Engine

Kind of 'high key' for a subject that usually demands a lower stance. But, its openness, and, as Ansel Adams would posit, 'luminosity', is surprisingly both relevant here and adds to the joy of one's detail-seeking inspection. Although this might seem trite a comment I would have liked for the front-most cylinder projection (lower-right) to have been in sharp focus, also. - David Lyga

Some artful burning could introduce some drama to the machinery. As it sits it reminds me of something I would see in a repair manual. That's not to say it's not good, just not the way I would see it. And that my friend is why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream

I'm trying to imagine the print on the wall with good lighting. It must have a lot of "life" when viewed that way. The computer screen is hard to go by.

I rather like it as is; I might have gone a hair darker (but then I'm staring at a monitor ....)
My eyes were immediately drawn to the dark triangular negative space just left of center and thence to that razor sharp meshing of gear teeth, so I didn't even notice the softness of that forward projecting shaft until I read the other David's comment! I think it is a well done study, of course there may be bias, as in general I'm also a lover of old machinery ...

Works great as "high key", not sure it would look that good as low key. Thanks for sharing!

The leading lines point a little far into the lower right corner. Would pulling out a bit have introduced some interesting detail farther in that direction?

I can't resist machinery

I don't think burning would change the feel I'm getting; for me it looks too clean, more like a museum piece (which may very well be the case). To be attractive, engines are supposed to be dirty, worn this is what makes them look powerful and full of energy. The picture otherwise is well done, I see no issue there.

@naeroscatu That's an interesting comment. I happen to be interested in old engines as examples of the fruits of historical engineering efforts, but I also enjoy the grit and grime of "Olde Rust!" It is my impression that many of the stationary engines used in industrial processes, pumping stations, and that sort of thing, at least large ones in their years of prime use, were treated somewhat lovingly, as works of art (and sometimes even designed with not totally necessary decorative flourishes in their parts. The operators would wipe down the metalwork to clean up surplus oil and grease, leaving a sort of clear film patina over paint and polished metal. I guess at this point in time we have to weigh between "art" and documentation!

A few years ago I photographed an old 1860s vintage loading crane in a former railroad yard near here that was "deliciously rusty." Since then, a tourist railroad has sprung up around the site the and a year or so back, the crane was worked over and painted, with quite elegant technique. It now looks as though it just rolled out of a factory. I must admit when I encountered that, I had a sense of disappointment! (Although it will no doubt facilitate its preservation, now well into a second century.)