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.

[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 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.

[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.