Birdhouses - composition, processing critique requested

[johassler]

I'm not sure why the photo isn't showing; here is a link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johassler/3919525792/meta/

Camera: Casio EX-Z50
Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture: f/2.6
Focal Length: 5.8 mm
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

I use GIMP for processing.

I'm particularly interested in critique of the composition and advise on what processing might help to improve the shot. I'm limited to an older point-and-shoot at this time, and so am trying to improve my photographs given the limitation of my camera.

[SandeeWig]

Originally Posted by johassler

I'm particularly interested in critique of the composition and advise on what processing might help to improve the shot. I'm limited to an older point-and-shoot at this time, and so am trying to improve my photographs given the limitation of my camera.

Hi johassler and welcome to DPS.

I'm interested to know what you like or dislike about this image; is the bird house special to you? Personally, there is nothing particularly exciting about the composition here for me. The red/white/blue house is more interesting, and I might try to crop it, or take other angles/images focusing on that one. The house at the top adds nothing, in my opinion, and with the blown out sky and utility pole, it actually detracts from the image.

[johassler]

Aimee, thank you for making me think about what I like about these two particular bird houses. They are the houses I see last thing before I leave my home in the morning, and the first thing I see when I return. When we bought our home, one of the things that appealed to both my husband and I most was the plethora of bird houses. I've been working on editing photos to include in a "Our House" book - because we so love the older home we now own. So I think what I like about them is that they say, "This is where you'll grow old together" to me.

That said, I think perhaps I should wander the yard again, a bit after sunrise, and see what other birdhouses speak to me - and whether there's another angle I could take on this house. Cropping might help (just scrolling up until just above the red/white/blue house does seem to improve the composition to me - thanks for that thought!).

None of our houses seem to be occupied at this time - but I have hopes for next spring.

Thanks again for both the welcome and the comments.