Welcoming Bench?

Hi All,
I was out walking in a local forest this morning when I came across this awesome bench! What do you guys think of it? Anything i could maybe have done to make this a better shot?

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Cool bench! I'd go back and wait for some direct sunlight. Light/shadow create a lot of visual interest. Too much of one, does the opposite. There's just no contrast here. Not your fault, blame the sky! Landscape / nature photography is often as much about patience as it is about photography.

Agree, cool bench but a bit squeezed into the shot for my taste. As above some better light and a bit further back to open the shot up a bit would help.

L.J.G. wrote in post #15326230
Agree, cool bench but a bit squeezed into the shot for my taste. As above some better light and a bit further back to open the shot up a bit would help.

lol.. I was so focused on the lack of contrast I forgot to mention that.. but yes, definitely back up or zoom out.

no scale, does not look large enough for someone to sit on. Leaves look huge in relation to bench
If stronger light were present then killer subject
Good find
go back when light can strike it in a most flattering way-work this out or visit at different times of day in better light, or take your own.

john5189 wrote in post #15326288
no scale, does not look large enough for someone to sit on. Leaves look huge in relation to bench
If stronger light were present then killer subject
Good find
go back when light can strike it in a most flattering way-work this out or visit at different times of day in better light, or take your own.

Thank you everyone! The bench is in a really *old* forest, it has some of the oldest standing hopwood trees in all of Ontario. I have no idea how old the bench is, or anything, but I am in love with it! I don't know that light would ever truly hit that bench naturally, but I loved the idea of bringing my own light!

Do you think a 430ex ii flash would do it? Or were you thinking more like a work light that is battery operated? I may try both to see how it goes.

I shot tight because I was limited to only the one lens I had on me at the time (70-200mm IS L USM II). Next time I'll bring something smaller! Thanks for the feedback and suggestions!

Perhaps find a more interesting subject. A wooden bench doesn't really do anything for me.

It feels blue to me? I like old natural things as well, as mentioned, get the right light, right composition, and see what happens. This needs distance, not closeness. You want to see the scale of the small bench and the surroundings. don't shoot face on, give it an angle.

Bring a model to sit/stand/lay on it...I have to agree with John about the lack of scale.
A person would set the scale. [and might help carry your lighting rigs]

Numenorean wrote in post #15326539
Perhaps find a more interesting subject. A wooden bench doesn't really do anything for me.

To each his own, but I find this to be an interesting subject - full of texture and rich colors. I saw those that said to zoom out, but I want you to get closer to the bench. Closer and higher. The most interesting thing about this bench is what's going on on top of it.

The clutter on top of the bench is(to me) one of the most interesting aspects...Try getting closer and shooting from a higher perspecive to accentuate this feature.

cpam.pix wrote in post #15327254
Bring a model to sit/stand/lay on it...I have to agree with John about the lack of scale.
A person would set the scale. [and might help carry your lighting rigs]

Even just a pair/single glove
fruit/nuts

430ex slaved to 7d will do nicely, just to cast a shadow, or bring out textures

I like to photo old, weather worn things also so I understand what you saw, i think bringing in a person whould detract from what you wanted to capture. i would like to see more of the surroundings though.

Fantastic feedback folks! Thanks! I'm bringing along my special helper today (5 year old son!). He will be helping me to get more shots of this bench - I'm even bringing a small portable step ladder so I can climb up for a better downward perspective! I can put gloves on the bench, and maybe even a book? I don't know quite what, but we'll think of something! These are awesome ideas! I love this bench, and I can already see myself heading back time and time again for new views and angles through the seasons!

Acetoolguy wrote in post #15328875
I like... old, weather worn things also so I understand what you saw, i think bringing in a person whould detract from what you wanted to capture. i would like to see more of the surroundings though.

+1 to all.

Must be nice to have a "local forest." *sigh*