the trip GONG FU TEA

Des Moines, Iowa

I think the composition and geometry is very original...in fact the sign is so large and take so much place that one could easily forget its use and then comes the tiny whisperring "open" at the bottom, quite shy compared to the sign...well it made me smile and I like it....

Thanks. The raters panned this one big time, and nobody has apparently given it a second thought. It is still one of my favorites, and I'm pleased that you found it worthwhile. I have done a second version, and will include it for you to see if you think it is worse or better. I would very much like to have your opinion on this. Thanks

Forgot to put second one up. Here it is.

David I like both....but the second and larger view is excellent and I have a preference for that second...the processing is a bit heavy for my taste but I think the composition ang geometry is wonderful...you know that's why I don't rely too much on rates these days...some image are way too highly rated (including some of mine) and others truly original way too low...but it does'nt matter too much either...

Oh by the way....I would be really curious to see a less processed version of the second (less saturation and less correction on highlights and low lighted area)...

Here it is right out of the camera. Thanks for your interest and comments

David thanks for posting the original from the camera of the second shot...I think your cropping, correction of orientation and perspective works very well improving the image from the camera, I paticularyl like how it put the flower and its reflection into light, I would just play a bit less on colors...but really I like the image...

I really, really appreciate your helping me out on this. I have found that lately I've fallen into the trap of over-processing my images, nobody has said too much about it. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think if you look at my posts and how they have been developing, I am leaning toward too much processing. Thanks for stepping up and mentioning your opinions. That's the only way I can stop making the same mistakes over and over again.

 

I finally got around to printing a good copy of this today (it took about ten tries much to my chagrin.) At any rate, I went with the crop that took the street light out, and a fairly subdued palette. It went all the way to the base of the plant and up to almost the top of the green facade. Only part bothering me now is the strong burned out highlights on the awning and pavement. I do like the people showing through the glass. I also was enamored of the idea of emphasizing the green, because green tea is the hot yuppie thing right now, and this is a tea shop--therefore GREEN.

 

I'm pretty happy with it now, but I know that it is not an image for popular consumption. Thanks again for your invaluable assistance.

You begin to know I am rather cautious guy about critique since creativity and taste is personal and must be respected...I think the most interesting thing is to be sincere while respecting the job done and the personality of the author...I think the radical play with color suits the 1st post and a less radical suits the second better and I am glad if you found a nice intermediate way for this second because it's a nice image...like you I listen to advice and taste's opinion of others, but following your own way and personality is the only interesting thing to do...

I like this one. It's my cup of tea. Oh, and, I sweetened up that bitter rating. Peace, Jeanne

Thanks. You are too kind. Take care.