Is this too busy?

[simona.boglea]

Hi guys - I've got this photo that I took the other day in the park and I would like to know if it is too busy for you. Also did I over saturate the colors? Thanks a lot!



Exif

Camera: Sony DSLR A-300
Exposure: 1/25
Aperture: f/20.0
Focal length: 75 mm
ISO: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off

[dcclark]

I have some mixed feelings about this. I like the sense of depth, and the series of "frames" (not sure what the term is) with the hanging flowers, which pulls me in.

However, the whole photo seems a little unbalanced. I'm a fan of symmetry, and I think that this might be a good case to center yourself -- it feels like there is a lot more "weight" on the left, from the trees and plants, than on the right. Similarly, it feels like the bottom is a bit "light".

So, as far as composition, shifting around a little bit would probably help you a lot.

As far as business -- yes, there is a lot going on. It would be nice to emphasize the seat at the "end of the tunnel" a little more. If it were hilighted (say, by a ray of sunlight, or even a flash beneath it) that might do the trick.

[simona.boglea]

Thanks for taking the time to comment David - I cropped and cloned some of the roses in order to make the shot more symmetric and lightened up the bench a little. Do these changes improve the photograph? Many thanks again!

[oldwolf]

Looks like a gorgeous place to be. One question you should ask yourself though. What is the subject of the photo? That might help you in figuring out the composition and whether everything else in the picture pulls your attention away from the main subject of the photo.

[simona.boglea]

Thanks for your comment oldwolf. My subject was a small corner of that gorgeous garden and the first sentence of your comment is exactly the reaction that I was after. Many thanks again!

[mikedugganphotography]

I think the second of the two version is a better shot. The saturations are good and not over the top. With the bench in the second shot lighter I am more drawn into the image. A beautiful and relaxing setting.

[Daoust]

I think there's a lot to look at in this photo, and for that reason I like it. Some will say that there is no clearly defined focus point, or that the chair does not suffice as such, but I tend to disagree. It's a very rich capture. The greens are luscious.

[dcclark]

I do like the second, but the bench (which I see as the focal point) still doesn't stick out very much. I think you may want to reshoot, with some sort of lighting on the bench -- it's still fairly dark back there, compared to the rest of the garden.

[simona.boglea]

Thanks all of you guys for taking the time to comment, I do appreciate all your comments and suggestions! Simona