Orange Windows

[Mars Observer]

When I first saw this building, my initial reaction was 'a sad fate for a majestic building'. But the more I looked at it, the more the contrast appealed to me.
Critiques for improvements:

[crystalb]

This is a nice old building, but I do have to say I like the bottom half of the pic better than the top. But hey, that's just my :twocents:

[Marko]

I'm not sure about this one Mars Observer...and I'm usually quick to decide.
All in all though I feel something is "off". Certainly the bricks have a strong colour cast that i find distracting.

I think with the title like that...it may have been better to crop the whole lower portion of this image. That way all the viewer's concentration would be where you probably want it. (on the windows).

I think the windows are cool and suggestive of a story. "What IS" going on behind those windows. But the way it is now...there too much "else" going on.

Hope that helps and just my :twocents:
Marko

[tirediron]

I'm going to have to agree with Marko. Good idea, but the execution isn't quite there. There are some serious exposure issues (nearly blown highlights between the upper windows, deep shadow around the lower areas) and the colour cast is not pleasant. The other issue is the composition. Definitely cropping out the lower area would help, but the angle really doesn't work well. I think square on and level with the windows is what is needed here. Understand that may not have been physically possible, just putting out ideas.

[Mars Observer]

Thanks for the feedback and tips - greatly appreciated!!

[AcadieLibre]

I think you would have been better off capturing the entire building, to me the crop is the issue. I like the concept but the crop really is not what I think you should have done, I think the orange windows work, to crop out the rest of the building in my opinion would ruin the shot. As always just me :twocents:

Edit: Also maybe more straight on to get the full effect, that of course is personal taste.

[Mars Observer]

I think you would have been better off capturing the entire building, to me the crop is the issue. I like the concept but the crop really is not what I think you should have done, I think the orange windows work, to crop out the rest of the building in my opinion would ruin the shot. As always just me :twocents:

Edit: Also maybe more straight on to get the full effect, that of course is personal taste.

---
Yes, thank you, thank you!! I felt I didn't quite capture what I wanted too, but just couldn't put my finger on why I felt that way (just a vague feeling) - but now that you say it, I think the crop is a big part of why it doesn't work (at least for me)!!

I wanted to contrast the majestic looking lower part of the building to the slightly more bland upper half, the torn orange (almost tacky) tarps and look of disrepair.

When I look at the bottom half I imagined what a 'jewel' it must have been "back in the day". A pride and joy. And then my eyes go up, up... and I think 'what a shame - what happened for it to have fallen on such hard times'. What's the story?

I wish I could re-crop it (but that's the full image). Next time... :thankyou:

[JAS_Photo]

I actually like the post processing that gave it the color cast. THe top part is too blown out though. Sometimes I go back and photograph the same thing over and over before I am happy with it. If at first you don't suceed....well you know. :)

[kat]

I actually like the post processing that gave it the color cast. THe top part is too blown out though. Sometimes I go back and photograph the same thing over and over before I am happy with it. If at first you don't suceed....well you know. :)

Exactly my sentiments!

[jlabel]

I think it is too much contrasted and the angle does not help, is that a critique about how the building is now or a photograph of the beauty it once was?