Birdbath (repost)

The previous version I posted had too little contrast, in my opinion. In this instance, I boosted the shadow and burned the interior of the birdbath. Your attention and critiques will be most appreciated.

Hi Michael. By the aesthetic point of view, I liked the version with less contrast. However, the compositions with sharp contrast are admissible when you want that effect divert the viewer's attention to the subject of the photo. But, remember that art is art and not discussed. The two compositions there is a detail that can be improved, which is the positioning of the subject. I learned in specialized literature that, whenever possible, the subject or the most important part of the composition must be on the left side. Photographic art experts claim that the observer's attention is diverted, at first glance, to the left side of the scene photographed. They say that this natural phenomenon occurs motivated by the fact that, in humans, the instant perception of the image is developed in the right hemisphere of the cerebral cortex. If you considered that the subject of the composition is the birdbath, so it should be on the left side. Give you a try. In this photo, note that, in the instant vision, your gaze is directed to the left side of the photo. You only realize the presence of the birdbath after you get used to the whole thing. Isn't interesting? If you browse through my portfolio in PN, you'll notice that, over time, my pictures will adapting, gradually, to this rule of positioning of the subject. I hope that my comment has some importance to you. Best regards. Roldao.

I like this work for it's contrast and texture. It somehow resembles those special high contrast, high grain films that I always wanted to try, but never got hold of. The deserted bird bath along with the strewn leaves on a never ending ground gives a feeling of emptiness and at the same time a longing for the birds to come back next spring.

Roldao. I truly appreciate the time and effort necessary for providing your comments. Thanks to you, I'll read up on the research you mentioned. - - My best, michael

Supriyo, I really appreciate your thoughtful remarks. My own preference in comparing this image with the lower contrast version is to favor the higher contrast. Given Roldao's comments. I suspect it comes down to matter of personal taste. To me, the higher contrast provides better emphasis of the texture you mentioned. For whatever it's worth, when I was shooting film, initially with an Agfa and then with a Canon AE1, I experimented with Tri-X Pan (400), and pushed it to 1600. As I recall, this often resulted in higher, perhaps better, contrast. - - My best to both of you, michael

A classic any way you look at it. High contrast (like speed 35 mm film and high contrast print paper with extra time for the developer chemical to bring out the magic). Elegant, peaceful, decorative. Excellent! DG

DG, although I used film when I was . . . uh, younger, I must confess that I never had the experience of developing it. Thanks for your rather generous remarks. - - mhl