Forbidden City Watchtower - What would you have done?

[JustinD]

I'd appreciate tips/comments/critiques of this image. What would you have done differently? The only thing I'm not satisfied with is the sky.

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[Philinnz]

really nice composition and the fairly flat sky could do with a little treatment, however with the big reflection it could look weird if the fiddled sky and reflection did not match up. You could always post it upside down (grin) - I will watch what others suggest! -

 

[PhotoDawg]

Wonderful shot and nice reflection. The only thing I can say about this shot is that it is a bit too bright, but that's just me.

 

[JustinD]

I stuck a frame around it. Thanks for the comments.

 

[PhotoDawg]

Nice going Justin!!

 

[obelix]

Justin

A circular polarizer would have been wonderful to this shot, it would have pushed the sky.

Composition wise, I won't change a thing, it is as good as it gets.

 

[sinapps]

Wouldn't change a thing. It's great as is - even the sky. Cloud formations, gradients, etc. would take away from the fascinating details in the architecture.

 

[Man-Fai Wong]

Justin,

I hope this doesn't come across too harsh or anything, but since you asked for critique... Honestly, for me, it's just an ok pic -- it doesn't really do anything for me.

First, I prefer more contrast in most images, and it sounds like a couple others would agree. Try adjusting curves or using some other dodge+burn technique to add contrast to the image. I would be tempted to try B&W myself, especially since the colors themselves don't work for me here. But yeah, the sky could use some interesting clouds or more interesting colors like during sunrise/sunset -- but there's not a whole lot you can do for that now. Also, it seems like the reflection is showing some sort of color banding effect.

Second, regarding composition, it's a bit too "perfect" looking to me. It just *feels* like you're "trying too hard" w/ the composition. I suspect the seemingly perfect lines and shapes of the various objects, etc. adds to that feeling for me.

Finally, maybe it's really just me, but I find the overall image a bit bland. IMHO, looks more like a typical, sanitized, concept art design image for the structure than a personally seen-and-made photograph of the real thing. The color palette seen here combined w/ lack of certain details (eg. people, clouds, etc.), the way objects and lines seem so perfect and the very deliberate composition all add up to that for me.

Honestly, I hope this post is not too harsh. I really don't know how else to put it w/out failing to say what I mean. Hope it's helpful to you. But remember, it's just one opinion out of many, and I ain't no pro photog nor some artist either, so please do take it w/ a big block of salt.

Very kind regards,

_Man_

 

[JustinD]

Thanks for all of the replies!

 

[JustinD]

Also, this shot was taken about an hour after the sun rose. I'm not sure the polorizer would have had much of an effect. I suppose I should have stuck it on the lens and had a go anyway! Hindsight 20/20

 

[jkamphof]

Try cropping it vertically. The tower and the reflection make a good up-down (...or vertical) type of shot. Give it a go. Make sure if you crop you have the tower towards the left of the image, the flow of the wall falls right.

I love the green in the shot, while it is heavy it adds great flavour!!

Joel

 

[Ken-L]

It's a fine shot. Looks good as is. As was said by another, changing the sky might detract from the overall effect.

If you wanted to play with the sky, I have seen posts about creating a layer just for changing the sky area. I have never done this so I can't offer a how-to.

 

[DMcG]

I'll side with Joel for this, try a vertical crop and use the tower as the bulk of the image.
Man also raises a good point - it's almost too good !
I would have tried to take more of an angle on it, using one of the walls for perspective and sight along that. Of course, I've got no idea what's outside of the shot, so this may be the only stance you could shoot from without getting scaffolding in the way

A circular polariser would have definately brought out the sky.

 

[greyflash]

It's a beautiful and peaceful image. Leave it as is.