Alternative View (Click for larger view)

Many Thanks for your thoughtful feedback and kind words.

 

I quite like the human figure in the scene, but then I wondered how this was influenced by my having met the guy, something I never really thought about until afterwards. 

Yes, I also like that little touch of light in the corner, a small thing that seems to make a difference. 

 

Warm Regards 

 

Alf 

 

ROSS 

 

An interesting and astute take it is too! 

The tide in this location goes out for miles, so that feeling of remote isolation can be very real. And there is always the fear of sinking sand and mud, and the incredible speed of the incoming tide that makes the location a bit scary too.

The man in the scene adds interest and maybe a touch of warmth.

Sincere Thanks for your thoughtful analysis and heartening feedback.

 

Best Regards

 

Alf 

 

beautiful shot. I am fine with both the human or not.  The boat is far away enough that, IMHO, the human does not detract. If the boat occupied a significantly higher percentage of the image I might lean towards expunging  the person in the distance.  

Using your scroll technique, the horizon needs adjusting but still a very fine image.

Thank you so much for your thoughts and useful observations.

 

I have come to the conclusion that the human presence adds interest and maybe tells a story, whereas without it may evoke a more atmospheric kind of image.

Ahh yes the horizon, I did know about it, and you might want to read my response to Larry. 

But try looking at this when it's at true level, and see if it's just me that thinks it looks odd : - ) 

Cheers Tony! 

 

Alf 

 

You visit the most interesting locations Alf, and I am glad to see that after all the rain you have had that you finally got a day in. I enjoyed your story, so for me, I don't mind the man being in the image at all. It would look just as beautiful without him, but would be telling another story. The interesting formations in the sand and beautiful reflections of the boat and sky in the foreground water are lovely. Such a beautiful big sky with your wide angle lens. This image cheers me up, while we still have 3 feet of snow in our backyard!!!

Beautiful work. Thank You!! :) GAil

I have just read your response to Larry.  Take an envelope and place it parallel to the horizon to ensure that the horizon has no distortion. If there is no distortion, then go ahead and 'straighten' the image. If the envelope does not align in totality, then you need to use the correction filter in PS to remove distortion. Don't worry about this too much here at PN. I have been told that photo judges (clubs, etc) take crooked horizons very seriously. Kenneth Waller told me that.

 

I have only been in one competition where I garnered 1st runner-up but I did make sure the horizon was level.

Great seascape beautifully captured and framed. I personally would prefer without the photographer. I think it would enhance the serene mood, its a bit a distraction in such a scene. Very beautiful work Alf.

Take care.

Patrick

Thank you so much for your thoughts and positive feedback. 

 

I never take it for granted that I have so many great locations within a couple of hours drive away.  This particular location is only about 20 minutes drive away.  For the other guy in the photograph it represents about 2 hours travelling.  Yes the rain seems to have finally subsided and hopefully the flooded area's in the south of the country will start to dry out.  Still 3 feet of snow! Oh Wow! I would love that from a photographic point of view, but I imagine it must be a real pain to travel etc. 

The sky always does look really big here, and I think it's due to the long stretches of flat sand. 

So pleased you like this Gail.

 

Best Regards

 

Alf 

 

TONY 

 

Thanks for coming back and responding.  Using your technique with the envelope there doesn't appear to be any distortion, however the optical illusion brought about by the presence and level of the boat seems to make the horizon look sloped in the opposite direction to the left when it has been levelled., hence my decision to leave it sloped downwards to the right.  I know, its one of those idiosyncrasies that drive me mad! 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

PATRICK 

 

I do have a few without the photographer, it's always prudent to get both when possible : - ) 

Sincere Thanks for your thoughts and positive feedback, much appreciated! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

 

Hi Alf, indeed one needs a very sharp eye to notice that the horizon isn't level, but is just mm that IMO don't affect or take away the excellent composition you have. The boat and its reflection are  beautiful, and is the main point where one as a  viewer start, then one is lead to the man  who   add interest to the image, maybe because  one start trying to figuring out what he is doing, then the great sky and finally the  water reflections.  If i have to rate this photo I would give to it 7 because all  elements here work together to create an excellent image. Congrats Alf  for this one. :)

Warmest regards,

LuDa

So much has been said about this image that I doubt I can come up with something new. For me the figure there works well. It is compositionally a point element, correctly placed so that the eyes should dance between the boat and him. Adds a bit of mistery and interest. Regards, Tibi

Always good to hear from you!

