Stump City

[johnjuan57]

I would like to get a critique on composition of this shot. And also, does not having much color, hurt or help this shot? Thanks for all the comments.


Camera Fujifilm FinePix S1000fd
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture f/7.1
Focal Length 38.9 mm
ISO Speed 64

[flytyer57]

Makes me think of bass fishing!!

Only problem I have with the photo is the power lines and towers.

[mathgeek]

The reflection is awesome, but there is a lack of subject. I have this problem a lot!

[johnjuan57]

Originally Posted by mathgeek

The reflection is awesome, but there is a lack of subject. I have this problem a lot!

Thanks mathgeek, I was hoping that the stumps would be enough subject, with possibly the towers helping with composition. Also, it is a good bass lake Flytyer. Thanks again

[milosh]

This seems to be a very interesting scene with a lot of potential! Besides the power infrastructure which is drawing away attention from the stumps, I think you would do this scene more justice if you shot it from a higher position. Right now, we can see that these stumps are interesting, but they are too cluttered in the background. Shooting from a higher position would allow you to show more of their reflections and isolate them from the surrounding distractions (power poles). That combined with some nice light could make for a great photo.

[johnjuan57]

Originally Posted by milosh

This seems to be a very interesting scene with a lot of potential! Besides the power infrastructure which is drawing away attention from the stumps, I think you would do this scene more justice if you shot it from a higher position. Right now, we can see that these stumps are interesting, but they are too cluttered in the background. Shooting from a higher position would allow you to show more of their reflections and isolate them from the surrounding distractions (power poles). That combined with some nice light could make for a great photo.

Thanks milosh, next time I'm out there I will definitely be looking for some different perspectives. It would be tough to get any higher. But you've got me thinking. Thanks for taking the time.

[Krusty79]

I can't get past those towers. They ruin what would otherwise be a good shot to me. If you could get rid of those towers, this might look good in B&W.

[shruggy63]

It's good that you can re-shoot. I've looked at the pic for a while, several times because it made me think (which is what we're here for?). I think your original instinct that there was something in the contrast between the rigid, geometric power lines & the more organic, weathered stumps is a good one. But controlling it into an organised composition? Good luck with that one
On my monitor the scene looks a bit odd. It's got a slightly yellow cast, it's very low on contrast & the piles are quite dark. But I may just need screenwipes...

[johnjuan57]

I tried doing a little something different on this shot. Lightened, and lowered some of the tint. I even tried to blur out the towers. Now it looks totally different. But I not sure if its better or just different.

[shruggy63]

It looks much better to me imhumbleo. Can you get any more fill light on the piles? & maybe crop it to the rule of thirds to move the horizon higher? Then I can steal it & print it to decorate my flat!