Unpopular, but I like it?

[IainM]

This is a shot I took on a rainy day near sunset, and I quite like it. But generally, it doesn't seem to be a popular shot (based on views on deviant art and FB likes/comments).

So I thought I'd come here and ask; what is wrong with this photo? is it too boring?
perhaps it would look better in a series?



I understand that people like different things, and I'm not all cut up about it not being liked as much as I like it or anything, I'm just curious is all. (not to mention I may learn something)

[sybren]

I think it's too messy. The lines go everywhere. Instead of focusing the eye of the viewer into the subject, the lines are leading the eye away from it.

[LeeR]

I like the shot and don't think it is too messy at all. The lamp that is lit serves as a kind of anchor that holds it together for a very different but well executed composition.
However, you have to understand that sometimes the things we like the least are the things that just ran out of style. I am old enough to remember when disco was king; then its sudden demise. There was a time when no one wanted to make a move that looked anything like a disco move because that dated you and made you look unsophisticated. The same is true with selective color now. It was hugely popular for a while, but it has fallen quickly from grace and most people avoid it like the plague. I know that you were trying to draw our attention to the lamp since it is critical to your composition, but I think it is unnecessary. It will serve the purpose just fine in pure b&w.

[SpencerC]

Simply amazing...

[digirebelva]

The lamp does draw the eye right away, which is good, but once you eye leaves the lamp, then it doesnt know where to go in the jumble of wires behind it, I would blur the background somewhat to help that

[junglebear]

I have to agree with Lee, I used to love playing around with selective colour and now I admit that I turn my nose up at it. I guess it has it's place but usually it doesn't enhance a photo. I think go for B&W.
As for the composition, I really like it. As most of the lines in the background are out of focus I don't find them distracting, and the lamp gives a point of interest apart from the lines. I think overall you've got a nice shot here (if you make it full B&W )

[IainM]

Thanks for the comments, and i can see what you mean about the colour.
However, this photo is as shot, strait from the camera. That's just what it looked like, and is kinda the reason i took it.
But i guess if that's not obvious then yeah, people will think I've done some kind of selective colour and yeah, I can understand turning their noses up at it.
Perhaps I'll try a B&W version, and see what it's like.