Somewhere In Time
by itsjava

Comment by graphicfunk:
from the Critique Club:
A very nice picture with a pleasant view and good angle. The b/w gives it that vintage look. The starkness of the street with the greenery above creates a nice feeling.
Of course, this is the picture and what we must work with, but always think how you could have improved this image. For one thing, the figures on the left just don't belong here. A couple with a child would have been great, but under the circumstances, I would have hung around and waited for the propitious time to shoot. Another distacting element: look at the white house that serves as the closer back drop. It is leaning towards the left. This is the key level factor and must be addressed, otherwise it leaves the distracting feeling in the viewer. Simply get the house straight and the rest will take care of itself. Outside of optical imperfections these tilted lines in photographs is due to the camera itself not being level. The hand held camera replaced the old view camera and it places a heavy burden on the photographer: the art of holding it pararell to the ground.
Outside of this and as is, this image is still viable. The exposure factor can be improved by the use of curves. It is not a simple matter to adjust levels and desaturate. I go about it the long way. I convert the image to gray scale and then back to RGB and begin adjusting each individual channel with curves. To use automatic conversion system just don't work and will take with it many important tones. dan