Air Control

[Gem]

So, I spent the last couple weeks in UAE (United Arab Emirates), or for those of you who don't know where that it is, it's the country which Dubai is in. Took this picture when we were landing in Bahrain during dawn. I know there's a lot of noise but I have non SLR, so it's kinda to be expected. Comments?

Canon S5
f/5
1/40 sec
ISO-200
focal length 26mm

[Marko]

I do like the colours but the tower is completely soft and there just isn't enough going on in this image to make it really interesting IMO.

I would HIGHLY recommend getting a really cheap used SLR or DSLR. Just changing cameras will improve your photography big time.

Hope that helps
Marko

[psykon99]

I really like the almost impressionistic feel of this image. I'm not sure if that's what you were going for, but in my opinion it's the noise and the softness of the tower that makes the image strong - especially in terms of fine art.

[Gem]

Thanks for the feedback, both of you.

Softness was intentional, but I would have like the noise to be less (especially on the tower). The impressionistic feel is what I get too when I saw it.

Hopefully, when I get a job in the summer I'll be able to afford a dSLR. Til then, I'm limited by my S5.

[tirediron]

I would HIGHLY recommend getting a really cheap used SLR or DSLR. Just changing cameras will improve your photography big time.

Critique notwithstanding, I'm going to jump in here and strongly disagree with Marko on this point. I could give you a 500CM and it wouldn't make one wit of difference to your photography. A good photographer can take good pictures with a crap camera. A crap photographer can't take good pictures with anything. Certainly a DSLR will give you a lot more versatility in your photography, and the ability to change lenses and easily use accessories such as filters is a huge benefit, BUT you, and only you, can improve your photography.

Don't misunderstand; I'm not knocking your work. Even the cheapest P&S is still more than enough camera with which to take good photographs. Remember, composition and subject are 90% of your image, and those are totally camera independant. Work with what you've got and continue to learn. Certainly I agree that everyone seriously interested in photography should have an SLR, BUT it's not mandatory.

</rant>

I actually rather like the image you've captured. I think a bit of a crop as there's a lot of empty space, but the technical issues are ones which could, in my mind, be attributed to being in the plane, and I'm not sure any camera would have overcome.

PS. There's a good camera store in the Mall of the Emirates; it's on the bottom floor, on one of the cross-passages near the entrance to the Carrefour.

[Iguanasan]

Critique notwithstanding, I'm going to jump in here and strongly disagree with Marko on this point. I could give you a 500CM and it wouldn't make one wit of difference to your photography. A good photographer can take good pictures with a crap camera. A crap photographer can't take good pictures with anything. Certainly a DSLR will give you a lot more versatility in your photography, and the ability to change lenses and easily use accessories such as filters is a huge benefit, BUT you, and only you, can improve your photography....

I have to agree. While I'm far from great, I've taken some great shots with my little Kodak point and shoot. A DSLR will definitely give me more control and I've already started saving for one but it won't fix the problems I would create with bad framing or poor selection of exposure levels, etc.

I'm not trying to gang up on you Marko but I've met too many people with high end gear (just because they can afford it) that take crappy photos.

[tirediron]

...I've met too many people with high end gear (just because they can afford it) that take crappy photos.

When did we meet?

[tomorrowstreasures]

when did we meet?

rotflmbo!!!!

[Iguanasan]

When did we meet?

Hehehehehe.

[Travis]

Thanks for the feedback, both of you.

Softness was intentional, but I would have like the noise to be less (especially on the tower). The impressionistic feel is what I get too when I saw it.

What settings did you alter in your camera to intentionally create the softness?