Guardian at the gates

[zephod]

I couldn't decide whether this guy should be here or portrait so if it needs moving feel free. I went out and spent some time at the base chapel today and shot this statue that I love. It has been a distinct part of my life during several different times that I've lived on this post in California.

I am fairly happy with this photo but I feel like there is something missing. Obviously I can't control the wind of the flags would be waving with gusto but there's something just not quite WOW. Should I crop it down more or perhaps try to get an even lower perspective and shoot up? Any ideas appreciated; we are out of here in 2 weeks and i really want this photo to really stand out.



Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/9.0
Focal Length: 30 mm
Focal Length: 30.0 mm
ISO Speed: 250
Exposure Bias: -1/3 EV
Flash: No Flash

Thanks in advance.

Doug

[wal]

Have you tried taking it at a different angle..? it does not have to be captured straight in front, maybe at the side, or even from the back, try to show the sky or the surroundings some more instead a tree behind it, or try an angle where the tree will be placed beside it. these are just suggestion, i'm not there so i sure don't know what is the surrounding looks like.. but in my opinion, photos of of figures like this will be more interesting if i can see the background too...

[MihadAli]

Up closer or different perspective perhaps.

[weswat1]

Not sure what's to the right but a side view with the American flag as the backdrop may be interesting?

[tvoelcker]

A couple suggestions for what it is worth.
The picture appears to be in need of a slight straightening.Appears to be leaning to the right a bit.
The flag poles are a good element for framing the picture but I think I would crop a bit closer to them.
The detail in the trees is competeing with the statue. I see you shot at f9 but I would open your aperture as low as it will go such as f3, f3.5 etc. Doing so will help to blur the background making the statue more prominant.
If you could shoot with some nice side lighting it would produce some interesting shadows.

[digirebelva]

try a different perspective...and add a bit more of the base

[zephod]

Thanks for the reply's. I think I'm going to grab several reflectors and hope it's not as windy and try to bounce some light up off the side. I will step down my aperture as much as I can, I actually thought about my 50 mm 1.8 to see what it looks like as well. Thanks again for all the help.

d