Another Place - A. Gormley.

[PD Jackson]

I was able to get out today to Crosby to photograph the iron statues on the beach. Even though it was quite overcast I found it really difficult to get good pictures because of the amount of light. I know that dawn and dusk would be ideal but I have a young family which makes photography time rare but precious. Anyway, here are 2 crops of the same picture and I would like to know which, if any, people prefer. I have tried to use the rule of thirds on each. Many thanks in advance,

Paul





Camera Model Canon EOS 40D
Shooting Date/Time 05/04/2009 13:11:56
Shooting Mode Aperture-Priority AE
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 22.0
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 100
Lens EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Focal Length 17.0 mm

Also cokin circular polariser and cokin ND 4 grey filters were used.

[archersdad]

I prefer the second one. I think the fisrt one would look better in video to capture the motion of the waves.

[mfreg]

I prefer the 2nd one..the immensity of the sky against the lone figure seems to evoke more emotion, the 1st one feels kind of "claustrophbic" to me for some reason.

regards
mike

[JerInTheBox]

Second one. I think you're trying to convey the sense of openness and opportunity, exploration. Showing more sky accomplishes that much better than showing more sand.

[wulf]

I prefer the first. The large foreground area emphasises the isolation of the figure staring out to see; the viewer is separated even from the reflection on the sand. Also, the tones of the first image are more muted, fitting the mood of the piece; in the second shot, the sky and sand are relatively bright, requiring more of a squint to see the details.

Wulf

[PD Jackson]

many thanks for your responses, I really value them. I personally favoured the first one but people I asked mostly went for the second. I am really just experimenting with a lot of new techniques at the moment and this forum is great for advice and opinions.

[freybear3]

i agree, the 2nd photo is better. someone mentioned "clusterphobic feelings on the first one" i also agree to that. that is the best description to describe the 1st photo

[Wooglah]

1 more for 2nd...

[ncbcymtechie]

Originally Posted by wulf

I prefer the first. The large foreground area emphasises the isolation of the figure staring out to see; the viewer is separated even from the reflection on the sand. Also, the tones of the first image are more muted, fitting the mood of the piece; in the second shot, the sky and sand are relatively bright, requiring more of a squint to see the details.

Wulf

I'd say more, but he stole the words plain out of my mouth. Especially pertaining to the isolation of the large foreground. It makes the photographer feel more distant and unobtrusive.

Nice shot, and I love the composition!