Found these slabs of broken ice at the edge of a pond, Zurich, 2005. Some have told me the picture lacks a definite subject - I am not sure myself. What do you think?
I like it and think it has potential to be even better. The absence of a definite subject doesn't bother me. there are some lovely shapes in the ice. The area which I would start to work on is the bottom Left quarter/corner. Currently it is relatively flat and darker than the rest, but has 3 excellently shaped pieces of ice, one with further interest in the leaf. I think I would aim to lighten and increase contrast here. The highlight towards top left might benefit from knocking back with a burn, similarly the lichen spot on the top RH rock.
Enough from me, better let the experts have their say now!
A well chosen section of the world to isolate. Great contrast in texture as well as tone. I would only suggest burning the large piece of ice on the right a bit. I'd be willing to bet Don meant his other left . Great work. Shawn
Lack of subject! The subject is ice and it's right there in front of you. Well done. I really like this subject matter and agree that the bottom right corner of the large slab of ice could be burned in a bit. It's very deilcate so you don't want to overdo it. A light touch is needed.
I have always looked for tone and texture combined with line and form when I go out. This has all 4 elements, and a well composed interpretaion of the scene.
I agree on the suggested burning and might try a light edge burn on all 4 edges, just to see how it looks, try to draw the eye to the center a bit more. But then again, alot of those tests have seen the inside of the trash can in my dark room!
I have to disagree with Baxter AND BWKate...(no hard feelings, right?) There certainly is a subject here and it's not the ice. If you're looking for a conventional subject then it is the visual relationship between every element of the photograph. When a sucessful photograph's subject is such, I then believe the real subject becomes the photograph itself. Once again, very well done.