Storm Over Loyola: I've always admired those photographs some of you in UK take of imposing old buildings, rolling terrain and stormy skies. So when I saw this last weekend from New...

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I've always admired those photographs some of you in UK take of imposing old buildings, rolling terrain and stormy skies. So when I saw this last weekend from New Orleans' Audubon Park, I had to give it a try. It was a passing illusion, since it is really right smack in the middle of a busy golf course and I was lucky to find a moment and angle that wasn't full of carts, flags, and guys in colorful golf duds. Suggestions, comments, and edits all welcome, as ever.

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Violameister Loc: michigan

minniev wrote:

I've always admired those photographs some of you in UK take of imposing old buildings, rolling terrain and stormy skies. So when I saw this last weekend from New Orleans' Audubon Park, I had to give it a try. It was a passing illusion, since it is really right smack in the middle of a busy golf course and I was lucky to find a moment and angle that wasn't full of carts, flags, and guys in colorful golf duds. Suggestions, comments, and edits all welcome, as ever.

I love it. It actually put chills down my spine.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I love the building and I love the big tree, but together on the left side their weight makes a visual imbalance that is not working for me, making the right side too empty of interest.

Have you given thought to darkening the lower clouds on the right side, Minnie, as a way to help us stay within the frame? Aside from dealing with the potential photo-bombing from golfers, would you talk about your composition so I can see from your viewpoint? Thanks!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

This flip, with slight crop, works better for me as it gives my eye room to move into the frame from left to right, and then to be held there by the building and the tree.

I know we've had discussions in the past about subject on left vs. subject on right, and it's always intrigued me how different the comfort is for each of us.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

minniev wrote:

I've always admired those photographs some of you in UK take of imposing old buildings, rolling terrain and stormy skies. So when I saw this last weekend from New Orleans' Audubon Park, I had to give it a try. It was a passing illusion, since it is really right smack in the middle of a busy golf course and I was lucky to find a moment and angle that wasn't full of carts, flags, and guys in colorful golf duds. Suggestions, comments, and edits all welcome, as ever.

I prefer your original, un-flipped image and find it insusceptible to constructive criticism.

Absolutely one of your best ( and that list is lengthening).

Dave

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Violameister wrote:

I love it. It actually put chills down my spine.

Thank you.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Linda From Maine wrote:

This flip, with slight crop, works better for me as it gives my eye room to move into the frame from left to right, and then to be held there by the building and the tree.

I know we've had discussions in the past about subject on left vs. subject on right, and it's always intrigued me how different the comfort is for each of us.

You did a Frank maneuver! I see what you mean, about lack of balance. I started to crop from the right, then changed my mind, wanting to keep the whole rounded hill with its little flower patch, and the tip top of the other building. I saw a snaky line that forms the bottom third, following the humps past where they overlap.

Am I right? Naw, probably not. I am destined to stay third-rate, I think, because I simply won't give up kitchen-sink compositional decisions.

Thanks for showing another interesting version, and for making me defend my muddled thinking.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Uuglypher wrote:

I prefer your original, un-flipped image and find it insusceptible to constructive criticism.

Absolutely one of your best ( and that list is lengthening).

Dave

Glad you liked it Dave.

But I gotta argue with you about its value. I found a problem as soon as I uploaded it that needs addressing, and I'm sure I'll find others. Every image is a journey from spotting to concept to finishing, and it isn't all done quickly. I learn something from every problem someone finds and every question they raise.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

minniev wrote:

You did a Frank maneuver! I see what you mean, abo... (show quote)

I also enjoyed the little details of the rounded hill and flower patch, and was reluctant to cut them out (or flip); I was just interested in exploring the possibilities.

Crikey, Minnie, if you're third rate, there is no hope for many of the rest of us

Thanks for your thoughts!

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

nope - completely missed the boat. How on earth can an image like this be considered even half-way OK without a damsel riding her white charger. Or perhaps a King and his men with flags a-waving preparing to march to battle. Or a line of flagellants wandering down the road. Indeed!! You must have been looking the other way when these things were happening.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

pfrancke wrote:

nope - completely missed the boat. How on earth can an image like this be considered even half-way OK without a damsel riding her white charger. Or perhaps a King and his men with flags a-waving preparing to march to battle. Or a line of flagellants wandering down the road. Indeed!! You must have been looking the other way when these things were happening.

Feel free to add them, I know the golfers would be astounded!

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

A pleasing photo minniev and I think you achieved your goal. I would only suggest to lessen the tree halo, grab a touch more crispness from the clouds and structure.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

minniev wrote:

I've always admired those photographs some of you in UK take of imposing old buildings, rolling terrain and stormy skies. So when I saw this last weekend from New Orleans' Audubon Park, I had to give it a try. It was a passing illusion, since it is really right smack in the middle of a busy golf course and I was lucky to find a moment and angle that wasn't full of carts, flags, and guys in colorful golf duds. Suggestions, comments, and edits all welcome, as ever.

I do like this. The hint of a gothic building makes me want to explore; but the threatening sky adds tension. Very dramatic and very appealing.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

I cant find the technical problem you allude to min, from that angle it seems spot on. What it has not got for me is impact (seems to be my word of the week).
A bit of an old building, a load of bushes and some grass with a reasonably normal sort of sky overhead? There is actually nothing wrong with it and if I wanted a bland wall hanger this would fit the bill admirably. However I prefer something that stops me from walking and makes me look.
Maybe too much kitchen sink in the frame maybe needs a golfer after all? Anything that would make me look twice in fact.
The problem may be that the rich cultural heritage of the UK gives the folks proper imposing buildings to form the backdrop of a shot!

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Frank2013 wrote:

A pleasing photo minniev and I think you achieved your goal. I would only suggest to lessen the tree halo, grab a touch more crispness from the clouds and structure.

You spotted the flaw! I saw that darned halo as soon as I put it up. Some of it is the clouds themselves, but it doesn't really matter, gotta correct it anyway. Will see what else I can do with the clouds, but I'm not a Cloud Master like Malarz.

Thanks Frank!