Critique The Darkest Hour

[S4TW]

Hi all, this is a photo project I've been working on since last summer. Basically the idea is to convey the atmosphere and feel of each of these cities late at night. Of course, I could have went out and photographed famous landmarks in these places at night, but I don't think that would be representative of what it's like to say, live there and walk somewhere at night. Public transport stops and other public architecture is representative, however. I focused a lot on mood and toning of each emage. I expect to keep adding to this collection as soon as I find myself in a new city. As you can see the last one is kind of the odd one out due to being not a transport stop and not a capital city.

C&C will be greatly appreciated.

(1) Broad Street, New York

(2) Karl Marx Allee, Berlin

(3) Merrion Square, Dublin

(4) Île de la Cité, Paris

(5) Flogsta, Uppsala, Sweden

 

[ALIENSHADZ]

powerful picture. full of live warm and cold colors.

 

[ah5168]

These are nicely composed and executed shot, although I think they could do with a bit more contrast.

Unfortunately I don't think you have made such a good job of selecting the subjects. As you have specifically mentioned the location and said that you are trying to capture the moods of the individual cities I think you should attempt to tease out details and views that are more specific to that location. Every city has an individual vibe and I think it would be a much more interesting and difficult project if you could capture that narrative.

 

[S4TW]

As you have specifically mentioned the location and said that you are trying to capture the moods of the individual cities I think you should attempt to tease out details and views that are more specific to that location. Every city has an individual vibe and I think it would be a much more interesting and difficult project if you could capture that narrative.

How would one capture that narrative? I think I am doing just that, in my own peculiar way. Some people would go and shoot wide angle cityscapes of the great avenues of NY, Paris or Berlin, some would get a 35mm or 50mm and focus on street photography trying to capture the narrative of the city through its citizens. I did it in my own way.
I agree that my photos here are very tightly composed, and quite stripped down I suppose. You can generally only see one light source among the darkness. Architecture is a big part of any city and it doesn't feature too prominently here, I agree. But I like the aesthetic I'm going for.

A bit more contrast could probably work in some of these too.

 

[posiview]

I like them. The blandness works well for me IYSWIM. No bright lights, big city feel. Quite strange to see places with no people.

Now I love Berlin and spend a few years there while in the Army, but it's #3 for me. I like the cool tones and lighting on the bus shelter.

Cheers.