Still working with arrangments

[sagelike31]

Also trying adopt a policy of "keep it simple stupid".
Thoughts?

[stevesutt89]

I quite like these, they are a effective examples of the keep it simple stupid method, with each shot having no more than one subject. In the first image of houses there is a big black space on the right which is not present on the left, as the houses go almost right to the edge of the frame. To me this makes the image appear a bit unbalanced--could some of the black on the right be cropped off?
The second looks good to me, although i might be tempted to try and exclude the black fuzzy object that protrouds into the top left corner of the frame...

[sagelike31]

Originally Posted by stevesutt89

I quite like these, they are a effective examples of the keep it simple stupid method, with each shot having no more than one subject. In the first image of houses there is a big black space on the right which is not present on the left, as the houses go almost right to the edge of the frame. To me this makes the image appear a bit unbalanced--could some of the black on the right be cropped off?
The second looks good to me, although i might be tempted to try and exclude the black fuzzy object that protrouds into the top left corner of the frame...

Thanks for your thoughts. Always willing to hear what others think of my work.

But I would like to explain the composition of the first and second one.

In the first, the black on the right gives contrast to the light on the houses. It also juxtaposes the houses as a subject. Without the black, the houses would have become just another converging line. But with the black there it gives the shot a sense that there isn't a beginning. With out it I think it would be a bit more of a snapshot.

Also, if you are reading the shot from left to right, when the houses end you come the dark part of the picture on the right which is meant to bring your eyes back around to the dark of the sky around the houses. Basically the dark part at the end serves as a frame within the shot that also serves as a contrast with the light.

With the 2nd shot, it really is more of the same thing. Because the black gate takes up most of the shot it then becomes the predominant part of the scene. While, that is what I was shooting for, I did not want it to become a stark contrast with the light in the background.

With out the tree in the background the shot becomes white on black without any real 3rd dimensional feel (except for the texture on the spikes). With the addition of the tree it gives the scene a 3rd aspect to look at, almost that 3rd dimensional feel. As that the gate has no form the tree does. As that the light has gradient the tree doesn't.

Sorry for being so chatty. I kinda get that way when I explain my stuff.
But again thanks for your thoughts.

I enjoyed your flickr page by the way.

[Teewinot]

Great shots! Refreshingly effective black and white. Good contrast. Moody. Your compositional explanations show how much thought you put into it and also really help other photographers learn from your techniques. Finally, I like the finished product...two similar yet quite different shots side by side. Simple yet effective title. Great job and thanks for sharing!

[jiminyClickit]

sagelike31,

Best yet. And this in no way changes that: would it still work for you if the house faced inward, towards the gate? As it is, my view immediately goes left (as it would if a person were pictured facing left).

Good type, drop shadow perfect for simple presentation. Welcome back!

[sagelike31]

Originally Posted by jiminyClickit

sagelike31,

Best yet. And this in no way changes that: would it still work for you if the house faced inward, towards the gate? As it is, my view immediately goes left (as it would if a person were pictured facing left).

Good type, drop shadow perfect for simple presentation. Welcome back!

Hmmmm, that might have worked better. I see what you are saying.
I probably should have switched it around.

Keep that in mind for next time.
Thanks Jim.