single photos Shape Vs. Texture = Any Interest?

I shot this today on my front stairs just because it caught my eye

while I was holding my camera. I was interested in the competing

textures of the slush (bootprints and air bubbles) against that of the

brick surfaces, along with the competing lines of the shadows and

the masonry. What do you think - too much, not enough, or

something worthwhile?

One other detail: I gave a B&W layer 90% opacity atop the color original.

Unfortunately the hi-res original really reveals what compelled me about the textures...this version, not so much.

Hi Patrick,

I like this, but I do have a soft spot for images such as this...simple patterns that have an strong relationship with interesting textures. Your follow up remark above was notable, as the one comment I might offer would be (as you already observed) to try to coax a bit more texture/contrast out of the brick and perhaps the icy footprint. How would this look in B+W?..might that make the features pop a bit? I don't know, just throwing it out there. But to answer your question, I think this has merit.

Tim

Thanks Timothy! The full BW version grayed out the distinction between bricks and mortar in too many spots, hence the 10% color.

I also wasn't thrilled that the offset brick pattern is transected at approx. the 2/3 point on the right. Would be interested to hear if that is a coffin nail here. The boot print straddling that does help IMO but not sure it's enough.

Actually, I find the offset of the pattern to be of interest where it is placed. I like the overall balance of the image. The more I spend time with it, I think the key to taking this to the next "level" would be finding a way to get the boot print to pop a bit more. I am not very experienced in the bells and whistles of PP, so I have no idea if that is possible or how, but as a viewer that is my reaction.

Having said all that. I like this a lot! It is an appealing presentation.

Tim

Best regards, Patrick!

PDE

Timothy, I really appreciate this dialogue, it has been very helpful. I agree there is a bit more work to do and also agree that it should start with that boot print! Your opinion has been very valuable.

Thanks also PDE for your encouragement!

A very nice original result, Patrick!