Rural Ruin

I think this is a reasonably competent photo with interesting elements

but which just doesn't seem to "work." Why is that?

I agree, but I think there may be more than one picture, and you havn't quite managed to isolate them.

 

Firstly, texture can be shown on the left of the window frame, around the bricks.

 

Secondly, it looks like a tower, so further back would introduce a larger view.

 

Sorry if I offend - you did ask!

 

 

regards,

 

Shaun

Shaun, I did ask--and meant it--so your comments are much appreciated! The near (brick/stone) structure was a house, I think, and not particularly imposing. What you see through the portal is a silo (two, actually): I've posted a photo of them in my portfolio (but not, I should say, with a view to/of their height.)

 

But I think you've made a good point: the two main elements (the brick/stone on the left and the "portal within a portal" to the right) are in conflict and deserve separate treatment. You've also suggested an approach which gives me an excuse to re-visit the site and view the scene from an entirely different perspective.

 

 

 

 

Perhaps the vantage point is just too 'straight on," too square with the foreground frame. A shot from a point somewhat right or left might liven it up a bit, depending on the resultant scene.

This does seem to have a bit more focus and impact.

glad I didn't offend!

 

Regards,

 

Shaun

An interesting scene and I can well see why it caught your eye Dave. It's very busy, full of different textures and patterns. I wonder if shooting at a different time of day with different lighting would improve it. I'm a little bothered by the crack of bright sunlight in the center coming from behind the wall. Not having been there, I also wondered if a wider crop might show it in context. I did pull it into Photoshop and applied a contrast curve which I thought helped. Just some thoughts.

Thanks for taking a look, Jim. Yeah there is that little sliver of blow-outs which are confusing as the eye tries to understand the dappled sun on the structure seen through the portal.

 

I had the chance to revisit the scene today but it was too windy for the long exposure the shot requires. I'm dubious about a wider view: I think that might only introduce more "busy-ness" but the scene might clarify once the leaves fall.

 

I'm perfectly willing to let the thing go (not all shots work) but persist mainly for the instructional value. I appreciate your participation in that process!