Couldn't agree more (so why persist, is my question).

Excellent. I like the harsh, gritty treatment. Well suited for this sort of work.

Sorry, but there is no story in this, to me. The bottom line is: any photo, painting, etc, really should demand - what is the message, what am I trying to say/get across? There seems to be so much going in his instance that (to me) it's impossible to decipher what is the end intent. A lot of dark chunks and superfluous stuff that adds nothing to the overall message, only confusion and distraction. Severe cropping and judicious inclusion (of only relevant detail) will layer the story; that is, if there is one. Anything else is counterproductive and an unnecessary distraction. You have an image (self), a surfboard (which seems to be your leaning), and a home environment -albeit it incredibly cluttered. So, to me (again), I am left wondering; what are you trying to say here. On top f that, there is the artistic attempt at striated lighting. An awful lot going on in an image that could be so much more simplified. Please don't be discouraged by my observations, though. You've been incredibly ambitious in this shot, probably too much so. An image of self, part of the environment, lighting (as you have it), and, of course, board, would look so much mor effective. Imagine the shot to be you, looking out a window/doorway, say. It would show intent. the kitchen stuff (left) adds nothing, so it should go.

I like the first one. I understand that it is an old shot but if a little (only a little) of the colour bias were removed and the image sharpened slightly, this would be great. I love the old feel. And I like the conglomeration on the left (whatever that is). "My view" is based solely on minor improvements and whether you have the software/inclination to do so . Very atmospheric shot though. And very indicative of that era.

I guess the whole point, Chuck, is that there is always going to be a chasmic gap between what appeals to one person and not to another. And that, is the whole point of a forum - sharing of ideas, styles, opinions. Criticism is healthy and a way to learn and grow, unless, of course, it is baseless and offensive. Some people on here cannot deal with criticism and, ironically, can be quite offensive themselves in their response. Bottom line (as with all forms of art) is that it is all in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I welcome criticism of my posts; positive or negative. Positive is a compliment. Negative is an opportunity to improve, if appropriate. It's all just one person's point of view, after all.

Thanks mate

I'm not sure of the exact direction the window faced (roughly east) but the sun rose slightly to the left of that harbour tower left on image. We were in that hotel for 4 nights and had to shut the curtains in the morning as the sun came up, such was the glare. Consequently, it set somewhere in the west, which was roughly to the right over my shoulder and behind Mt Wellington. Perhaps there's more than one Tasmania

Interesting you ask, John. Was actually a sunset in both but because it was shot through the hotel window there were a few aberrations from the glass which I used to my advantage with a bit of "manipulation" in the second image.

Yeah . . . tiny aren't they. But they ARE there

Thanks Bruce. Nice of you to comment.

Thanks Bill, thanks for those thumbs.

All rather poetic, Fred . You would no doubt have seen quite a few changes over the years. Still a beautiful spot, though, with the mountain rising behind Hobart town behind me from where the photo was taken. Cheers mate.

Cheers Don, very kind of you

We did. Bit of a winding drive, isn't it? But what a view!

and