 

Many Thanks for  your interest and thoughtful comments! 

 

The man is another photographer, and I suppose I am as much fascinated by other photographers as I am by landscapes, so getting them both together is sometimes very a interesting combination. Of course there are other times when I wish I could make them disappear : - )

 

Warmest Regards 

 

Alf 

 

TIBI

 

Thank you so much for contributing to the thoughts and observations that have been expressed.

I think sometimes the liking or disliking of a certain element, probably says more about the viewer than the photograph itself.  In this case it might indicate how much of a social creature the viewer is, or how much tolerance they have.  But in all probability it's just a matter of taste : - ) 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

How beautiful, Alf, I love it.

Cheers

Beautiful shot Alf. Love everything about it. I do not get much time on PN anymore because of work commitments. But you are definitely one of my favourite posters here. Well done.

Preciosa composición, sensacional luz, tonos y reflejos.

Thank you so much! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

BIRTE 

 

That is high praise indeed from such an accomplished photographer, my sincere thanks!

I know just what you mean about work commitments, a strange turn of events means that I no longer have much free time at all. 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

TOLO 

Thank you so much for your thoughtful words! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

Hi Alf,

Like many of your photographs, there is such a peaceful awe as a theme in nature, here making the photographer just a speck of what is happening. The colors work so well together the blue, the brown, that bit of piercing yellow despite heavy clouds and the lighter blue of sky peeking through with whiter clouds -- repetitions the gold on the sand with the sun and those soft reflections.    The man is incidental, yet his presence adds a certain balance to the boat.  Lovely creation.

Lovely colours and composition! I like the inclusion of the man, but I also understand what Pierre is saying about what the man is actually doing. Small point though! I like him there!

I felt a bit of camaraderie with the guy as I had been speaking with him just seconds before taking this shot, such a nice unassuming guy with a shared passion for photography.  I do have shots without him in the frame too, but I think your right, he does add a certain balance to the image.

Sincere Thanks! 

Alf 

 

PAT 

 

Thank you so much for your thoughts and kind words.  If you look at the larger view, you can just make out the camera on the tripod and the cable release, of course none of this is obvious at first glance.

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

Better or worse?  Different maybe.  The human element certainly makes it a more interesting shot, to me at least.  It could be argued that it splits the interest, causing the eye to bounce back & forth between boat and person.  The bright area keeps my eye coming back to your photographer and the boat beyond  relegating the foreground boat to secondary status even though it is the largest element.  But that's OK.   It's a treat to meet someone with similar interests who appreciates and respects what you are trying to do.  'Birds of a feather' I think is the expression.  I like the foreground highlights caused by the low angle of the sun.  Breaks up nicely the mass of flatly lit mud there.  I love serendipity, the effect or element you didn't expect.  Here is one of my most memorable moments.  Both the sun and the man are examples.  Well, gotta go, the tide's coming in!  Best, LM.

Always good to hear from you and read your well considered views. Thank You! 

I wonder if "splitting the interest" is considered good or bad, I would like to think it's good, as having a single fixed point of interest within a frame risks being considered a bit boring. An optical journey side to side and front to back would I think make a photo a bit more interesting, though whether this has been achieved here  is another matter.  Love the snake photo, did it make that characteristic "rattle" I wonder.  I did fall asleep once whilst fishing on a warm sunny day in New Jersey , and awoke later to find a large Water Moccasin curled up under my outstretched feet.......needless to say I lived to tell the tale : - ) 

Have a great weekend Len! 

 

Alf 

My snake made no noise but your story 'rattles' me.  :-)  Best, LM.

I guess the human figure adds here and puts another story to the already story telling picture.  Beautiful work with nice coloring and clarity.  Cheers!

I guess it's all  hissssssstory now  (groan)  : - ) 

 

Cheers! 

 

Alf 

 

PANAYOTIS

 

I think you are right, there is a bit more of a story with the person included. People generally have a story and I was fortunate enough to talk to this gentleman.

Sincere Thanks my friend! 

 

Alf