Critiques

  Matthew-Watt (4463) 2009-11-07 2:15

Hi Justin,

This is a tower used for spotting fires from. When the fire station would get a report about a fire the view from this platform across the city would enable the firefighters to gain an understanding of the location and perhaps intensity of the fire before deploying services. This was built a long time ago before GPS, live updates and even widespread telephone use. Many of these towers can still be seen, an historic wooden one exists in Jimna State Forest an hour or so north of Brissie.

Matt

Matthew-Watt (4463) 2009-10-01 22:08

Hello Silvio,

A classic image here of this most famous of NY's river crossings. I like the dominance of lines in this photo, from the main centreline, horizontal planks and the cables of the bridge. The hue-cast on this photo is good, reminds me of the 1930's NY neo-classical feel.

Matt

Matthew-Watt (4463) 2009-10-01 22:04

Hello Klaudio,

Interesting that you should post this emotive shot at such a time of these frequent natural catastrophes. It serves as a very good tribute. The image is well presented in that grainy, black and white format which gives a very old and worn feel. The unusual frame is perfect, as if the subject is set in stone. I like how the grass separates each of the figures.

Thank you,

Matt

Matthew-Watt (4463) 2009-10-01 22:00

Hi Xavier,

This is a remarkable shot, the texture and tonal range is superb. This image depends on the use of angles to provide this wonderful effect. Balancing the central spiral of the stairs is the curvature of the brick on the wall which I like a lot. But looking at those stairs, the way you have presented this makes the material look more like rusted metal than traditional stone. It's a great photo that keeps you looking closer.


Matt

Matthew-Watt (4463) 2009-09-29 23:21

Hello Lisa,

Here in Brisbane the dust was thick also, in the space of 15 minutes the sky went from sparse dust to almost a wall of dust. Brisbane was getting a lot of the planes from Sydney diverted to our runway, until a few hours later we were under it too. I really like how this shot captures the thickness of the dust, it's intense 'Aussie Outback' iron ore colour and it will forever capture that memorable orange hue. Never seen anything quite like it before and don't hope to see it again in a hurry. Great work.

Matt

Matthew-Watt (4463) 2009-09-29 23:16

Hi Santo,

I share your anger at these little fish always taking the bait. Seems that they infest our whole coastline, north to south. I like the limited DOF allowing for the focus to be squarely put on this puffer's mouth and eye, with a bit of foreground concrete also. The blue-green background created by the fisheye lens makes for an almost cartoonish backdrop, I like the effect. Great sharpness and a fine frame also.

Matt

Matthew-Watt (4463) 2009-09-29 23:08

Hello Rakhal,

A good photo here, the reflections almost look like some sort of letters the way they are arranged. I will do a workshop on this photo to enhance some of the tones and sharpness which might result in a bolder photo. As it is, it is subtle and natural, which too is very fitting.

Matt

Matthew-Watt (4463) 2009-09-29 23:05

Hello Jean,

Fireworks are hard to get the right outcome, too long an exposure and you get too much streaking, too little and the light is too dull. Here I think you have found a good middle ground that allows us to see all the details of each spark in this split second moment in time. Good colour and a great celebration no doubt.

Matt

Matthew-Watt (4463) 2009-09-29 22:59

Hello Sam,

This is a classical scene. The mountain air up here is so clear and crisp that there is no haze that you would get in warmer climates. The low cloud is just enough to evoke a bit of a mysterious feel without covering too much of the peak. The colours are deep, and the smooth water duplicates this very well. A spectacular place, I am sure you remember the moment well. I will make a workshop just to see what other effects can be looked at.

Matt

Matthew-Watt (4463) 2009-09-29 22:53

Hello Harko,

I really like this scene, in a little corner of my city. I think this is in the inner city suburb of Spring Hill. I like the classic blue skies and the depth created by the road which halves the scene. I also enjoy the colour combinations created by the tropical foliage. Very calm and welcoming atmosphere!

Matt