Twr Bach Windmill, Anglesey, UK: Actually Twr Bach (a Welsh name) isn't a windmill - it's generally described as a lighthouse but never had a light and was actually a marker beacon for...

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Actually Twr Bach (a Welsh name) isn't a windmill - it's generally described as a lighthouse but never had a light and was actually a marker beacon for shipping. It was eventually superseded by a proper lighthouse.
I photographed it earlier this year and, looking through my pictures, decided it was more like a windmill in shape - and is actually very similar to one on the Isle of Wight.
So I set about turning it into the windmill I imagined using mostly other shots from my own archive - but the sails are not mine as I simply haven't photographed any. They are from the IOW windmill I found online.
Below the composite is the shot I intended and took for the silhouetted figures, and which formed my starting point.
Your critique is always welcome and appreciated.

(Download)

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Beautiful work.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

#1 has a highly appealing fairy tale feel to it. I think you should write a story to go with this!

I think #2 has a lot going for it in its own right. If you remove the pieces from the top of the marker beacon, I see a rather unique and engaging minimal look: the clean stark shape beside the couple strolling over the crest towards the mountains in distance.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

artBob wrote:

Beautiful work.

Thanks Bob, glad you like it.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Linda From Maine wrote:

#1 has a highly appealing fairy tale feel to it. I think you should write a story to go with this!

I think #2 has a lot going for it in its own right. If you remove the pieces from the top of the marker beacon, I see a rather unique and engaging minimal look: the clean stark shape beside the couple strolling over the crest towards the mountains in distance.

The composite was done to make up for my photo shoot in Wales being cancelled at the last minute - the weather was just too inclement apparently. Not sure my imagination would run to a story Linda, but when I asked one of the ladies why they were about at that time of night she said they had been out looking for the pony and he had just turned-up of his own accord. Typical!
I do think the original shot has some merit of its own. I saw it much as you describe and just wish the couple were facing away, toward the mountains. Perhaps if put into full silhouette I’ll get away with it.
Many thanks for your thoughts on both, appreciated as always.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

magnetoman wrote:

... Perhaps if put into full silhouette I’ll get away with it...

I never saw them any way except walking away

Even now, knowing they're coming at us, I can't tell.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I think Linda summed it up nicely. Every picture tells a story, and your edits tell fairy stories.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

magnetoman wrote:

Actually Twr Bach (a Welsh name) isn't a windmill ... (show quote)

While the light might be a tad bright for a night scene, it is essential . It being your scene, you can do with it what you like. It does not always have to be completely logical. Besides, you got a dreamy quality to that light that really makes me think Vermeer. I really like it.
Erich

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

R.G. wrote:

I think Linda summed it up nicely. Every picture tells a story, and your edits tell fairy stories.

I hadn’t thought of it as a fairy story RG. My inspiration for this type of composite is old oil paintings, where the artist can take a good slice of licence.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

ebrunner wrote:

While the light might be a tad bright for a night scene, it is essential . It being your scene, you can do with it what you like. It does not always have to be completely logical. Besides, you got a dreamy quality to that light that really makes me think Vermeer. I really like it.
Erich

Glad it pleases you Erich. The light does need to have an impact I think, otherwise the image is in danger of becoming a murky mess with no detail.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice work.

ediesaul

magnetoman wrote:

Actually Twr Bach (a Welsh name) isn't a windmill ... (show quote)

Erich's comment about Vermeer is what came to my mind as well. A wonderful composite. I do like it much better than the original. I am in awe of your imagination and skills.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

jaymatt wrote:

Nice work.

Thanks for taking a look John, pleased you like it.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

ediesaul wrote:

Erich's comment about Vermeer is what came to my mind as well. A wonderful composite. I do like it much better than the original. I am in awe of your imagination and skills.

Glad you looked-in Edie, I value your opinion and I'm pleased you approve.
In a pm, a viewer has suggested an edit to improve the perspective. I haven't gone quite as far as the suggestion made but the pony is bigger than the original composite (and repositioned). I wonder what you and other responders think of this version - does the pony tend to steal the scene or is the whole an improvement?

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

magnetoman wrote:

... does the pony tend to steal the scene or is the whole an improvement?

I don't think the pony "steals" the scene because the composition is nicely balanced, including with the light. You're definitely going to look at the windmill and figures - possibly even before looking at the pony if exploring from left to right as I often tend to do. I like both versions!