Monument to the Unknown Soldier, Sofia

[JFSanders]

Lower yourself to the level of the rose and shoot up towards the words. So that the words are at the top and the rose is very prominent in the foreground. I also didn't like the tilt at that angle. Maybe less of a tilt. But I do like the story of the composition.

[PhotoDon]

Looking at the larger image on your Web site the image makes more sense to me. The foreground is in sharp focus and provides and anchor point for the photo. The rose leads the eye back to the eternal flame that points to the inscription. I like the dark, somber tone to the image. It is appropriate, I think, to the subject of tomb. I am a little uncomfortable with the extremity of the tilt, although I think the idea of a tilt works with this type of picture. It contributes to the sense of discomfort that most of us feel with the idea of death and war. But, because of the sharp focus it gives me a feeling of vertigo - as if I'm about to slide into oblivion. (Maybe that is intentional) Perhaps a vertical frame with a slight tilt would contain all the elements and be more effective.

[ATB510]

I'm also not a fan of the tilt, though I think the crop is an improvement as the words aren't as obvious and so you don't try to read them as much. Also the crop brings out the rose and flame more while losing some of the darkness. In my opinion though the composition doesn't lead the eye from one point to the other, you have to looking for them. So from that perspective, I agree with the composition proposed by navcom.

[toddybear]

Thank you for your comments. I will keep in mind what you all said for the future . Too bad that this shot did not work, but I am happy about all the stuff that has been said in the thread.

[PhotoDon]

Just another thought - if this is a crop from a larger image you might be able to re-crop it with less of a tilt or even crop it with a vertical orientation.

[CheaperKings]

Those are words? Anyhow, the tilt doesn't work. You have plenty of straight, smooth lines to use here - I would've used them to your advantage. Like maybe an angle shot with your lines running into the distance (just an idea) and the rose slightly out of focus. It's an awesome idea you did for the shot - just wish it wasn't tilted...

[toddybear]

Yeah those are words, you know latin alphabet is not the only one that is used in the world

[JFSanders]

Originally Posted by toddybear

Yeah those are words, you know latin alphabet is not the only one that is used in the world

It's alright toddybear, they don't use the latin alphabet in West Virginia either... Go Gators

[Browncoat]

I don't like the tilt either. There are other ways to get the rose in the shot besides tilting the camera...such as using perspective.

A more dramatic angle would've been to shoot lengthwise down the wall instead of right in front of it. The words would taper away from the camera, but still be readable, and there would still be room for the rose.

[toddybear]

I don't understand what you mean Tony.