Helen's Bench (first critique!)

[k8et]

This was quite a happy accident in that it turned out better than I expected. I'm asking for critique (my first time here! be gentle but honest!) to help me recognize what works and what I could have done to make it better - as well as whether any post processing would help. It's untouched right now. I like the texture on the front of the bench, but wonder if it is too dark. I'm also now wondering if cropping would help - notably at the top where the background is more distracting.



Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

(another shot of the same bench - IMG_8239 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! - I like it better because the sign is clearer, and the texture, but the one I posted here gave more of the "empty seat" feeling that I like, felt like more meaning than just a detail shot.)

Thanks in advance!

[windrider86]

I think another angle may have suited this better. I did not know it was a bench until I read your description of it. I see what you were trying to do and its a wonderful idea. \

[k8et]

thanks windrider - you have a good point. though I liked the angle and it was what I was going for, maybe I am zoomed in too far... I had hoped the sign on it would get the message across more.

part of the reason for wanting another lens or camera body is to play with shallow depth of field without being up everyone's noses, so to speak - that's definitely why I zoom in closely more these days :P

[Rick Fisher]

K8et
I looked at your other work and you are very good.
I noticed that this picture has a very narrow focus right around the leaf but the name badge is out of focus. I think it would have worked better if it had focused the name and leaf. It is not to dark.
Keep snapping. and label your Flickr photos! lol