)
Rosalyn Sears: I was tempted to throw it in the bin! So I am very pleased to hear you like it. (:o)
In Photoshop For Nubties... er... Photoshop Elements 5.0 ...
With picture in Full Edit, select Filter -> Correct Camera Distortion. More in e-mail. I like this shot, and its well-named, as others have said.
Rosalyn Sears: I`m really glad you like it! (:o) I`ve just received your e mail, and will be studying it closely later - many thanks. (:o)
I always think it's strange that 'the authorities' around here seem to be able to put up buildings that would be rejected if they were submitted by a private individual. That said, the design's a nice idea, and the roof does look right for 'atmosphere' but I'll bet it leaked!
Try this for your image fixing, it's a very easy to follow tutorial http://www.lonestardigital.com/perspective_correction.htm
Rosalyn Sears: What`s the betting there is some sort of `financial` sweetner? Refurbishing pavements, or contributing to road improvements, or parking facilities.....the sort of thing that you or I would not be able to offer.
Thanks for the link, Ellie. I shall take a look. (:o)
What a stunning old building. It has so much character... adn so much information for everyone.. thanks for asking the question!
Rosalyn Sears: Gale, I love it when someone asks a question I have been wanting to ask. You get all the information, without looking quite so dim! lol! (:o)
A perfect one turned to B&N. I like much the obtained resistances and reflections. A very fine work!
Rosalyn Sears: Thank you, Jose. I am very happy that you like it. (:o)
NIce black and white of a building. I like the reflection of the clouds in the windows. (looks like they continue into the building)
Rosalyn Sears: Thank you. I am so pleased you have visited and taken the time to leave a comment. Much appreciated. (:o)
Your best photo for me, Rosalyn. Pure visual poetry.
|
|



