Steps: This is a bridge with features I've always found attractive - art deco design, bronze fittings and details, and the first use in reinforced concrete of a hinge to accommodate...

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

This is a bridge with features I've always found attractive - art deco design, bronze fittings and details, and the first use in reinforced concrete of a hinge to accommodate temperature changes (in the UK, at least). It was so nearly something abominably different. Any way, Steps - I'm sure you can see them. What are your thoughts on the composition and rendering please?

(Download)

whwiden

Maybe try a 10x8 crop taking space away from left side. Or 7x5. That way you anchor left and right margins with a person. Would have liked a tad more space on right side, but pic still works. Interesting spot for photos. Nice colors and geometry.

deer2ker Loc: Nashville, TN

I really like this pic and see why you wanted it. There are a few things in download though...the girl on the right seems unprocessed while everything else is. I would try to take her away (if possible) and then maybe crop just a little off the right. I really love the scene in the distance with the stairs anchoring down the pic - quite lovely!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I enjoy the glimpse into the distance also, plus the curve of the path. Unsure about the closest walker; I might be leaning with deer2ker about using the girl-be-gone tool

Otherwise, I love the composition and the processing. The scene is made more interesting with the leaves on the ground - serendipity or planning? I also really like the various colors of the leaves and branches used as natural framing at the top.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

deer2ker wrote:

I really like this pic and see why you wanted it. There are a few things in download though...the girl on the right seems unprocessed while everything else is. I would try to take her away (if possible) and then maybe crop just a little off the right. I really love the scene in the distance with the stairs anchoring down the pic - quite lovely!

Ah, that girl. I made this from two shots as the first had clipped the steps. She came along with her partner, whom I’ve removed together with a part buttress belonging to the bridge I’m standing under. I liked having the girl in it as she contributes steps (along with the lady on the left). There’s more image to the right but it doesn’t contribute anything, so adding space to the right may be more trouble than it’s worth - and that girl will have to go.
As for processing, the Topaz filter employed seems to do precious little to dark areas, making the figures seem ‘unprocessed’. I’ll need to look further into that.
Many thanks for your observations, they’re very helpful.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

whwiden wrote:

Maybe try a 10x8 crop taking space away from left side. Or 7x5. That way you anchor left and right margins with a person. Would have liked a tad more space on right side, but pic still works. Interesting spot for photos. Nice colors and geometry.

I don’t worry too much about crop ratios but I get what you’re after doing. I don’t want to lose the scene beyond the bridge though. I’ll have to have another look at the possibilities. Many thanks for you comments and suggestions.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Linda From Maine wrote:

I enjoy the glimpse into the distance also, plus t... (show quote)

As you’ll see from my answer to deer2ker, I’ve already used man-be-gone tool, and the one you suggest will probably follow-on Linda. The only leaves I’ve added are top right, where the bridge I’m under interfered a trifle, elsewhere it’s just part of the scene. As always, appreciate your critique Linda.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

I reeeealy like this. Beautifully composed with the steps and the arch and the processing just takes it up a notch. I would almost call it more steam punk than art deco and wouldn't be surprised to see a fellow in a colorful frock coat, top hat and cane strolling under the arch.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

kenievans wrote:

I reeeealy like this. Beautifully composed with the steps and the arch and the processing just takes it up a notch. I would almost call it more steam punk than art deco and wouldn't be surprised to see a fellow in a colorful frock coat, top hat and cane strolling under the arch.

Now that’s an idea that could be arranged Keni! I have quite a fondness for steampunk (booked on a photo shoot for next March even). Glad you like the shot, thanks for your comments.

Dave Chinn

magnetoman wrote:

This is a bridge with features I've always found attractive - art deco design, bronze fittings and details, and the first use in reinforced concrete of a hinge to accommodate temperature changes (in the UK, at least). It was so nearly something abominably different. Any way, Steps - I'm sure you can see them. What are your thoughts on the composition and rendering please?

I think the lady on the right is needed. Without her or someone there, would take away from the image.
Maybe a little more room on her right side is needed but not a deal breaker. I like it Dave !!!
Dave

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

magnetoman wrote:

This is a bridge with features I've always found attractive - art deco design, bronze fittings and details, and the first use in reinforced concrete of a hinge to accommodate temperature changes (in the UK, at least). It was so nearly something abominably different. Any way, Steps - I'm sure you can see them. What are your thoughts on the composition and rendering please?

I like the picture with the intensified color and with your added texture. As for the girl with or without, not a deal breaker. You enjoy the picture with her in so keep her in. You will never satisfy all the people here on the Hog. We all have our own likes and dislikes. I could vision this in an art gallery.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

I think your post processing idea is very good, combining reality and fantasy. I think it would be much better if you cropped the left side until just outside the point of the decoration. Besides removing the (for me) distraction, you see the steps more forcefully, and the person adds mystery--the steps or the path.

wayne barnett Loc: Grants Pass, Oregon

Really like this shot. If you are going to insert figures into the scene they need to be made more integrated so they do not seem to be floating or with a halo of discord around them. My preference would have been no figures, but that is just me.

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

wayne barnett wrote:

Really like this shot. If you are going to insert figures into the scene they need to be made more integrated so they do not seem to be floating or with a halo of discord around them. My preference would have been no figures, but that is just me.

That was a good catch. I didn't enlarge to check but a little more work on the masking before you make a print. A good habit to get into is it enlarge to about 200% to check your work.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Jim-Pops wrote:

I like the picture with the intensified color and with your added texture. As for the girl with or without, not a deal breaker. You enjoy the picture with her in so keep her in. You will never satisfy all the people here on the Hog. We all have our own likes and dislikes. I could vision this in an art gallery.

I think she’s on her way out Dave. Been giving her some thought, and whilst it won’t be easy, she’s got to go. Thanks for your thoughts on it, much appreciated.