Wormwood and the chain!

Saw this large fence post with worm trails and an old chain looped across it. I thought it made an interesting composition. Thoughts / comment appreciated.

Agreed. I like that you weren't put off by such a low-saturation scene. It's just a tiny step from black and white!

I tried desaturating in photoshop. The only real difference was the chain. I found I liked it better with the chain colored. It stands out better and adds more contrast to the image.

With an eye this discerning, you should treat yourself to a real camera. This is so subtle and beautiful. You have a sophisticated eye, don't compromise it... t

very nicely done

Good image, I like the contrast between the monochrome back and the color of the chain.

nice photo: sharp, interesting composition. Loose the frame.

Love the composition and tones!

Thanks for the comments everyone.

I want to see Kanji in the woodworm markings - it gives the image an unexpectedly Japanese feel to it. But then I may just be projecting something personal into your image. It works, though. The image balances nicely. Well done!

I have the uncomfortable feeling this shot is tilted to the left. Good shot with nice detail though but it would help if that knot wasn't on the edge

Good eye Ian. The post is part of an entry way of a rural driveway. It is a cedar post about 15 ft high or so. In the area photographed the tree is slightly curved to the left.

I tried to recrop to remove the knot but it left too little of the chain and did not seem as nice. Thanks for the comments.

Real good. Nice interplay of textures. I would darken the left edge about 10 or 15 %. If this were mine, I would entertain the idea of dropping "the Chain" from the title, just calling it "Wormwood" for a subtle title to the subtle image. The wormtracks look like a mythical figure, part animal, part human, a cave drawing or rock art. The chain adds a healthy shot of reality.

Nice

Simple and yet full of detail and texture very japanese feel. Not sure about the frame though?

A few people have mentioned the frame. I will play with it and see how it looks. Thanks.

With all respect, I just do not understand the attraction of this photo, but since I am a minority, I must me wrong. On the other hand ... I am giving attention to it ... !!

This photo really caught my eye- its simplicity in design and fine detail draw you in, with just enough happening on it to keep you looking. I would love to produce a picture like this

Thanks for the compliment Nick.

Very nice image, Ray. I agree that the color of the chain is important for its impact and so I would also favor this version over a desaturated one. I am amazed that the worms create patterns like this -- as others above have mentioned, it looks like Japanese! Excellent textures.

 

The tilt is mildly bothersome. Any chance of a reshoot without the tilt?

Very nice!

Thanks Niranjan, I will try to reshoot the next time I am in that area ( maybe I'll even use a tripod and film instead of digital and see what it does.

Wow... simplicity really is beauty here.

A great photograph. It is music in my mind's eye.

At risk of sounding like "me too", I really like this .. until I read the comments I thought the chain had be hand tinted. The wood worm has become like one of those ink blot tests. I might have framed the shot to keep that knot in but a further away from the edge but its a great composition.