Vietnam Memorial

[JFisher14]

I have an opportunity to display some pictures in a public place. This is one picture I'm debating on. Please review this a let me know if I should change anything about it. I don't know if the picture is oversaturated... I wanted the flag to stick out in the image. Thank you in advance for your help.

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel
Exposure: 1/4000 sec
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: -2 EV
Flash: No Flash

[offwhitedog]

Looks good at this size to me. No issues with the colour levels. The reflection of the flag works very well.

Have you checked the whole image up close? If you're blowing it up to large size for display, need to make sure you've not got issues with noise and other artifacts. On flickr (at 1024x821) looks like you might have some issues here?

[Sterling]

IMO, I would say yes, the flag is a little oversaturated. It is starting to look like it was overlayed on top rather than being a reflection in the stone. The U.S. flag is pretty recognizable symbol and would be easily recognized in this shot if it's treatment was a little more subtle.

The "blank" section on the right is also distracting. I feel the photo would be stronger with a crop that includes the engraved names from edge to edge. However, that would place the flagpole at the center where it may not look as good.

[navcom]

I agree that the flag is a bit over-saturated as well. Also, it looks like it's been over-sharpened which might be what is causing the noise and artifacts.

Nice composition though!

[sk66]

This is so close to being a FANTASTIC picture.
My biggest issue is that it's hard to read the names. To me, the emphasis should be on the individuals (names) who died in support of the flag. I think you tried to bring the flag out too much focusing on the flag, or worse, not deciding what the focus of the image is and "splitting the difference".
If possible I suggest re-editing to emphasize the names so that they are more readable...sacrifice the flag some if needed. The idea is they died..what a waste..we know why they died, but a semblance of the flag in the image will emphasize the why (right or wrong).

[JFisher14]

Thank you for you helpful comments. You are right, I need to desaturate the flag. I was wondering about that and I needed some honest opinions on the matter.

This is a portion of a larger picture that I took (I didn't know much about compostion at the time) and I saw the potential of a "picture within a picture" and cropped to get this. I used a six megapixel camera at the time and there may be noise from the the picture portion. Is there any way I can reduce the noise on this picture and bring out the names more?

Please use the file and show me what can be done (if it is possible with this picture).

Thank you,
Jason

[sk66]

Here's a quick attempt at it.

[PhotoDon]

My impression of the wall in reality is that it is very smooth, polished and a deep black. In your image it looks grainy. That is probably caused by the cropping and enlargement. I do think the composition is great, the color is fine (IMHO) and the idea is a great one.