Film Shot - "Poor Image Quality?"

WetRailsWA · 07-07-2009, 01:40 AM

The first time submitted this photo, it was rejected for a contrast issue. I fixed by scanning a higher quality print, and lightening the image without touching contrast. The second time around it was rejected for "Poor Image Quality: The technical quality of the image needs to be improved."

Trying to determine what they are looking for. My experience has been - in the last three years - that the rejection changes with each submission, so it's a challenge to determine the actual issue, or if they simply don't like the photo. I always explain in comments for screener that this is a film shot and describe the conditions so they know what I'm working with. Some background on this photo:

Georgetown neighborhood, Seattle
Dry dusty conditions
Canon AE-1 in Shutter Priority mode
ISO 200 film
135mm lens
Approx 8:00pm, facing north with sun to the left of the photo

What am I missing? Thanks for your help.

JRMDC · 07-07-2009, 02:05 AM

Well, the dust cloud or whatever it is that is in front of the pilot is unappealing. The shot isn't sharp. The sky goes from white to blue to purple in what to my eye is a strange pattern.

Aside from image quality issues, the light does not seem to be RP preferred - it appears to be coming low from the left and the engine and cars are in shadow. The composition does not make that particular light into an interesting image.

Also, there are a lot of poles and two weird looking square boxes above the cab.

All in all, a lot of flaws, for which the presence of the crewman (?) is insufficient compensation, to my eye. Sorry, not a fan.