What could I have done better?

[Pejacre]

I know what I was trying for here but the end result is a bit 'meh' - would have preferred shooting wider to show more of this interestingly shaped building but only had my 70-300 and no unobstructed vantage point further back. C&C appreciated.

Sunset to a point by pejacre, on Flickr

 

[endurodog]

In my opinion only. The blue part of the sky color seems off. There is no real point of focus since there is only part of the building showing. I would pull back a little bit and let the sunset show off the building. Your headed in the right direction.

 

[WesternGuy]

To be very honest with you, I don't know that I would have bothered to take the picture, but then that is just me. It shows neither the building nor the sunset to any advantage.

WesternGuy

 

[Pejacre]

Thanks for the comments. I know there's a shot here waiting to be found but this isn't it. I need to find some point of interest, angle or field of view but my eye's not good enough. I've read that proper photographers sometimes visit the same location several times before they get the image they're looking for so I'll try that. I agree there's an odd blue colour to the sky too - I may have messed that up in processing.

 

[manaheim]

I actually think it's kind of interesting. I think the balance is a little off and it could use some love with curves, but...

Here, try this...



That's a crop off the top, which brings the image into balance and allows us to more easily find the bird. A curves application to bring up the midtones and hightones, while slightly reducing the low ones... basically makes the building and sky present better and more dramatically.

Oh I also did a slight sharpening pass to give the lines a little more pop.

 

[mmaria]

I actually like the shot, and Mana's edit

 

[Ysarex88 82]

I like it -- very nice photo. The bldg. has great graphic character. You've placed it well in the photo and it integrates nicely with the sunset that reflects in the windows. I can agree with manahein's crop but then again I like the sky. I think a few trifles make a big difference. Clone out the two utility poles and some distractions in the windows -- and the bird.

Joe



The only other thing I did was enhance the reflection of the sunset in the window by applying a slight Overlay blend and shift the color balance slightly warmer.

 

[Pejacre]

I actually think it's kind of interesting. I think the balance is a little off and it could use some love with curves, but...

Here, try this...

View attachment 81122

That's a crop off the top, which brings the image into balance and allows us to more easily find the bird. A curves application to bring up the midtones and hightones, while slightly reducing the low ones... basically makes the building and sky present better and more dramatically.

Oh I also did a slight sharpening pass to give the lines a little more pop.

Great edit Mana - love the curves adjustment and appreciate the feedback - thank you!

I actually like the shot, and Mana's edit

Thank you Maria! I've seen some of your own excellent work and I'm so relieved you don't hate mine!

I like it -- very nice photo. The bldg. has great graphic character. You've placed it well in the photo and it integrates nicely with the sunset that reflects in the windows. I can agree with manahein's crop but then again I like the sky. I think a few trifles make a big difference. Clone out the two utility poles and some distractions in the windows -- and the bird.

Joe

View attachment 81125

The only other thing I did was enhance the reflection of the sunset in the window by applying a slight Overlay blend and shift the color balance slightly warmer.

Cheers Joe - that's some grade a witchcraft you've performed on the pole removal - respect sir. But the bird? Why did he have to go!! Whyyy!!!!

Whew - it's ok, I've pulled myself together now. Thanks all for taking the time - I was nervous about posting anything on a forum with so many experts but it was totally worth it for the advice - thank you.

 

[Ysarex88 82]

But the bird? Why did he have to go!! Whyyy!!!!

Because the photo is not about the bird and the bird was a distraction especially given it's placement.

Joe

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

 

[Pejacre]

That's an interesting take Bitter - I like the simplicity of reducing it to opposing geometric shapes - thanks!