Shots from the Pond

[The_Pearl_Poet]

I really don't do much HDR, but I would like some feedback on these. Thanks.

 

[FanBoy]

I'm not so sure HDR benefits this landscape much, maybe around the shoreline a bit.

These are likable serene shots. As for the composition, it could use some work. There's competing elements in the photo, such as the bridge, the piercing sun and the repetitive trees and their mirror-like reflections.

 

[Rick50]

I agree with FanBoy. HDR probably not needed and work on composition. Maybe I should just say ditto!

 

[The_Pearl_Poet]

Thanks for the comments.

 

[pgriz]

In the first image, a key element is the horizontal symmetry between the upper part and the reflected lower part. To emphasize that symmetry, you would deliberately put the horizon line in the center, which you did, but not completely, as the sky space above the right tree in the reflection is missing from the upper part. A second element in the image is the left sloping triangle created by the lines of the tops of the trees. This triangle is weakened by the inclusion of the rightmost tree. It would be a powerful image if the right edge of the frame would be aproximately where you put it in the second frame, the horizon line would be dead center (to reinforce the symmetry), and the left edge would extend a bit more to the left to allow us to see the visual triangle.

The second image is a different take on the same scene. Here, the dominant element becomes the smooth water with the reflections and the sunbeam creating another visual triangle. Obviously, the bright spot of the sun poking through the tree branches creates an immediate visual attractor, and the challenge then becomes to frame the image so that it reinforces the dominant element. I’d consider putting the right edge just over the tree trunk of the tree at the right, and the left edge just at the bridge support immediately to the left of the shoreline. This may create a more square presentation.

The challenge in both images, is to identify the main elements and then simplify the image so that the main element is truly predominant.