Maine Farmlands

[TMorris]

Is the composition completely off on this one? I love the setting, the colors, and the general atmosphere, but I can't quite frame it up in a way that feels right. Suggestions? Thanks!

Nikon D60, f 6.3, 1/640 sec, ISO 200, 95mm

[EOBeav]

This is a nice scene, Tammie. Compositionally, you have the horizon running through the middle of the shot, so I'm wondering if that's throwing you off. You don't really have anything in the foreground or the background to emphasize, so it's difficult to know where to crop.

I'm also wondering if this shot could be done at a different time of day? Early in the morning or late in the day, with the sun low on the horizon, would give you better quality and direction of light, which would in turn add depth to this shot. As it is, you've got some fairly strong shadows, which takes away from the scene. Some clouds above those trees would be a nice touch, too.

[TMorris]

Thanks. Yes, with lack of room for much cropping, I just can't seem to pull out what I'm looking for. It's close-by and an absolutely gorgeous corner of the state, so I go there often. I'm watching it for some special winter shots that should be available soon. I agree that early or late light would be pefect. Now if we could just get them to invest in some horses to add to the field for me! ;D

[Michael_2010]

I might have thrown a blanket on the ground and then looked up through the grass toward the old Gambrel style barn.

Of course, I'm not a good critic of such scenes. I come across similar frequently and have a tough time figuring out how to present them in an interesting way. Usually in an attempt to portray the large expanse of the property, I lose the detail that sets such a shot apart from average snapshots. Tricky compromise with composition I have yet to figure out.

[photocist]

Try moving forward , and get the top of the buildings along the top third. or get the horizon line along the top third.

the colors are awesome on that shot. i just wish the detail in the buildings came out a bit more, which i think you can accomplish by moving forward a bit.