How to improve this ?

[lddw]

Hello!

Here is a picture I've just taken. I wanted to make something with it. I tried to improve it with DPP, but I still think that it can be improved.
I used a higher contrast, a little saturation and then a crop.

Tell me if you dislike the composition or the picture.

First picture is before editing.
Second one is after.

[PCthug]

Good use of thirds, and It is an improvement of a some what dull subject (sorry), but you also have the horizon sloping ever so slightly. With the photo being main straight lines, this emphasises the slope.

[tonydee]

The hydrant is approximately a third from right, but the top of the grass is very low in the frame, and nothing reaches up past half way. I'd have liked to see more foreground. But, not a big deal. It's a very simple composition, which forces attention to the few details that are present. The blue sign is the first issue: it needs to be very sharp but appears a tad soft: I would selectively sharpen it to make it easier to read. The yellow bit at the top could also use a little sharpen or selecting burning at the edges to make sure it doesn't blend in to the background too much. Minor things, but I think they'll make a useful difference.

Cheers, Tony

[lddw]

The picture is now straight. I've also slightly edited the color curves.

I think the compression contributes to the loss of sharpness but i'll try to apply your advice :)
Here is also a crop.

[joedlh]

Okay, it's probably just me. But I think there's something "human" about this fire plug. If it's still there tomorrow;), buy a helium balloon and tie it to one of the "hands". Think of an appropriate slogan and sell it to Hallmark.:lol:

[tonydee]

Nice and sharp at full size. Good stuff. Edits look good. Joe's on to something too :-). Cheers, Tony

[lddw]

Thank you for all helpful critics :)

joedlh, your idea is interesting :)
As soon as I have an idea, i'll shoot it. (if this prisoner is still here next days)