Solemn Symmetry

I'm drawn to the symmetry and depth of this type of picture, and I

would like to know how others see it, what you like and don't, and how

you think it could be better. Thanks for looking and for any and all

comments. ~ David

I can see why the symmetry intrigued you so much. This is a very pleasing pic.

This may sound odd, but it struck me that the symmetry would be more obvious if it was shot at an angle.

 

Lovely church.

Thanks to B and Rachel for your comments. I think I understand what you mean about an angle bringing out the symmetry. I will experiment with that and if it looks worth another look I'll post it and let you know. Thanks, again. I really do appreciate getting feedback and ideas. ~ David

I think the light and tones are very nice and the details are good from front to rear. You were lucky to be able to shoot this without people in the aisle. I do find that when you shoot for symmetry that the slightest skew stands out, as in the lines coming into the top corners. One comes directly into the corner but the other doesn't. I know how difficult it is to get right and I never seem to manage it either. Sometimes going for an extreme angle avoids that dilemma. But I still find this attractive and it looks great in b&w.

The composition is very nice here, the light is also great.

... my only two issues are the vertical compression at the top (which can be adjusted in PS if slight, like here, or with a shift lens) and the open door behind you. The shot would have been better balanced if all the light was coming from the east end. The alternative would be to stop down a touch or to lower your highlights a bit (I'm sure you're better at PS than I, having come on so early). The church is interesting because of the marble columns in the nave and aisle, below the stone, which is fairly unusual. My favorite element is the wooden vault whose supports drop down to the pilasters in the nave wall.

Thanks so much for stopping by. What a pleasant and flattering surprise. I'm glad you like this shot, and I'm particularly glad for all the great tech info and suggestions you gave me. I'm not sure I am seeing the vertical compression you've noted, so if you could describe it a bit more I'd appreciate it. You do realize you've given me some excellent reasons to return to Bermuda to get this shot right! Thanks!

... the vertical compression is actually the perspective distortion as the piers and walls go up the frame. You can see how all the verticals are starting to converge near the top. That is inevitable in a shot like this.

I was pretty sure that was what you meant, and I can easily see it, though it seems fairly subtle here. I'm not sure I'd have tuned into it if you hadn't pointed it out. It should be a fairly easy fix with CS3 using the perspective tool. This'll be a good practice piece. Thanks, again.