Brother, Where Art Thou?

[bfurbush]

My only problem with this image is the tilt of the church in the background, but I couldn't find a suitable fix that didn't distort the image quite a bit. Could probably use a deepening of the blue in the sky for a better contrast, but I think it's a pretty solid shot overall (but then again, it's only my 2nd photo post :) )

Thanks, C&C needed and appreciated!

Oh, EXIF data is: 1/500", F/16, ISO 400, 55mm, AWB, shot to JPEG.

[BottomBracket]

Hi Brian, I think that's a pic that holds a lot of possibilities. Since you asked for C & C, here's my take on it. First off. I think the main subject is too central. i would frame it in such a way that the statue is at the left third of the photo, following the rule of thirds. Cropping it this way will also take out the distracting roof and branches at the lower left corner. Next, I think the cross competes too much with the statue, but then again it is a pleasing counterpoint if there was a hint of it. The solution I see is to shoot at a wider aperture, so that the shallow DOF will lead the eye more onto the statue rather than the cross. Blur the cross enough so that it is not a distraction, but not so much that you can't make out what it is. Lastly, there is a wealth of textural detail on the statue's surface. A bit of dodging and burning will coax them out. I hope this helps!

I just made a quick photo edit, I will post it if you like.

[bfurbush]

Pio - I'd love to take a look at the edit if you have a chance - as I said, I know some basics in CS2, but mostly for other things aside from photographic editing since I just got the XT last week (mostly web design, graphic design, etc.) Do you know any good resources for a general overview of techniques such as dodging and burning?

[BottomBracket]

Ok, Brian, here you go. There are lots of good threads on this forum and it can be quite overwhelming at first. Take it easy, master one concept at a time and soon you'll be confident in employing numerous techniques. This (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=138533) is a good start. Anyway, here's the quick edit.

[bfurbush]

Pio - thank you very much for the critique and the edit, I really appreciate it. I just put up another shot which I think might be my best yet in terms of visual appeal. If I get a chance, I may go back and retake this shot to see what types of different composure I can come up with :)