Once was \"Updated May19 for Oops\"

I took a chance at bringing the camera along mountain biking this-morning to capture this shot that has been calling me every weekend.

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Hi Colin,

I saw this picture and thought I wouldn't comment but then you asked again in Share Photos, so I thought I would test our online friendship.

As it stands, this seems like one of those shots that's perfect when you're there but is difficult to translate well to photo.

So, a few things...

1. Visual focus... the dried leaves in the branches at 11 o'clock from the mug are distracting. The viewer's eye and brain spend too much time on them.

2. Objects... as a viewer, I'm not sure what the mug is doing there. We're out in the woods but that doesn't look like a woodsman's mug. I like the manmade aspect of the object but would prefer to see something either more appropriate to a hiker, or something wildly incongruous. It's not a big deal, however; you could be car camping and this could have been in the car, so I don't want to dwell on it. At least it contrasts with its surroundings.

3. Framing... this is a photo that would benefit from the rule of thirds. Put the end of the bench or the mug right at the lower-third intersection point and possibly let the bench trail off the frame on the right.

4. Cropping... because of the long, low bench, consider stepping out of the 4:3 aspect ratio and crop it like a 35mm print at 3:2. That gets rid of some of the background sky and enhances the length of the photo.

Fortunately, it sounds like you see this scene every weekend so you can shoot it again -- if you want.

Just one man's opinion, as always.

Cheers,

Don

Thank you Don.
These are the comments I wanted to see. No fear of losing any on-line freindships here. I posted in this forum for a specific reason and it wasn't for pats on the back.

Hi Colin,

Now there's a big of good news.

You mentioned in your Share Photos thread on this picture that the mug was already there. I think that's one of the reasons I sometimes add a few words of background or explanation to set the stage for my own photos.

While there's a good argument that photographs should stand on their own, I think that's more often the case for great photos. Photos that we most often shoot can benefit from a few words. Knowing the scene was photographed as found makes me forget any critique of the mug and start wondering about who put it there in the first place -- it adds more to the mood, mystery and impact of the shot.

Cheers,

Don

Exactly right, Don.

I have a bench that looks just as rough (because I made it myself) where I go to pray for my kids.

I carry my coffee with me because it is very, very early in the day.

My family is not welcome here when I discuss their future and my past failings with our God; they know this and respect my time alone.

Someday, when I am gone, I would expect the same un-used and overgrown state with my bench and, if I am very lucky, the new coffee mug left on my behalf by one of my kids who finally understands and misses me greatly. Or better yet, who is maybe praying for their kids.!

For me, THAT'S what photography is all about.

This one hit me big time, Thanks!

Chris

I guess this means you're taking the old one with you?

Thanks for your personal experience, Chris.

Cheers,

Don

Hmmm, Don, guess you're right. Do you think it would be allowed?

Great photo, Colin. As you may have guessed, I like it a lot and agree with Don's suggestions once I really started looking at it from a artistic standpoint. I look with my heart first and my mind second, which is a hard way to learn anything.

You do ride in a very interesting place and I hope you take your camera every day. You have a great eye for a good photograph.

Chris

Thanks much Chris. Your story blew me away. It's a story I would love to have accompany this photo with credit to you. Can I have permission do do that?

I would count it as yet one more blessing! Yes, by all means!

Chris

Placid wilderness, harmonized with the bench, juxtaposed with the clean, white porcelain mug... very clever! Or rather, since the mug was left there, intuitive on your part to leave it in the shot.

I really like a picture that suggests more questions than answers: Who left the mug? What's inside it? (Wouldn't drink from it if I were you!) When was the bench last used? What is the view from the bench? Hey, isn't that poison ivy? (Are you itchy?)

I'm pretty sure we can't take a mug with us to the "other side." But if we can, can't we take our camera? And if you do, could you send a few shots back please? (Assuming you make it before I do!)

+ Andy

Thanks very much for the reply Andy. Made me laugh. Thanks.
Also the image has been touched up and the dried leaves removed.

Chris
If you would like to go here you'll see your words applied. I've never had words accompany a photo this way before. I consider it as part of my image now. I will be editing it so that it will be in the image in some sort of way when I can create something suitable.
Thanks again.
http://www.pbase.com/i​mage/16773640/medium

Wow, that's a shot that really evokes a sense of relaxation - nicely done.

Since I know very little about photography and am a newbie at best to this, the only thing I can think of is - would this shot be more powerful in black and white? Not to take away any of the vibrance of the color of the shot at all, it's just that sometimes i think a shot in those simple black and white tones gets even more powerful.

In any case, leave it untouched and it's still a damn nice shot.

Now we are on the artistic: next time try to replace the mug with a full glass of Heinken (or Bud). Think as it of a reward for the shot.

Sorry Henk,

as a true belgian beer-lover I feel forced to correct your suggestion. I would rather take Stella Artois or even better Duvel (belgian beer - just ask me for a free sample if you're really going for the picture).

smile

A new title to an edited version thanks to Chris.
Enjoy!
A time and a place

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