Trying to get a hold on Architecture and CityScape

[Optikal iLLusion]

I'm really interested in being well versed in all different areas of photography. I've read various bits on composition, etc. This is going to be the first of a few Architecture shots that ill post over the next few days. I'd just like second opinions on quality, composition and whatever else you feel might be missing from the shot. This was only edited in LR3. As always thanks for looking.

EXIF:

ISO-200
f/8
Shutter:1/320
18mm

[IABoomer]

Here's my first impressions: it's quite flat and gray, and while there's a symmetry in the structure, your shooting location doesn't emphasize that, and I find the image off-balance because of this. From the size you posted, the focus, clarity, and sharpness look okay, so whatever you're doing there, keep it up.

In Lightroom, you could either bump the exposure and black levels up, bump up the contrast, or play with the tone curve to bring more blacks and whites into the image and make it less gray.

As far as the symmetry issue, that comes down to positioning. I don't think cropping would fix this, since you can see the difference in angles from the angular support bars that start out of frame on either side of the image and extend toward the top center. Another step or two to the right and the requisite angling of the camera to the left would have corrected this.

One last suggestion might be to move forward in front of the post in the middle of the frame, get lower to the ground, and shoot this again. The benches on either side would provide some balance and the viewer's vision wouldn't stop in the middle at that post. The lower angle would be something people don't typically see, since it looks like you shot this standing upright.

[Optikal iLLusion]

Originally Posted by IABoomer

Here's my first impressions: it's quite flat and gray, and while there's a symmetry in the structure, your shooting location doesn't emphasize that, and I find the image off-balance because of this. From the size you posted, the focus, clarity, and sharpness look okay, so whatever you're doing there, keep it up.

In Lightroom, you could either bump the exposure and black levels up, bump up the contrast, or play with the tone curve to bring more blacks and whites into the image and make it less gray.

As far as the symmetry issue, that comes down to positioning. I don't think cropping would fix this, since you can see the difference in angles from the angular support bars that start out of frame on either side of the image and extend toward the top center. Another step or two to the right and the requisite angling of the camera to the left would have corrected this.

One last suggestion might be to move forward in front of the post in the middle of the frame, get lower to the ground, and shoot this again. The benches on either side would provide some balance and the viewer's vision wouldn't stop in the middle at that post. The lower angle would be something people don't typically see, since it looks like you shot this standing upright.

here is a quick edit to adjust for cropping symmetry and contrast so it hopefully doesnt look as flat. I struggle with wondering how others are seeing the shots i post. Im sure my monitor isnt calibrated so what im seeing and happy with may look kind of off to others.

[Barry Jackson]

I like the second image better.

I miss the wonderful blue of the bridge.

[Optikal iLLusion]

Originally Posted by Barry Jackson

I like the second image better.

I miss the wonderful blue of the bridge.

I have it in color too lol.

[shruggy63]

In terms of composition, the bars at 45 degrees on the left & right completely draw my eye, in a dramatic way, to the disappointment of a hanging lamp & some bright spots on the horizontal. They lead my eye out of the picture.
Comparing 1st image to 2nd, I really liked the metal zigzag in the pillars, why would that be lost to increase contrast?

[Optikal iLLusion]

Originally Posted by shruggy63

In terms of composition, the bars at 45 degrees on the left & right completely draw my eye, in a dramatic way, to the disappointment of a hanging lamp & some bright spots on the horizontal. They lead my eye out of the picture.
Comparing 1st image to 2nd, I really liked the metal zigzag in the pillars, why would that be lost to increase contrast?

Thanks for your feedback. I disagree with your opinion on the bars on the outside distracting. I guess that's just difference in eye. As far as the darker areas and losing the pattern in the blacks... I'm working on a non calibrated monitor. After the second edit I viewed it on someone else's computer and realized that so I guess thats just something ill have to deal with until I can get it calibrated.