Autumn fog

Fog is irresistible. It has the effect of conveying calmness and a sense of mystery, while also visually softening and simplifying compositions.

I can't say that you did anything wrong compositionally. The road leads the eye into the picture and gives it a sense of depth. The sun in the upper right has strong visual impact. Where I feel this photo falls short is in the subject matter. The road is a utilitarian fixture of modern life and (for me at least) conflicts with the quiet, mysterious feel of the fog. It has a snapshot feel, as if you were on your way to work, pulled over and took the shot because you didn't want to miss the fog. Still, this is better than the alternative, which would have been to pass it by.

To me this underscores one of the challenges of photography. For a photograph to "work" all the visual elements need to come together--subject, lighting, composition, background, etc. Many times I'll be walking or driving somewhere and see something (for example, a fascinating lighting effect or an unusual structure) that, were it in a different place or time, would make a fantastic photo. Without the luxury of time to seek out a better location or wait for the lighting to be perfect, the best I can do is either a) take the shot, knowing it won't be a "keeper" or b) make a mental note for the future.

As a suggestion, consider returning to this location on a foggy night, when the streetlights are on. The diffuse glow and the obscuring fog will give the scene a mysterious, even edgy feel to it. Might be worth another try?

I hope this helps, and that you don't take my criticism as being too harsh. Thanks for posting this photo.

- Robert