"Give me your honest opinion..." (Last version)

Thanks for all the input...

 

I agree, the shot is probably way too busy. But, I like the

juxstaposition of all the different elements too much to just abandon

the whole shot entirely.

 

Initially, I liked the high contrast and the burned out foreground.

But now, I think that only increased the "busy-ness". So, I toned

down the contrast and lightened the shot to bring out more shadow

detail. It's a much softer shot this way and the mood is

less "aggressive", for lack of a better word.

 

As far as the composition, I tried to photo-shop a cat sitting on the

ledge... ;>)(just kidding) Seriously, I think this is probably a

good example of how we're limited by the environment we have to work

with. Perhaps the great photographers are quick-thinking problem-

solvers, in that regard, who immediately see through the limitataions

we mortals face, and arrange the elements in ways that don't occur to

us.

 

Anyway, thanks for all the input. I enjoyed the exercise and hope

you did too.

 

Dennis<div></div>

I still think Jack's right - lose the bushes and it has much more impact. But what do I know, I'm just an confirmed cropper...

Dennis,

 

I liked this shot upon first inspection. It is not too busy, it just makes you look

carefully. Windows within windows, within diagonals, within lines. Great look.

 

best,

Jeffrey

I like the shadows but i dislike the bushes.... I would take some of the highlights out of the bushes and leave it as it is now, slightly crop the left to center the frame and voila. Well thats my 2cents anyway. Greetings nice shot.

Dennis

 

The idea is good, the contrasting shadows are good, but when all is said and done, I think the end result is only OK. My own feeling is that intellectually one may want to really like the shot (I do see your brain at work!), but it has low impact and ultimately is a little dull.

Keep the bushes at the bottom, otherwise it is all just lines and light and shadow

without any "weight". The bushes make a good counter point to the logical geometry.

the image is just dull without them.

Dennis, I agree with some forumers that you should lose the bushes.

 

ALso, I feel the framing is too loose i.e too far from the central subject. Perhaps a larger proportion of the window should be in frame? by moving closer or using a narrower lens?

 

 

cheers

Dennis,

 

I like the photo, and I THINK I know what you were trying to capture, but I don't think that cropping will help. The only reason that I say this is because I have a STACK of photos similar to yours and was never really sure what was "wrong" with them until someone pointed out the obvious and asked me "why were you so far away?"

 

After going back and shooting essentially the same photo, only closer, same framing, and DOF, I realized that it wasn't something that cropping could have helped in the originals.

 

I always assumed (wrongly) that a shot with a longer lens (say 90mm) could be cropped and blown up to give me the same shot that a 28mm lens would ten paces closer. It doesn't. The perspective totally changes.

 

I don't know what lens you shot this particular photo with, but I'd be willing to bet that if you try a similar composition, closer and with a wider lens, you'd be more satisfied with the results.

 

I've gotten so bad lately with my "wider is better" obsession that I consider a 50mm lens a "telephoto" for MY particular style of photography, and haven't touched the 90 0r 135 in MONTHS.

 

Just a thought. Give it a try and see what you think.

I am not sure what your subject is. It is like looking through a window into at a brick

wall without any depth. The lighting and bushes do not help.

I wouldn't consider it "too busy" if it had something to draw the

eye like the aformentioned cat on the sill or a shadowed figure

walking on the other side of the window. I guess a kid on a bike

would be too much to hope for? I also agree with Jack. The

bushes don't add to the image and should be cropped out.

However, I really like the shadows and patterns and think the

shot has a lot of potential. It's the kind of location I'd keep

returning to. Best, JLee

<p>I don't think this is too busy. You have a handful of shapes and textures in a pleasing arrangement. To me the bushes at the bottom are necessary and anchoring. Note that they are arranged as two clumps on the bottom corners, which gives a pleasing base for the composition. Those two clumps form a pleasing triangle with the arch within the arch.</p>

 

<p>Too many people, I think, don't give themselves enough credit. This is an excellent photograph and you should have no compunction proclaiming it so to the world.</p>

 

<p>- <a href="http://www.finephotography.org/brittpark/">Blatant Plug</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.finephotography.org">Fine Photography</a></p>

I like it too. To me, its a picture within a picture, within a picture... I like the bushes too, they add depth.