DSLR Photography Forum

Most of my photos were from the countryside and I was getting tired of those, so here are som photos from The Cathedral of Oporto. There is a lot of churches everywhere and even small villages which may not have a cafe or anything do have at least one church. I will show some of those in time, perhaps as snapies. Sometimes one is allowed to climb to the bell tower and this offers a nice view. Again, I may show some photos. The first is a photo showing the main access route to the Cathedral and it is just a snapie for you to get a bearing. I am hoping that the rest of the images will get some real critiques from you. Thank you. Pavel



the next photo is a sample of a quick snap of a ceiling from within.



I loved the cloister and I am interested to hear what you think of those photos. The harsh contrast was a problem. I exposed for highlights, letting the shadows fall where thay may. Let me hear what you think.

Cl. #1


Cl #2


Cl #3 I am curious what you think of this one. This is my first attempt to correct perspective


Cl #4 My second attempt to correct perspective.

Splendid vaultwork in the cloisters. Contrast, gamma and noise look a bit fierce to me, though it really works with number 5.
I think they're good shots..but like the landscapes I'm seeing the shadows block out a little too quickly here..is that fair?

Zig, please help, I thought gamma is in fact contrast (slope of a curve representing a relationship between the amnount of light and density (my definition, describing things as I understand them). I exposed for the highlights, which means that I overexposed them just so that they are not blown. I than pull up shadows in software. I am thus using the full dynamic range of the sensor, as I understand it. The alternative is HDR, which is difficult to do on family holiday. I did not reduce noise. I figured that since I do not have chroma noise, it will be at least somwhat hidden in the texture of the stone. Would you desaturate? or would you brighten? Pavel

I see what you mean; sorry Pavel: maybe I mean desaturate slightly and lower contrast?

Thank you Zig, I think you allways zoom in on the right issues. I will change as you suggest. Gary (Blowup) told me the same thing over the phone. I seem to have a heavy hand when it comes to saturation. Contrat is another thing. I lowered it as much as I could and now when I do, the aftefacts (noise) starts climbing quickly. Pavel

Perspective in the last one looks pretty much spot on.
In #3 it needs a touch more. I watch the sides for guidance as to how much and the camera/eye level for how much.
The cloisters are a pain if you have strong sunlight coming through from the side. I suppose there are a dozen ways of doing it. :/

Perspective correction is about the only thing I use photoshop for these days, but it's also one of my favourite tools. (I use the filter>distort>lens-correction method.) I think these have worked very well; perhaps a difficulty with #3 may be that the original subject may not be square and straight itself. But looking at the buildings beyond the window, it looks like some rotation and/or shift might still be needed. Otherwise these look good. The only general advice I have is that the PC controls in photoshop aren't as powerful as they look, and they're no replacement for good camera control in the very beginning.

#4 is frustrating. I wish that the figure in the middle either wasn't visible, leaving just the figures on the right, or would step out where he could be a centre of interest. As it is the statue is hiding behind the cross, and nothing quite feels sorted out.

To me #1 is the star of the group, and this photo could really reward some more work. Perspective correction would make it feel more natural, and I'd like to see the darks pulled down to give a longer gradation to the shadows. I'm not sure if this has me disagreeing with Zig, but I'd like to see the whole interior a little darker and moodier.