Two Views from Penns Landing, Philadelphia: In the first view, I wanted to emphasize the nautical feel of my surroundings. For the second image, I aimed for a slick, clean geometric...

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

In the first view, I wanted to emphasize the nautical feel of my surroundings. For the second image, I aimed for a slick, clean geometric look.

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I think you achieved your goal with #1.

I'm very drawn to the lines and shapes of #2; however I prefer less sky (funny since I'm always being told to crop my own

). The details are very sharp and the toning is restrained and attractive. A bonus that there are some patterns in the water. A crop makes it less static too. As is, the skyline is close to cutting the picture in half.

Joe Blow

#1 is very interesting, I like it. #2 just feels bare, as if something is missing.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Linda From Maine wrote:

I think you achieved your goal with #1.

I'm very drawn to the lines and shapes of #2; however I prefer less sky (funny since I'm always being told to crop my own

). The details are very sharp and the toning is restrained and attractive. A bonus that there are some patterns in the water. A crop makes it less static too. As is, the skyline is close to cutting the picture in half.

Hi, Linda!
You may be correct about #2; I will experiment a little with cropping into the sky and see what works. For this image in particular, I think achieving visual balance is a priority... that is why I took the approach of placing the skyline in the center. Perhaps the sky is simply too empty for this kind of balance.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Yep, you got that feeling in #1 without doubt. It does have a rather blue cast to the whole thing though - which may be intentional? #2 needs cropping as Linda suggests I think. Some highlights look a bit burned-out. Love that glassy reflection.

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

rook2c4 wrote:

In the first view, I wanted to emphasize the nautical feel of my surroundings. For the second image, I aimed for a slick, clean geometric look.

I agree that you achieved your goal in the first. As to the second, I also agree it may benefit from cropping; however, I would crop the water rather than the sky. I might also consider replacing the sky with something more dramatic. But, then you may lose the geometric look you are seeking.
Steve

R.G. Loc: Scotland

#1 does a good job of channelling the viewer's attention. The problem with #2 is that there are so many eye-catching skyline/waterfront shots out there, an image has to be exceptional to be noticed. A close-up shot of a skyscraper would be geometrical but not very interesting, and this is like a horizontal shot of a skyscraper.

If you could sharpen #1 without aggravating the noise (it's on the verge of being noticeable in the sky), and if you could de-noise it without aggravating the lack of sharpness (most noticeable on the right hand side at the horizon), it would improve the overall look.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

R.G. wrote:

#1 does a good job of channelling the viewer's att... (show quote)

Thank you for your analysis and very helpful suggestions, R.G.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

StevenG wrote:

I agree that you achieved your goal in the first. As to the second, I also agree it may benefit from cropping; however, I would crop the water rather than the sky. I might also consider replacing the sky with something more dramatic. But, then you may lose the geometric look you are seeking.
Steve

Thanks! I will look into it.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

magnetoman wrote:

Yep, you got that feeling in #1 without doubt. It does have a rather blue cast to the whole thing though - which may be intentional? #2 needs cropping as Linda suggests I think. Some highlights look a bit burned-out. Love that glassy reflection.

You are correct, I intentionally pushed image #1 to a dominantly cool, blue/grey tonality to emphasize the feel I wanted.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

rook2c4 wrote:

In the first view, I wanted to emphasize the nautical feel of my surroundings. For the second image, I aimed for a slick, clean geometric look.

You picked a wonderful place to photograph and I think you did a nice job of pointing out the nautical and urban nature of that location. You have also inspired me to plan a trip one of these days soon. It is only about an hour from where I live, so I have no excuse. Thanks.
Erich

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

ebrunner wrote:

You picked a wonderful place to photograph and I think you did a nice job of pointing out the nautical and urban nature of that location. You have also inspired me to plan a trip one of these days soon. It is only about an hour from where I live, so I have no excuse. Thanks.
Erich

Penns Landing is indeed a great place for photo opportunities... especially weekdays, as there are fewer tourists to get in the way. And across the river in Camden (the riverfront pictured in #2) are some very interesting views worth exploring too.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

rook2c4 wrote:

Penns Landing is indeed a great place for photo opportunities... especially weekdays, as there are fewer tourists to get in the way. And across the river in Camden (the riverfront pictured in #2) are some very interesting views worth exploring too.

agreed. I have been to both locations and they are good places to shoot.
Erich