Ashton Memorial, Lancaster, UK

[bryhhh]

This is my first time posting an image here, but I'm not affraid of some constructive critism, as it will aid the learning curve.



I've accidentally stripped the Exif data whilst converting from raw, so here are the details

Canon EOS 350D DIGITIAL: 45mm, f4.0, 1/80 sec., ISO 100

My kit is quite limited at the moment (however I do have some filters arriving tomorrow, including a circular polarizing filter that I would love to have used tonight).

[hora]

Maybe it's just me, but it seems like the building is leaning slightly to the left, I find my head is a bit tilted when looking at it. Try straightening it (if it is in fact a bit tilted). As for the framing, I'm unsure about framing the building in the middle of the shot. I'm new to photography, but my little experience tells me not to break the rule of thirds too often.

[ellie mac]

I really like this shot, although now that Hora mentions it I do notice that the building is ever so slightly off vertical.

I think the symmetry of the building is so strong that a centred placement works well to emphasise those elements, while the tree to the left & the layered cloud formations add balance and depth.

I also love the soft light that gives the stone such warmth.

[wulf]

The building definitely has a tilt, although as Elizabeth says, the design of the building does strongly suggested a centred shot.

I think the challenge with a subject like this is to think of what you can do that makes the shot unique. You can fix the tilt with some post-processing but, if you go back there again, what other perspectives can you get on the building?

Another idea, if you get stuck, is to set up your camera on a tripod (making sure verticals are verticals!) and take a series of shots as the sun sets. When you get back you can see if there is a perfect moment where the golden light brings out the best of the architectural detail or you may even find that a selection works well as a series of pictures.

Wulf

[brianfarrell]

Wow - the tilt is about half a degree at most, but still we see it! I think there's a perspective issue too. I think you had your camera tilted upwards so you have some very slight vertical convergence. Half a degree right rotation will correct the tilt. I wouldn't bother with the perspective.

If you lighten the image selectively - just a touch - you'll fnd a lot more detail in the shrubbery and in the arched window on the ground floor.

And, regarding symmetry, you know what - it's a symmetrical building. From a wider viewpoint you might want to follow the rule of thirds, but with this tight shot, as ellie mac says, it's OK in the middle

Oh, and great lighting btw!

HTH
Brian

[bryhhh]

The image that I posted here was one of the last in the sequence, just before the sun disappeared behind the cloud. There would have been about another half an hour of warmer light to follow had it not been for the cloud.

I chose this location to capture the sunlight striking one side of the building. I did wonder about taking a wider image obeying the rule of thirds, but the surrounding area would have just made the picture look too busy. Maybe next time I will try to find a better location.

I'll have a go at rotating the image, I hadn't spotted it was leaning slightly.

Many thanks for all your comments, much appreciated.

[brianfarrell]

Hi bryhhh - did you do the PS work? It looks a lot better here in the office than I remember it this morning at home. If you haven't done the PS lightening work, then I need to change my monitor and level my desk at home...

[windrider86]

I would not have noticed it leaning if it hadnt been mentioned. I think in my opinion that because the building is so magnificent that centering is ok. Perhaps expeierment on diferent days with different lighting situations and see what looks the best. I think this looks great as is but may look even betetr without the shadows on the left side of the buidling

[bryhhh]

Originally Posted by brianfarrell

Hi bryhhh - did you do the PS work? It looks a lot better here in the office than I remember it this morning at home. If you haven't done the PS lightening work, then I need to change my monitor and level my desk at home...

I have rotated the image in PS, but I haven't altered the image in the forum. An adjustment of 0.25 degrees should fix your desk