To crop or not to crop

[slh]

.. or to crop a different way
I could'nt figure out what was wrong with this picture but I knew it wasn't right. I think that there is too much white foreground but not sure if thats all. I cropped most of it out, I think it looks better but something is still missing. I value all your opinions, what ya think?

Before


After


Thanks

[dalmorloson]

I actually like them both. I like the brush in the 1st being in the foreground (although I agree about the vast white before the focal point). In the second, the tree makes for decent foreground but not as strong as the brush in my opinion. Maybe a shot from a different perspective to get something in the foreground but getting the shot from closer to the bridge. Just my amateur two cents.

[Indigo November]

DPS does have a comparison critique forum. You have more responses there.
We aren't supposed to critique here.

[slh]

I like the brush in the foreground also. Maybe if had taken a couple of steps back, lowered my perspective a bit and zoomed, maybe I could have shortened the distance between the brush and the bridge. I have to learn to pay more attention when composing, lol.

Thanks for your input.

[slh]

Originally Posted by Indigo November

DPS does have a comparison critique forum. You have more responses there.
We aren't supposed to critique here.

Oh, ok. Sorry

Maybe a mod or someone can moved to the correct forum, sorry for posting in the wrong place.

I moved to the correct forum. Thanks.

[Indigo November]

Originally Posted by slh

Oh, ok. Sorry

Maybe a mod or someone can moved to the correct forum, sorry for posting in the wrong place.

You didn't really put it in the wrong place. It is just that we can only offer critique if a photo is in the critique section.
Otherwise, all we are supposed to do is look and give encouraging words.
This is the right place to post this if that is all you want, but it sounds to me like you might want CC, sorry if I am wrong.

I'd be happy to critique it if you re-post in critique. Or I could PM you if you want?
(I just don't want to get in trouble for critiquing in the wrong place )

[Fun4all]

The cropped (after) image is better compositionally in my opinion for a couple of reasons. 1. The before image has the horizon across the center of the frame, which tends to make the image static and 2. With the horizon across the center the white of the snow and the white of the snow compete, or offset the other (neither becomes a focal point nor background).

The after image still retains some of the foreground brush giving depth even with the snow coming to the bottom edge of the image and allows the pagoda latern and arched bridge to become mid range focal point with the white overcast sky being the backdrop.

Great crop in my opinion!

[Chaotic Beds]

I think #2 has a much better balance to the composition, as well as has a stronger focus on the bridge and the light fixture (?). My main issue is the branches of the tree on the right and the bits of twigs peeking in the bottom left corner - they sort of intrude and say "hey! there's stuff right out of frame here!" - Otherwise, I'm quite fond of the image!

I agree that a lower shooting position could have helped with including the foreground brush, but I still think the closer view of the bridge/light thing in the cropped version would be nicer....

[Shereen]

I like the cropped one!
But I noticed one of your own comments about stepping back and taking a low angle shot, I agree try that next time I'm new so my advice is pretty much personal not professional.

[slh]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the comments!