Why do I like this photo so much

[RonD90]

I have been into photography for a couple of years now. Lately I have been reading alot about what makes a photo interesting and I can't conclude why I like this other than the fact I was there with people I care for. I admit that I don't fully understand composition, lines, subject, ect. I don't think the subject here is extremely strong and I don't really see any lines except the horizon which I actually have below the 1/3 line.

I would appreciate any critique (either good or bad) to help me understand what I did right and what needs to be improved.



Thank you all for helping.

Ron

Date Shot: 9/5/2010 15:36:29.00
Image Quality: Jpeg Fine (8-bit)
Device: Nikon D90
Lens: VR 55-200mm F/4-5.6G
Focal Length: 55mm
VR: ON
Aperture: F/14
Shutter Speed: 1/200s
Exposure Comp.: 0EV
ISO Sensitivity: Auto (ISO 200)

[dalmorloson]

I'm far from an expert but here's my take. I love the subject, but not the composition. I think from another angle this could be a great photo. It just seems that everything is in a straight line the same distance away. A shot from a different perspective with some depth would do wonders. I think too that some of the sky could be cropped. Just my 2 cents.

[RonD90]

Originally Posted by dalmorloson

I'm far from an expert but here's my take. I love the subject, but not the composition. I think from another angle this could be a great photo. It just seems that everything is in a straight line the same distance away. A shot from a different perspective with some depth would do wonders. I think too that some of the sky could be cropped. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks Dalmorloson,
Both are excellent suggestions. I looked at the original and i can crop out more sky and add to foreground to keep the same size. Unfortunately I can't change the perspective without returning there, but will stop and try different perspectives if I ever return. (I was in a mule drawn wagon, driving by when this photo was taken, so I only have one shot.)

Thanks alot...
Ron

[cleamon]

It's ok, but I think I would first and foremost clone out that smudge in the upper right.

[Trish Phillips Johnson]

I agree about the angle. The next time, take lots of shot from many different angles. Also, you were having to fight the sun, at no fault of yours. You might want to keep a polarizing filter in your camera bag. That way, it will tone down the sun. As far as the subject, it's great! If I see an old barn or broken fence. I'm there shooting! There's just something about it that makes for beautiful images. Good job!

[LoveDSLR]

I like to think outside the box. Here I played with colors.

[Aleix]

There's a disturbing line on the upper right corner, perhaps dust on the lens or so? It's easy to clone with Photoshop and makes the viewers' attention focus entirely on the subject.

Nice hut btw

[dalmorloson]

I was going to ask about that, like you caught one of those "rods" you hear about on the UFO shows.

[RonD90]

Thank you all for your honest critiques, and thanks loveDSLR for the time you spent. It has opened my eyes to look more as to what a photo can be opposed to what it is. And a special thanks to Dalmorloson for explaining the unknown smudge in upper right side. UFO makes perfect sense to me...