Meditative Monk

I took this shot of a monk overlooking a mountain range in S.W. China.

I'm wondering if the composition is too centered/square and what

feelings this image evokes. Thanks!

I like this composition. Another one to try would be to take a step or two back from the monk so that you get a bit more landscape above his head. Hope this helps - Lex

Hi Jeffrey. You've done a nice job of simplifying everything here. There are no distracting elements, the warm tone of the shawl (I'm sure there's a correct name for it but I'm ignorant) jumps forward, as is the basic rule, and the cooler tones of the distant clouds and mountains fall away.

 

A few more critical thoughts from a few different parts of my brain:

 

The artist in me says fine, good shot, but this is not really about meditation or Buddhism. It's more about color. The title is where we get into trouble with this because there's nothing really meditative here -- though I do enjoy meditating on the photo:)

 

The photo editor in my head says there's too much space on right side of the frame, and the frame is too evenly divided.

 

My strongest criticism is that I'd really like to see this guy's face.

 

In the meantime, my overall feeling is that if You like the picture, you don't have to justify that to anyone. Composition is a useful tool if it matters to you. If not, well, it doesn't matter.

 

So you see? I'm just one, unimportant guy and I can look at it three or four ways.

 

I'd like to see more of your work. Thank you for sharing.

 

John