Revisiting a neg from years ago. My wife really likes this shot, but the perspective just seems "off" to me. It was shot on an overcast point straight down, but it just seems off. Interested in everyone's thoughts.
I think it is the generally empty space in the top LH corner that throws off the composition. By scrolling upwards I have cropped out the rock on the top RH corner. To my eyes the picture now flows from the bottom LH corner up to the lighter stone on the top RH side making it a more complete composition with a certain amount of tension added to it.. Of course this is just one one persons opinion and feel free to accept or reject it.
I'm not going to reject any opinions. That's why I posted in the critique forum. We all have our own way of looking at things and I'm just looking to expand my own views. I appreciate the input Vincent and will try playing with your crop next printing session
I think it is the generally empty space in the top LH corner that throws off the composition. By scrolling upwards I have cropped out the rock on the top RH corner. To my eyes the picture now flows from the bottom LH corner up to the lighter stone on the top RH side making it a more complete composition with a certain amount of tension added to it.. Of course this is just one one persons opinion and feel free to accept or reject it.
Totally agree. This is a great example of seeing something in the camera and thinking it has possibilities but when we are actually printing, taking the time to make better choices than in the field. I always used one of the plastic sliding cropping things in 4x5, and holding it up off the print and moved it around to see other and better compositions.
Hi Blansky, Thank you for your input. I had tried several other versions of this while shooting, but didn't care for the other versions. IIRC, I also tried a more zoomed in shot, but my shadow was getting in the way. I need to remember it is okay to crop while printing too...lol Thanks again both of you for chiming in, I will be sure to play with some other crops of this in future sessions
In line with the others, I might suggest cropping a bit. But I think not necessarily a whole lot -- if that is 6x9, crop from the top to 5.5 (or so) by 9 and disappear that little sliver of stone at the top left. That reduces the blank area and also increases the prominence of the "swoosh" of erosion across the center. I feel the swoosh nicely ties the rest together. What's good is you have a nice assortment of interesting shapes, tones and textures to experiment with.