Don't fence me in... your thoughts?
Jan 11, 2022 12:27:30 #
Jan 11, 2022 13:24:03 #
bertloomis
Loc: Fort Worth, Texas
In my opinion the first is much better. The fence provides that nice foreground element.
Jan 11, 2022 13:24:47 #
I am deeply appreciative of the responses to this query - thank each and every one of you for taking the time to provide your input, critiques and suggestions!
Seems the general consensus is the fence can be distracting, and the subject image (#2) is preferred over the setting image (#1) but not overwhelmingly. I put the fence in there to make the house feel a bit more "stand-offish" and unwelcoming as befits a structure approaching ruin. I felt the trees in #1 were seeming to spread their boughs over the house, protecting it from the encroachment of time (waxing philosophical now...). #2 was designed to be more of an inviting scenario that says, "I've got a story - approach and hear it."
I hadn't really considered that the house in #2 was in the center of the frame, which compositionally I almost always seek to avoid! I got caught up in the framing of the house by the trees on each side and left the structure in the middle... (*sigh*)
Well, these are my thoughts and again, thank you all for helping me on my Quixotian photographic journeys...
Seems the general consensus is the fence can be distracting, and the subject image (#2) is preferred over the setting image (#1) but not overwhelmingly. I put the fence in there to make the house feel a bit more "stand-offish" and unwelcoming as befits a structure approaching ruin. I felt the trees in #1 were seeming to spread their boughs over the house, protecting it from the encroachment of time (waxing philosophical now...). #2 was designed to be more of an inviting scenario that says, "I've got a story - approach and hear it."
I hadn't really considered that the house in #2 was in the center of the frame, which compositionally I almost always seek to avoid! I got caught up in the framing of the house by the trees on each side and left the structure in the middle... (*sigh*)
Well, these are my thoughts and again, thank you all for helping me on my Quixotian photographic journeys...
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Jan 11, 2022 13:39:40 #
Jan 11, 2022 13:41:23 #
Jan 11, 2022 13:50:37 #
MrMophoto
Loc: Rhode Island "The biggest little"
Your original question was about composition. As a retired art teacher (I taught photography in the art dept. for over ten years) I thought I'd reply. The first image with the fence creates a small element that will allow the viewers eye to move back up to the main element, the structure. Eliminating it, by cropping, leaves the bottom of the image without anything interesting to keep the viewers eye engaged. If you wanted to crop the fence out, I think a tighter crop would have been better so there wasn't as much "empty space" on the bottom. However, I do like the fence as an element that allows the viewers eye to move back to the main element, I just think there isn't enough of it. I would have used a lower camera angle to see more of the fence. This would have established a definite (and more interesting) Foreground, ie fence - midground, ie structure - background, ie trees and sky.
The idea of Foreground, Midground, Background, in an image is one of the basic concepts of Art - All Art
The idea of Foreground, Midground, Background, in an image is one of the basic concepts of Art - All Art
Jan 11, 2022 14:10:09 #
Great as usual Tommy. I too find the fence distracting but then the foreground seems a little too short for me. If it were my photo, and its not I would try to crop out the fence leaving the additional foreground
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Jan 11, 2022 14:10:58 #
I kept going back and forward and finally liked the one with the fence. Why? I have no idea and maybe I would like the closer image tomorrow. What I see is two images, both excellent and it comes down to how each is looked at and at which day and how I felt that day, it is that close. Nice work.
Jan 11, 2022 14:15:00 #
MrMophoto wrote:
...I would have used a lower camera angle to see more of the fence. This would have established a definite (and more interesting) Foreground, ie fence - midground, ie structure - background, ie trees and sky.
I see your point and can see how a lower camera angle could add a stronger dimension and presence to the fence. Thanks for the input!
Jan 11, 2022 15:16:08 #
I like the second photo, no fence and the house is more the center of attention.
Jan 11, 2022 15:16:54 #
ScottWardwell
Loc: Maine
rmalarz wrote:
....I think if it's the setting, a bit more of the surrounding area would be needed, not just a snippet of the fence. --Bob
My thoughts exactly. Expand on the area around the house to provide a little more context as to it's place in the landscape.
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Jan 11, 2022 15:31:47 #
Jan 11, 2022 15:32:16 #
Jan 11, 2022 16:00:27 #
[quote=tommystrat]This is a composition question - which image conveys a stronger impact to you? The one with the fence seems to me to add depth and expanse to the image, while the cropped image emphasizes the house itself at the expense of a wider view. Which appeals more to you, and, importantly to me, WHY do you prefer it?
Thanks in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts and suggestions!
[/quote I like it without the fence as 1 is or with more of the fence than 2 has.
Thanks in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts and suggestions!
[/quote I like it without the fence as 1 is or with more of the fence than 2 has.Jan 11, 2022 16:21:22 #
Blair Shaw Jr wrote:
I prefer the first image because the fence line ta... (show quote)
I totally agree with this comment. It's a great shot either way, but the first tells a more complete story.
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