Wharf, Gravenhurst, Ontario.

I really like the composition and graphical design of this image. The shrubs/Trees on the left side came out a bit dark for my tastes - I would have preferred to see a tonal value like those on the right side. If you decide to modify that area, the image would still retain a fairly full tonal range akin to the zone system You would still have the very dark areas (back of the chair and the left-middle triangle). As you know there is no right or wrong in photography and trying to define that very elusive characteristic  "aesthetic value" is a daunting task. just my 2 cents and all the best,

Thanks for your thoughts on this offering. I don't know if I would have even considered exposing some details in that dark area, left, if you hadn't spoken up.  If I ever decide to print it I'll certainly try to include your suggestions, then decide which way I like it best.  Actually, I just tried it & there is indeed detail in that area.  Thanks again.  Best, LM.

You are welcome!

I like the lines in the deck and the reflections. The idea of the empty bench on a wet day gives a lonely kind of mood to the shot, that is also reflected in the isolated distant island. I can appreciate what Tony mentioned regarding the detail in the bush to the left, it does look rather stark and black. My overall impression si that it looks like just the kind of place people would use for quiet contemplation and meditation. 

Best Regards

Alf

Lonely & desolate it was!  180 degrees and across the street was a farmer's market that my wife & her sister were cruising & that I, long ago,  had tired of after indulging in a tasty home made sausage from one of the vendors there.  So, off to explore, I came upon this vacant spot & with nowhere dry to sit I started exercising the P&S.  On a sunny day it would still be standing room only, this being a busy place then.  This post accurately matches my recollection of how dull and dreary it was that day.  Put a damper on the farmer's market but I got to take home a decent shot.  Happens occasionally.  Best, LM.

very very interesting composition.  hmmm I wonder if losing the black triangle on the left or the life preserver and utitilities patch box would change this in a new better way or just a different balance.

 

hope you are having a good summer, holy cow, it is almost over, we should try and get together to shoot and yak over a coffee, let me know if you have any time for this earthchanging actitivity, my superhero costume is back from the dry cleaners

 

regards,

Billy Bob

Good to see you around again.  Your suggestions have merit and are duly noted.  I've already taken Tony's advice and have decided to print this one on 11"x8.5" paper.  See my subsequent post.  "Yak over a coffee"?  Two things I do best!  Hold that thought while I check my calender for my next free afternoon.  Better still, drop me an email & we'll work something out.  Your turf or mine, no matter.  Best, LM.

i like better with the detail

Me too.  Guess I was in too much of a hurry to post.  Thanks for the validation of this rework.  Best, LM.

I like the precision of this picture. It's almost surreal in its seemingly random collection of objects arranged in strict order on the picture plane. The objects themselves don't matter so much but the shapes and tonality certainly do. It takes an exacting eye to produce such a cohesive composition.

 

In my mind, the tree on the right in the re-worked version is now a shade or two too light; in revealing so much detail it has lost a certain sense of mystery. Perhaps a tone somewhere in between the two versions would be better. (Agree the inky blackness of the original is too dense). I like the dark triangle lower right and consider it an integral element in the success of the picture

Sorry, I meant the tree on the left as well as the triangle. 68 years old and I still can't tell left from right. Hope I didn't confuse you. For some reason pn didn't let me edit my original comment even though I had just posted it. Ah, the vagaries of technology!

Time to 'fess up.  This composition is more accident than design.  But luck is good!  It was raining a bit & I just thought the reflections were neat.  I simply centered myself behind the bench, allowed a bit more foreground than sky area, and tripped the shutter.    Not to worry about memory lapse, I had the same trouble when I was just a young pup of 68.  It'll pass.  :-)  You've given me an out next time I screw up a photo.  Too dark?  An element of mystery intended!  Too light?  Just wanted to show some detail!  :-)  Best, LM.

Len...  While I can see the merits of detail in the tree on the LEFT (sorry Jack), it really is a very clean and simple image.  And I mean that in the most complementary way.  The white object on the dead center island captures and holds my eye a little too long and I wonder about just taking it out.  Regardless, an excellent shot and certainly much better than shopping... Mike

For me, 'simple' is good!  I can see from your comments that there is lots of wiggle room for 'improvement'  if I take everyone's comments to heart.  The white object in question is a beacon or lighthouse, old perhaps, and I'm not sure if it even works anymore.  The purist in me says let it stay but feel free to copy & clone it out if you wish. In fact, I like that it captures the wandering eye, bringing it back to the center of the frame.  Others' artistic license may vary.  And, shopping,  yah, not my bag.  Thanks for your most welcome visit.  Best, LM.

As often, Jack says it so well:  " its seemingly random collection of objects arranged in strict order on the picture plane".... And that's exactly what I like about this image too. The tiny white dot in the middle (lighthouse?) doesn't actually bother me. (sorry, Mike :-) As for the tonal range: I personally would prefer it somewhere in between the 2 versions, as I think your revised version of the trees in the LHS corner is a bit too light for my taste as well... But it's a lovely photo, Len -- the 'clean' & 'simple' features work beautifully in your comp, imo -- & I like the distance in the FG too -- feels just right to me. Best regards to you, Marjolein

It seems that there is a version here for everyone.  Similar to your 'Girl on the Jetty' shot in that respect.  I like 'Clean & simple'.  I don't do complicated very well.  :-)  The reflections on the wet wooden dock did the trick for me.  The other elements simply added balance.  Thanks for your thoughts.  Best, LM.

I prefer the image with added detail in the trees, but would also like an in between version, I think. Nice composition, with great lines to lead your eyes up the center.

Good to have your views.  Consensus seems to be for the in between version. Thanks for tipping the scales off dead center.  Best, LM.

Your constructive comments\critiques will be gratefully received.

Best, LM.

Beautiful composition and lines!

Thanks for taking the time & effort to comment.  I very much appreciate it.  Best, LM.