I can't understand (need C&C)

[Benjo255]

I shooted this yesterday and after processing it I discovered myself liking it somehow. But I need an external point of view (yours). I can't really say f it's delicate...or if it's just pointless and not interesting at all.
Ready for your C&C.

 

[Rick58]

I went back to take several looks, which I guess says something. I'd say "interesting". I'd like to see a little more room at the top, which would get the lamp off the centerline

 

[Trever1t]

I like the subject, always partial to lamps and their abstract appearance. Agree the framing of the subject is what bugs me most. I might try cropping in tight, I know the shadow is cool but might be better in square format.

 

[Benjo255]

I'll make some tries. Thank you for staying tuned.

 

[Benjo255]

Here:
Square:
1.

Decentered:
2.

 

[limr33 2]

Square, definitely.

Now boost the contrast. This feels too mid-grey to me.

 

[Dagwood56]

I think delicate is a good word for this and I like the muted grays. My thoughts would be on the original image, just crop off the right side, just to the right of the shadows.

 

[KenC]

The original, with the right and possibly some on the left cropped. Centering isn't an issue here, imo, because the shadows are so asymmetric it wouldn't have a static feel to it.

 

[kdthomas]

I vote square, and second the vote to see less midtones

 

[Benjo255]

I also like the square crop.
Is it ok for middle tones now?

 

[limr33 2]

Yes, I think the tones are better.

 

[mmaria]

well... I think the first one is the best

 

[Nevermore1]

I like the last one. I also love that lamp!

 

[K_Pugh]

I like the 1st one! When I first glance at it I automatically thought I was looking at people dancing from a top-down view. The lamp has a sense of motion, flow, and elegance about it, the shadow also added to the impression. I like it.

 

[Forkie]

I really prefer the original and I totally disagree with the square crop. It feels completely unbalanced. The "decentred" one also feels unbalanced - there is no "logic" to it's positioning there.

The tones in this image are really odd. Was this shot with a high ISO in the dark? I tried playing with the levels and curves and couldn't get any detail out of it which is why I think the your original post works so much better than your other crops. There is so little variation in tone that the large amount of negative space in your original highlights and draws your attention to the subject (the lamp), but in the others, the lamp and it's shadows take up all of the available space and that, coupled with the lack of detail just creates a cramped, claustrophobic jumble of different shades of grey.