Hotel California

I'm not sure what you are after as far as a critique is concerned. I will assume the blown out aspects are intended and you did this to create a period look. If that is the case the aluminum and glass door ruins the affect.

In general I think the pedestrian is not helpful. The store fornt has interes all on its own. If anything someone leaving or one leaving and the other entering would make a more interesting composition -- if people are to be used.

If you were to add some comment that could give some idea of what you were after in this image it would be helpful. On the surface of it looks like a badly under exposed print made with too high a contrast filter.

The upper floor of this building was a transient hotel. The lower floor a sex shop. It is not a happy place. The building is slated to be torn down. Hotel California is a reference to the Eagles song. The people here are forgotten and ghosts of what they were, just as the building is. I thought the man going in the door, show how he has imprisoned himself. (or something likes that)

Anyway it is an attempt to tell a story with a print.

You are correct I chose to use the high contrast to give it an otherworldly look.

Thanks for your comments.

I believe this is now the Chambers Hotel, on 9th St. I have a shot of a man sitting on the ledge, near the alley. I had the same feelings about my image that you do of yours.

Thanks for your comment, I knew eventually some would get me.