Malawi

I went to Malawi on assignment in recent years and have received favourable comments about these two photos. I don't think they're much more than average. Any suggestions of how I could improve them in Photoshop? Your comments are appreciated.

Thanks for looking.

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In both of these shots, I think you needed to decide what your subject was. In the first one, the foremost cow is the largest object. Sure, it's a nice-looking cow. But you composed the shot with it walking out of the frame. Generally, the subject should be oriented looking into the center of the frame, not an edge. However, my eye was also drawn to the blue-shirted man, who was apparently driving the cows. This is a more interesting subject in my view. The figure toting the sticks farther back is an even more compelling subject. So you have three potential subjects. I think you picked the weaker of them. Also, the prow of the boat protruding on the right side doesn't help the image.

In shot 2, we have the same scenario. What's the subject? Is it the kayacks? The island? The bridge? The bridge/island combination draws my eye. Yet the tree trunk breaks them apart. Taking the shot on the other side of the tree with a wide angle lens is a suggestion. I get the feeling that if you walked around a bit and studied the scene, you could have come up with a better, more dramatic composition.

You may argue that you were trying to get a sense of place in these shots. That's a worthy goal. However, it can be accomplished with good composition.

thanks Joe. You are of course totally right.