magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Empty-handed by the look of it.
This is a shot I took a couple of days ago whilst walking the dogs on a local beach. It's a telephoto shot - the 'castle' is on an island in Poole harbour, so he's not going to get home without a boat!
I like figures in landscapes - they add a dimension and give scale (for me). In this case, he's become the subject I suppose, and that can be a danger if you're after emphasising the landscape itself.
I didn't plant him, he's an angler wandering along the dunes. I have however added the sky and a couple of textures. I'm interested to have your thoughts on the picture and, in particular, the inclusion of figures in landscapes.
Any critique received gratefully.

(Download)

timm27 Loc: Earth

Works for me. Well done!
PP and human inclusion make this shot.

JGW30033 Loc: Decatur GA

Great comp and final product. I like a person or something for scale also.
Is it my monitor, or is the castle leaning ever-so-slightly to the left?

Gilbert

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Interesting photo, and I like it. It sort of looks like something out of the late eighteenth century to me. That said, I didn’t notice the hunter until I read the commentary because the mansion overwhelms him. Also, is that cloud overlay in front of the building, or am I seeing things that aren’t there?

All in all, though, I really like what you’ve done here. Good work.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

This held my interest for quite awhile, Dave. There's a fanciful feel to it that I can't quite put into words. Maybe that the castle seems somewhat like a mirage? One thing I wonder about changing: the sharpest and most colorful area I see is the large yellow-green bush about 10 o'clock position to the hunter. How would be if desaturated slightly?

I agree that humans can add scale and interest to a landscape. For me it would just depend on how large, where positioned, what they are doing. For example, often photos of the Grand Canyon include people appearing to have risked their lives to climb onto a tiny ledge. IMO, that ruins the mood, lol.

MinnieV did a series a few years back on "Little People" or "Tiny People" in landscapes and elsewhere. Hers were really little! On the below page are several of her topics with those words in the title (scroll down the page; about halfway is where they start):
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-topic-list?page=12&usernum=32900

For figures that small, I think a series with inclusion of the descriptive title is probably necessary; otherwise, many folks will just urge cloning them out

Well worth further discussion and photos, Dave!

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

"Just right," I think. The figure and castle balance each other, but in a dynamic, fluid way, which goes with the clouds and soft foreground focus. That focus links with soft focus and muted colors of sky and castle, linking them all. Fine piece!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thank you, and thanks for taking time to comment.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks for your comments. I had the same feeling on tilt, so tipped it the other way, then back again. I think it’s an optical illusion thing.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Many thanks John, glad you like it. It’s not the cloud you’re seeing, it’s something to do with one of the applied textures.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

I remember Min’s struggle with people getting in the way, and eventual acceptance of them as a worthwhile addition. Of course as photographers we all suffer from people at times, it’s just part of the burden! Nowadays, if they’re in the right place, I welcome them but ‘in the way’ is still just that!
With regard to the yellow gorse bush, I have already desaturated it quite a lot. They are at their brightest right now and dominate the landscape on our local hills, Heath’s, verges and beaches. Part of the husbandry of the land round here includes burning them back at times. Anyway, yes, could knock it back a bit more.
Thanks for your thoughts and comments Linda, all helpful stuff.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks Bob. You succinctly put into words my feelings as I worked on it.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I can understand that--thanks for answering.

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. That being said, I really like this photo. It immediately caught and held my attention. I love the look you created with your processing. I often look for something in a landscape to emphasize dimension or perspective and to add interest. This could be a tree, rock, person or something else. In this photo I think the figure works perfectly. In fact, I think it directs one’s imagination to create a story to go along with the photo; I think it makes the photo. Great job!
Steve

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Expert or not Steven, your reaction is the desired effect. I’m pleased you ‘get it’ and agree if it’s in the right position, and conducive to its surroundings, it doesn’t matter what the ‘add on’ is. Many thanks for commenting.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

The whole think has a kind of soft an mysterious air about it. I like that, and I think that mood is enhanced by the sky. By including the figure, you are enhancing the "story" in the shot. We have to wonder if that is his home? Has he been gone long? Will there be disappointment? None of these questions would come to mind if there were no figure. It would still be an attractive photo; but the story would be gone. At least that is how I see it.
Erich