Breakwater 2

I got some feedback from a number of people from my first "Breakwater"

image, and changed the perspective to eliminate the post that was in

the water. What are your thoughts on this perspective and treatment?

For me, this is an apples and oranges question/comparison.  It also points to an interesting aspect of photography.  While the two photos were taken in the same location and used the same primary technique (long exposure in B&W), they are (in my mind) two distinctly different photos.  While the shift of the camera has eliminated the post, everything else is different as well, most notably the foreground and the clouds.  Here the foreground commands more attention (it is simply more prominent) and the sky less (the clouds in the other photo would be extremely hard to top), just the opposite from the first photo. So I can't compare them; each has to stand on its own merits.  I have a strong preference, but that's not the main point.  You can return to this spot repeatedly, take a photo, and all of the photos will be different (different tidal cycles, weather conditions, light, perspectives, etc.).  Some of those will really be appealing to you and others, and some won't.  Frankly, that's one of the things that I like best about this little hobby called photography.

But I really need to answer your question, and in my mind the clouds in the other photo carried the primary impact.  Anything else was a detail, maybe an important detail, but all were secondary to the clouds.  An odd piece of concrete just can't compete with those clouds and a post in the water isn't going to ruin them.  IMO, of course.

Thanks for your insights, Stephen.  As I said in my email I totally agree with your comments, and it is through this kind of feedback that I can grow as a photographer.

I agree to Stephen - also IMO the other version is the better one (because of the clouds, yes!), however, this one here is also very good. But this is not so important. Much more important is that you are apparently committed to focus on a certain object, just to check the hidden potentials of your object you do know they must be there ;-), i.e., also your photographical skills as well. If you can re-visit this spot again and again, you should do it. I think you like it a lot and want to "discover" it further. This is nice, so go ahead. I have similar spots, where I return to again and again over the years. Just to admire their numerous facets depending on the season, the weather, the day or nighttime etc. And may be discover their (little) wonders - or taking the super shot... ;-) BR / Volker

Thanks Volker.  I really appreciate your insights as well, and also your comment about visiting the same subject to find various hidden perspectives etc.  I have not been into photography for long (about 2 years), and it is these kinds of comments and critiques that really help motivate me to try harder, and to listen openly to suggestions.  Thanks so much, my friend.

Paul