Weighing Your Options ...

It looks like it is totaly in balance.... again a typical Kenster photo, and I like that

Els

I think a reflector on the left would help soften the shadows which are very prominent in the center of the frame. I don't care for the dark area at the top and I would have cropped that out. I also think you should change the angle of the scale so the reflection does not bounce directly towards the camera, either that or buff up the lower parts to that they reflect a more equal amount of light. I like the various textures very much.

I have a feeling that what we each like about this composition is completely opposite, so feel free to disregard the previous comments. You should do your own thing if it makes sense to you.

In a way this reminds me of a scene from a Disney animated movie, maybe more than one. That's freaky. ;-)

Dear Dennis - thank you for your time and thoughtful observations ........... Yes all the things you mention are deliberate - I could have - and might - crop the top as you mentioned and I could have turned the scale either way to adjust the reflection ..... Right or wrong, I liked the black at the top - it seemed to give it a bit of depth and a sense of place - albeit not much of either .............. the reflection I liked as is - not really trying to expose all elements of the scene equally. And all that being said - I have another friend and observer who agrees with both your points - (-;

As for Disney - the little fellow atop the scale bares a resemblance to 'ET' now that you mention it - but that would be Spielberg not Disney - maybe Swiss Family Robinson then - but that wasn't animated, hmmm ... thanks again Dennis.

PS - lately I've been shooting 2 exposures - one with and one without a white foam core reflector - I'll see if I have a shot using the reflector for comparison ..