Question about vignettes...

[cgrindahl]

I recently posted an image with noticeable vignettes in each corner that came about because of my lack of understanding of how to use a teleconverter on a camera loaned by a friend. Alessandra explained the problem and I've concluded she is correct that I simply wasn't far enough out with my zoom to get past the end of the converter. I probably could have accomplished the shot without the converter in the first place. Oh well. Here's a link to the image in question.

<a href="http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/North_America/United_States/photo66085.htm">Speeeed Chess</A>

Yet, I liked the appearance of the vignettes on that image and have a few others as well I may wish to upload. I'm curious how photographers with experience view vignettes. Are they seen simply as evidence of poor technique... I'll acknowledge my amateur status here; or a feature that may be utilized in composing an image whether for good or bad effect? In other words, I'd greatly appreciate some reflections on vignettes in photos. Thank you one and all.

[Darren]

Holga users love vignetting, it is one of the big attractions of that camera, along with light leaks and soft pictures, so they can work. Things like that can also be done in PS, so the option is open to you on all photos, even one that is well exposed corner to corner. Maybe look at <a href="http://www.atncentral.com/">ATN Central</a> or at <a href="http://share.studio.adobe.com/Default.asp">Adobe Studio Exchange</a> to see if you can find some actions already programmed to create vignetting. This is assuming you are using PhotoShop, or perhaps PaintShop Pro.

My belief with vignetting is that it can indeed work in some cases, but as with many effects, it is something that is best used sparingly, as it can come to look like a gimmick if used too often.

[thien]

Vignette has its virtues and vice just like overexposure. I think that it is just a tool like soft focus or high constrast. It is the application that will make it acceptable or not. It is mainly use to concentrate the viewer in your main subject. The most usage that I have seen is in portrait shots. However the vignetting has to be rather subtle with good gradient else it looks like a missed effects.

[cgrindahl]

I very much appreciate these comments and welcome more. This is very informative to me. Thanks to Darren and Thien.