Suggestions for making this pic better?

[dphoto]

Hello all,

I took this pic using my Canon 300D with my 80-200mm lens at 80mm f/11 1/13 sec. I then touched it up in photoshop.

There's a lot I like about this pic, and a lot I don't like. I'll keep my comments to myself at this point so as not to taint your thoughts. :) Anyhow, any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!
-Deva

http://capitalcityphoto.com/gallery/photos/capitalcityphoto.com-Nestled.jpg

[GPR1]

A nice scene that looks like the Oregon Coast. Am I close? In any case, a couple suggestions to get you started:

1. The branches of bushes/trees sticking up in the bottom of the frame distract me. In old photo terms I'd tell you to find a new compostion that either included or excluded them, but you could also clone them out.

2. The composition is a bit static. There is no place for your eye to start and move. If there was a vantage point that allowed you to have the shoreline moving diagonally through the image, it would have been stronger.

I like the mist.

Greg

[dphoto]

Hey Greg,

Thanks for the feedback! The shot was taken in Trinidad, CA, about one hour south of the Oregon border, so you are *very* close. :)

I toally agree with you... the bush has got to go! I'm intrigued by the diagonal shoreline idea... what's the theory behind that? I'll have to play with it a little.

Here were my original thoughts:

1. Remove the bush
2. Soften the bottom of the image a little... it seems too harsh for the top of the image.
3. Highlight, brighten, or color the home in the image. That would give it a better focal point.

Well, thanks again for the input. I suppose I should get to work. :) I'll post another image if I can get an improvement out of this.

Thanks again,
-Deva

[GPR1]

I disagree with softening the foreground. I think the difference in softness gives a sense of depth.

Regarding the diagonal horizon, the compositional theory is that diagonal lines have more force and impact than horizontal ones. They lend a sense of depth and movement.

However, you should always do what creates an image you enjoy. All the rules are made to be understood, then broken when it suits you.

Greg

[dphoto]

Thanks Greg for the compositional theory. I always like to know "the rules" because it helps me compare what I have done to what I could have done. And as you say, you have to do what best suits you, not the rules. :)

Thanks,
-Deva