Which one?

[Runmonty]

I have been looking at this image too much and am going cross-eyed. I would appreciate some independent opinions. Firstly I am unsure how interesting this image actually is. Which version do you prefer? I would also appreciate any other honest (brutal if necessary) comments and critique, and any opportunities to improve it.

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[Iguanasan]

Definitely lose the selective colour shot. While it can be a very cool effect with the right subject matter it really isn't working here as far as I am concerned. As to the other two it depends on you. I almost always prefer the colour shot as I like colour and the rich tones in that shot make it for me. The OCD person is saddened that you didn't move two or three inches to the left as it looks like you were _almost_ in the exact middle. You are so close that the minor bit you are off makes me feel it's a bit unbalanced.

All that said, I'm not a super fan of architecture shots but if I were I think I'd really like this one.

Hope that helps! :)

[mbrager]

I can imagine you standing in front of these doors saying to yourself "wow, these are cool doors and arches, not to mention the intricate stonework carvings, I should take a picture" and then setting up the shot and trying to find the proper spot for a symmetrical composition. So you have your shot/shots (no way you took just one) and you get home and upload them to your computer, and...
Somehow the magic of the moment is gone. Maybe you are just a little too familiar with the setting to remain intrigued, or maybe the light isn't what you thought it was. Pretty flat light with no shadows I can see except under the arches.
Well, what do I see? Doors, arches, etcetera. But the intriguing question for me is the context, i.e. what are these doors to, what is behind them, where does the light in the middle window come from and why isn't there light in the left and right windows? Who uses this space and why is it empty now? What's the story? Why did RM think they were so cool to begin with? I tolerate ambiguity quite well, love it in fact, so asking questions without answers in a photograph suits me fine. In fact, I would say well done, because looking at your photo has stimulated lots of thoughts in me. I believe that's enough. I do like the color version best.

[Runmonty]

Thank you for your comprehensive comments. I appreciate you taking to time to provide the in-depth responses that you have. I certainly find this feedback helpful.

To put this in context, last year I joined the Australian Photographic Society (predominantly at the time to access some discount magazine subscriptions). The day I joined I noticed on the website that the Sydney International Exhibition of Photography (http://www.siep.org.au/) was closing that same day. On a whim I entered 4 images without any real thought or expectation. I had never previously had any inclination to enter a photographic competition. Surprisingly 1 image was accepted for the exhibition. I have now been invited to enter another contest, and one of the categories is architecture. I have never been one for photographing architecture and can find it a bit static. I was looking at this shot and trying to work out if is was worthy to enter -thus my request for the assessment of the above image.

Iggy, I don’t know why I considered the selective colour processing. I used to try these a few years ago, but quickly got over it and now I find the process a bit “cheesy”. For some reason I didn’t mind it on this occasion. I am glad you have set me straight:), and I will try to lean a tad the left next time.


MB, you pretty much read my mind, although I think you have seen more in the image than I did (at least consciously anyway). Your response has made me think a bit more about it. Thanks

If I win any money in the comp I will buy you guys a beer when you visit Australia. (Actually I will do that anyway)

[Marko]

Personally i don't mind the selective colouring here...but it does make the viewer concentrate on the doors.

I prefer the colour version best though it feels about 10% too yellow for me.

[Realist]

I like the color and the selective color shots. The BW is a little flat compared to the others.

[Runmonty]

Thanks Marko & Realist. I guess I owe you guys a beer too:).

Looks like colour version is the winner

Marko, I used the colour balance to adjust the yellow in the original, and I am happier with the colour now - Thank you. You were pretty much spot on with the 10% too - at approx 12% it started to get a blue cast.:thumbup:

[asnow]

I going to be different. I quite like the B&W version.

[Runmonty]

Thanks Asnow - I think I was leaning toward the B & W when I first posted this too.

[Barefoot]

I going to be different. I quite like the B&W version.

I like the way you think. I fav the b&w, too.

[Runmonty]

Thanks Barefoot - now I am even more confused?

[Doug L]

Nice image. Love the building. Colours (no colours) aside, I find it almost too symmetrical, and I find that I wish there was something specific to guide me around or focus on, like if one of the doors were wider open. But that's just me. Again, nice shot.

[QuietOne]

The color one looks like someplace you might wander into. The black and white looks - foreboding. I'd expect trouble if I went in those doors. The selective coloring invites entry, but you're left wondering if you'd like what you find.

[Runmonty]

Thanks Doug & Q1.

Doug, I agree an open door (the left hand side of the right set of doors) would add a bit of tension and make it more interesting. Thanks for that observation

Q1 - these are actually a building at the University of Adelaide, so I guess any of the scenarios you describe could be accurate :)

[John Marks]

YEah I have to say the B&W version is my fav as well.

It brings out the texture and the years of weather that show throughout the concrete and stone. It ages the image appropriate to the age of the building IMO, without the distraction of any color.
I agree the lighting is a little flat on it, but thats the nature of the day it was taken. I'd love to see this same picture taken with a hint of sidelighting skipping off the stone to cast come light shadows. Then it would POP!

[Lorey]

I like the b/w, but of course I prefer b/w about 90% of the time. I really like the tones in this too.

[Runmonty]

Thanks Lorey & Doug. At the end of the day I went with the B & W version.