I think the feeling you have captured in the first image far outweighs any technical issues with the photo. I agree that backing off on the contrast does benefit the picture. I think the crop recommended by the 2nd poster detracts from the impact quite a bit. I would not crop it at all. I don't see this image as overly busy, or full of distractions at all. I think the man photographing the moment is a very interesting part of the photo, as are the people to the left. I immediately found your original much more interesting than the cropped version.
It's too bad your post isn't getting more input from others. If Charlie Shugart had posted this shot, there would be multiple posts with any number of compliments on how well-captured the moment was....and rightfully so
I'll give my opinion on the two, The first shot-I think you need to crop in much closer. I think the whole feeling of the event can be portrayed by the 4 people in the center. I would crop it almost square or slightly verticle on them. The lower contrast does help, but the image doesn't appear to be focused, but don't know if it's your scanning? This image needs good focus and good printing to convey the emotion of the event. The other photographer in the shot looks like he's getting the correct shot.
The second one just looks like a typical tourist snapshot. What are you trying to portray in this one? If you are showing off the craftmanship of the fountain-get closer and show the details. If you are trying to show how it interacts with it's environment you need to explore different angles because centering it in the frame won't succeed. You also need to check focus on this one because it also appears soft. Maybe try shooting it at night if it's lit up. Try getting down low with a wider angle lens to enhance the height of the sculpture.
thanks for the C&C the second picture was a picture taken for school as a walk around project in your neighborhood. The 50mm lens is what you should use
I walk around with a 50mm regularly just to make myself look at things differently/strangely. Just because you have this relatively wide angle doesn't mean you have to take a wide angle shot. You can for example get right up on something or look at it sideways or lay on the ground, one knee, upside down. Looking at this fountain, I can visualize 30-40 possible shots here even without knowing what the other possible backgrounds are around it. I agree that your focus appears a bit soft.
ltlouis96: By virtue of your status as a student, you have put yourself in a learning mode. Let me suggest you take the time to study the principles of image composition. Applying these timeless principles should noticeably improve the quality and interest of your photographs. And yes, cropping alone can isolate your subject while improving image composition. Use the Rule of Thirds as a starting point for nearly all images.
Short critique of your second image: No sky definition. It happens. Try limiting the area of sky in your image. The background building and street light standards distract from your main subject -- the fountain and its statues. Unless you want your image to serve as a street scene, then you must find a better point of view. You could, for example, elevate yourself so the bushes in the background would appear at the top of the frame. Goodbye distractions. Your subject would become isolated, too.
While sharpness does remain important, please note that the history of photography presents many earlier photographs with lack of sharpness. These photos had other worthwhile qualities, such as drama, or intrinsic interest. If you want sharpness, then you may wish to switch lenses, or have yours calibrated if it needs it. You could borrow or rent a lens, too.
While not a film photographer, I understand that during development, the image may assume different looks. Anyway, keep at the craft of photography. Learn from your mistakes. You will make progress. Of course, the FMers here may provide some guidance, too.
