"A Dutch Countryside"

Thank you everyone so far for your kind feedback. Am on the way out for couple days, no internet, back to the basic kind of retreat. Why of course, here's the sharp version...^_^

This is exceptional, Wilson!! The perspective, the DOF, the detail, the water, the "huts", absolutely EVERYTHING!! Bravo!!

I personally like the softer version better and that's coming from someone who tends to oversharpen!

Thanks for posting that Wilson. For me, hands down sharper is better. I still think it's a bit right-side heavy or just a bit busy, but really not much can be done there. Many mahalos again.

so much have been said about this photo... what amaze me the most it your sense of aesthetics, your own special way of seeing things! You are an inspiration for me on my journey to make artistic photos

Aesthetically very,very pleasing to the eye. A dream post card from the Netherlands. You move as one with the camera, Wilson.

Great!!

I like both versions, maybe a slight preference for the sharp one. Very well composed, beautiful shot, worthy of a cover!

It's a busy photo of a very serene setting. I like the sharper version myself.

What a beautiful shot! The perspective is superb. Congratulation for an excellent work.

A truly outstanding image....beautifully composed. 7/7

Excellent comp. of a beautiful landscape! this image is wonderful, Wilson!!

 

Cheers, allon. (7/7)

Wilson, I really like the composition, it's wonderfully done. I think I like the sharp version slightly better.

This is absolutely wonderful. I love the soft blur and the composition and color wonderful. No suggestions for any improvement from me!

I like the original posting - not the sharper one. It is more artistic and aesthetically pleasing, imo. Nice work, Wilson.

The best of your windmill series, IMO, Wilson. I like the softer version, as it has more of a watercolor quality to it. I sat there looking at that image, wondering how you do it. Outstanding work.

I love the soft color, and the composition is great. Good job

What a nice shot, Wilson. A Dutchman/woman couldn't do better! Those coulours, lights, it's all so very, very beautiful. 7/7+++

Thank you ladies and gents for your feedback. Appreciate them all. It is very interesting how a few folks like the "soft-focus" version, a handful prefers the "sharp," and a few would go either way. Nothing conclusive. BTW, extra thanks to the Dutch locals that chimed in as it makes me feel that I've done your lovely country some justice. ^_^

one more comment: (wanted to join in, too) perfectly romantic, the composition has no flaws, the scenery is in itself so beautiful that I think you don't need the softening

I've never been a big fan of the soft look. To me it feels like the lens needs to be cleaned off. In a scene like this I prefer the sharper version. You've achieved a wonderful DOF, might as well show it off. And, as always, love the colors and composition.

...thanks for your comments. Really value them. Again, soft and sharp continues to have supporters. ^_^

excellent photo...

In my opinion the soft focus doesnt work. The subject matter is anyway a soft concept image. That again in soft focus, I feel it unneccessarily takes away from the real objective,,that of appreciating the real beauty of the moment. The timing, perspective, angle etc all contribute to a soft effect, but the synthetic softness is kind of killing it. I prefer the sharp morning fresh look.

Wonderful photo!