Input to Mission photo editing/cropping for wedding gift

[NetG]

Last year my archaeologist stepsister married a fellow archaelogist at an old mission south of Tucson. Her photographer she hired was pretty disappointing, so I'm looking at trying to get a nice photo/print/frame for her for Christmas. I'm thinking about this angle, but can go back to get a shot on a day with fluffy clouds, and have done no post-processing except a small amount of cropping.

Thoughts on post-processing color adjustment, if I should go with a different angle, etc? I intentionally left the reflective table in front of it, because there's a model of what the mission used to look like there, and they signed the wedding license on that surface, so it has extra meaning.



Tumacacori - a set on Flickr

Sorry I forgot to put EXIF info!
Canon EOS Rebel T1i
1/60 second exposure
f/14.0 aperture
ISO 100
No exposure bias
No flash
Focal length 45mm

[Mogen_david]

Since you want to leave the table in the photogaph and it has extra meaning. I think I would try to utilize its properties more in the photograph. As it is it is fighting with the rest of the image. The trees aren't adding much to the shot either. I like the repeating arches, I might try to emphasize the three arches if possible.

[shell]

First of all, let me say that I think this is a wonderful idea for a gift...one with meaning and your sweat behind it.

That said, I like the general idea for the photo. I like the looking through the archway, and it adds a very graphic architectural element and framing to the composition. However, without knowing what else is behind the right side of the photo (more of the building), could you slide more to the left of the frame, and shoot on more of an angle in the archway (rather than head-on) to get more of the building in the frame? Again, without being able to know what’s there, this is only a thought as to what’s there. And then perhaps you could get more of the tree in the photo on the right side of the arch, since as it is quite distracting.

I also have to agree with the above post about the table. If I hadn’t read your description I would have no idea why it was left there...more prominence in the photo would be wonderful.

My other suggestion would be to change the time of day you took this, to sunset. A nice warm glow with a colorful sky would be beautiful. As is, it seems somewhat “bland” coloring, with nothing to really draw the eye for color. It would also make the tones of the building richer and perhaps highlight some of the beautiful architecture of the building.

[NetG]

There's very limited space trying to get the photo from the arch, as I was standing in another doorway, but I can definitely see if I can get it at more of an angle/get the fallen tower which is cut out more.

I am definitely hoping to go at a time in which there are either some clouds in the sky or the sun is setting. This was taken right after they opened in the morning - I am limited by short hours right now. However, since I need it for Christmas I can wait and go back closer to both sunrise and sunset to see how each affects shadows and colors. That's definitely one of the things I was already planning on, so I'm glad someone else thought it was a good idea. Since I have the photo in RAW, I can edit it, too, but do expect to go back probably at least twice between now and picking a final photo!

[shell]

Glad you already have some of your own opinions about it too, and plans, before you even read ours. I think you have a great idea, and I'm sure it will be a wonderful photo and gift in the end!

[NetG]

Thanks!

I'll definitely have to try and see if I can get a better angle. Hopefully without a park ranger who thinks he's helpful if he stands in front of my camera lens...