Need a Critique Of This Shot Please

I rarely shoot buildings but this kinda got my attention as I was walking by.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2ge7​dCT

So I'll bite. This really isn't my genre, but I can give you my first impressions. I really like the lines and patterns in the image. Where I start having issues is that it doesn't have for me a clear subject. And I get that the patterns can be the subject. I'm just not the best at these types of shots someeimes where being a sports photographer - it usually just out at you. My eyes want to jump to the flag. But there isn't enough interest in the flag to hold my attention there. Then there is the third building that is ever so subtle. There should be an image here. Perhaps going BW would force attention more to the geometric aspects of the image. Or maybe a just slight tweak on the crop. With the current crop, I see a grey scale image possibly working better. I would keep working the image. I think there is something there, to me its just not "there" yet... where ever that is.

Again, not an expert at these kinds of shots... someone more experience in architectural images or abstracts could probably advise you better.

Agree with Croasdail. Not much for my eyes to hold on. Everything is there, but its somehow not working for me: Not minimal enough, the lines are not working for me, not enough contrast - neither in color nor in subject, the blue facade is way too heavy without providing enough interest, the vertical lines on the left building are very dominant but somewhat boring. I see the appeal though but have no suggestion what I would do.

Thanks guys!
There is no 3rd building if your speaking of the poles next to the flag. The Federal Reserve building on the left was built from 1975-1978 and the blue building is being finished up now. Like I said buildings are not my thing but I thought the contrast between the two was interesting. IMO the fed building is quite impressive especially from ground level.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/27fR​m6j

I agree with Croasdail & Drmaxx. Sometimes shots like this look better in B&W.
Here's my take on it partially inverted. I think maybe the flag could be cloned out for a cleaner look.

Here is my take.

Personally, I like the image and I can see where you are getting stuck. Contrary to other comments, there is a subject and a very prominent one... the flag. The problem is that it is squished up in the upper corner with very little breathing room. The square format of the image gives more precedence to the building facades, taking away from the flag itself.

To fix this I took a little liberty with your image and did some crude editing. I narrowed the framing to emphasize the vertical aspect of the lines and increased the top and bottom to both further emphasize the vertical lines and to give the flag some headspace. I then increased the overall contrast and darkened the left building to give it some separation from the sky. I also closed up the two buildings, removing a lot of that open air between them.

For me, the overall texture works because of the fact that after a few minutes of viewing that texture disappears. It's a visual illusion our eyes play on us that actually works in your favor for this image. This then brings that flag, now in a more prominent position due to the reframing, better into view as the main subject. If you are open to it, you can even 'cheat' the flag a little larger and/or replace it with one blowing the other way (although that would definitely be seen as backwards).

Anyway, that's my two bits. I hope this helps.

I'm not going to overthink an artist's work. You saw. It spoke to you. You captured. You shared. It's a nice play of graphic elements. Does it evoke an extreme emotion on my part? No. But nevertheless, an interesting image.

I like the balance of this edit better. Like the OP stated, the verticals lines are interesting... but were being dominated by the other building in the original edit. This edit takes away that contention. Also taking away the noise of the third building helps too.

Thanks for all the reply's guys! I will never, ever shoot another building

What? Why? You do have a good image here. Part of growing in any field is learning from our failures. This image really isn't that big a failure and you should be proud of it. You saw something in that scene that many others wouldn't have and that is a solid start. Don't give up just because of a little frustration. But then that's just my two bits.

But you didn't shoot a building, you captured a moment. It's a solid, interesting image. Nothing wrong with sharing a cool image with the community.

I don't normally shoot urban landscapes, but this view kinda got my attention.

As did this. ..... which I viewed as a more appropriate shot of Seattle.

2cruise wrote in post #18877704
I rarely shoot buildings but this kinda got my attention as I was walking by.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2ge7​dCT Lines by Whisle (Clyde Cornett)

I appreciate geometric compositions and minimalism, and this has both in abundance. I also like the range of blues you got.

Now the "buts."

1. All the color is on one side. I won't dwell on this, because it was obviously intentional. I guess it just isn't the kind of contrast that I find pleasing.

2. The flag is a center of interest in a way, being the brightest thing around and having symbolic value, but its location is an odd place to be where the viewer's gaze ought to settle; it's too high. The slope of the blue building's top acts as a leading line. I want to slide down it and find something near the corner, in the gap (sky at top of wall). But there's nothing there.

3. People who have a strong emotional attachment to the flag might feel that 60% of it being hidden is somehow improper.

-Duck- wrote in post #18878222
Here is my take.

Personally, I like the image and I can see where you are getting stuck. Contrary to other comments, there is a subject and a very prominent one... the flag. The problem is that it is squished up in the upper corner with very little breathing room. The square format of the image gives more precedence to the building facades, taking away from the flag itself.

To fix this I took a little liberty with your image and did some crude editing. I narrowed the framing to emphasize the vertical aspect of the lines and increased the top and bottom to both further emphasize the vertical lines and to give the flag some headspace. I then increased the overall contrast and darkened the left building to give it some separation from the sky. I also closed up the two buildings, removing a lot of that open air between them.

For me, the overall texture works because of the fact that after a few minutes of viewing that texture disappears. It's a visual illusion our eyes play on us that actually works in your favor for this image. This then brings that flag, now in a more prominent position due to the reframing, better into view as the main subject. If you are open to it, you can even 'cheat' the flag a little larger and/or replace it with one blowing the other way (although that would definitely be seen as backwards).

Anyway, that's my two bits. I hope this helps.

Hosted photo: posted by -Duck- in
./showthread.php?p=188​78222&i=i200513667
forum: Critique Corner

I like it and wouldn't change anything.