Park Service Bridge, Near Ilwaco

Comments, ratings appreciated on this bridge shot. I've always been

intrigued by this large boulder that partially blocks the bridge.

Very strong. The branch in the upper left corner is a bit distracting.

I love the converging lines. I would cropped off the sides, so that the focus is on the bridge and the leading line of the bridge started from the edge of the picture. The rock is an interesting element.

What a great shot...!

 

Suggests me to pick up my favourite grandmother-saying, something of the kind "life is full of obstacles, but a bright future awaits those who make their way around them" or something similar.

 

The execution with the straight bridge is great, and so is the light at the end of it. It conveys aesthetical pleasure and quite a bit of additional messages coming with it.

 

I have two minor complaints. The first is the branch to the top left. It is a bit disturbing for my eye, but I do not find a real workaround to it. Is its presence intentional? The second are the whitish branches to the extreme right. I would have much preferred the view to be blocked by that massive tree, having it at the border of the picture, to force the eye even much more down the bridge.

Richard, Mike, and Salvatore, thanks for all of your comments. I agree with your critiques: the branch at the top left is a distraction, but I'm not sure that I can fix it. Salvatore, I can certainly fix the area on the right side. I didn't notice that before, but it is easily remedied.

I like the depth in this shot. I tried a little more cropping at the top and will post for comparison, but I think I lean towards the original. I don't mind the branches - they kind of help to frame the bridge.

Kim, thanks for your comments and alternate crop. I don't care for the branch on the top left, so it's either crop or clone. If I can't fix it digitally, I'll have to crop as you've shown. Thanks again.

The tree plays an interesting role . . a sort of subconscious third element that balances this rather tricky composition even though the message is clearly how the rock blocks the bridge. Maybe a little bit more foreground would have given the viewer some room to walk up to the rock.

With some patience, the branches in the upper left can be successfully cloned out. I think, compositionally, that would be best. Personally, I think the placement of the rock is just right as it is. It's an interesting juxtoposition of a natural barricade to a man made path. If there was more room in front of the rock, it's presence would be diminished. I like the visual tug of war created by this image. My eye keeps going to the rock, down the boardwalk, and back to the rock. It's almost as if the rock is challenging me to try and pass. Nice shot.