New Orleans Streetcars (3 images, 6 diff processes)

[theantiquetiger]

I know you usually only submit one or two images for critique, but I figured it was a set.

Which image and process do you like the most(or dislike), and critique it please

streetcar1 by Theantiquetiger, on Flickr

streetcar2 by Theantiquetiger, on Flickr

streetcar3 by Theantiquetiger, on Flickr

streetcar4 by Theantiquetiger, on Flickr

streetcar5 by Theantiquetiger, on Flickr

streetcar6 by Theantiquetiger, on Flickr

[christopher steven b.]

For me the last photo (color variation especially) is vastly superior to the others.

The spotty lighting hurts all of the shots, I think, because it clutters the image up, and pulls focus from the subject. In at least one of these photos the streetcar itself is blending into the background in an unhelpful way.

However, in the last shot, enough light is hitting the front doors and bringing out the orange color so as to render that zone a place for the eye to settle; and I think your framing is better suited given the conditions you were working in (ie, without much of a context to play with).

[theantiquetiger]

I knew the sun was killing me, so I did shoot one from the other side. I love his one except the white van is killing it

streetcar7 by Theantiquetiger, on Flickr

[theantiquetiger]

I did a little cropping in CS6, rid the creepy white van

streetcarcs6 by Theantiquetiger, on Flickr

[Runmonty]

Of the first 6 presented I prefer the composition of 3 & 4. It is a bit more dynamic to me.

I am guessing that the old character of the tram car is what captured your attention, and it for this reason I don't like seeing the adverting on the side. It detracts from the "old world" feel for me, which is another reason I prefer 3 & 4 where it isn't quite as obvious.

Now, I like the idea of the B & W better, but I find the processing too dark to my tastes. (I have noticed this with quite a few of your B & W conversions, so maybe that is your personal preference, or maybe even monitor set up??). I suspect you have made it darker due to the bright green in the trees and in front of the tram. I think it would be better to address this with some local burning rather than a global exposure adjustment. I would also reduce the brightness of the centre front window at the same time.

Someone (MBrager perhaps??) mentioned in another thread of yours about Silver Efex Pro. I love that program for B & W conversion and will echo the previous comment about suggesting you check it out if you haven't already.

I like what you have done with the final shot (particularly the recovery of the bright roof), but again find it a tad dark for my tastes.

[Runmonty]

Lats one is much better now it isn't as dark.