411: blue door

[annie]

I went to New Orleans for work and had a lot of fun taking pictures. Here's one I like (a few others are on my flickr). Any feedback would be really appreciated.

[jiminyClickit]

annie,

Your blue door is intriguing; would the whole door have been wholly intriguing? It stands well as it is, just curious about crops. The glass really says "old," next to the relative new "tag."

[annie]

Thanks jiminy. I took a bunch of shots of the whole door, but ended up making the crop to emphasize the reflection, grafitti, and peeled paint even though it gave short shrift to the architecture. Not sure if it was the right choice though, and would appreciate opinions.

[clockdoc]

Hi Annie,
I grew up in New Orleans so this shot brings back memories of some of the architecture I remember as a kid. I like your first version the best as I find the post with the white paint a bit distracting. Perhaps the whole door in a more narrow crop would be the best of both images. The glass reflection suggests something of the art you may find for sale in the French Quarter. 8-)

[jiminyClickit]

annie,

Your subject + your vision = your crop. It must be what you like, no matter what we think. Having said that, would it take away from your intention if it were gently rotated to vertical alignment? Your first crop also shows "411" clearer, so you are right to do it that way. Less is more.

[dande]

Wow! Amazing shot, mate! I really like the colors, and the "oldness" of the door. Also the blurred reflection is very cool!

[annie]

Thanks a lot for the positive feedback jiminy, clockdoc, and dande.

Lee, your hometown is both very photogenic and a lot of fun--I had a blast there. Nice to see it getting back on its feet after Katrina.

Jiminy, your point is well taken--I need to crop and rotate away until I'm happy with it and to trust my own vision. Although the opinions of those with more experienced eyes always help me do a better job of seeing and evaluating my own work

[jpendley77]

I perfer your crop as well. Your crop, IMO, made the subject and colors more inviting and less is more as jiminy said.