just wanted some feedback

[ejmbibb]

I am a regular in the camping forum, and just a lurker here. I always loved this photo that I took just wanted to get some opinions on how I could have made it better.

John

 

[Anewman]

Looks well exposed and colours/contrast have a nice pop, it is a very nice photo and I am only going to point out technical flaws(IMO) because you asked.

The photo is a bit complicated, I am not sure if the building(lighthouse?) in the background is the subject or if the foreground branches are. Just cant seem to decide which to focus on without the other distracting from it.

How it could have been better?
IMO, and remember I am not a landscape type shooter.

If you could have found a window through those branches to allow you to see the building uninterrupted, branches would have served as a type of natural border enhancing the building.

OR

Aim towards a background that is a bit less busy(field of snow or more distant trees), so the branches could be the distraction free focus.

 

[ejmbibb]

Thanks, that what I was looking for. It is the Presque Isle lighthouse in Erie Pa, and it was just a spur of the moment shot, we had just had an ice storm and I loved the way the light was sparkling of the branches. I never thought of finding a "hole" through the branches to shoot.

Thanks

 

[handicap18]

I agree with Anewman. Very nice shot, but it seems a bit busy. Now that you point out what you were intending, I can see the ice on the branches. Maybe going a bit more to the left, slightly higher and then closer would bring out more detail in the branch. It would also serve as a "frame" for the lighthouse.

I like your idea and way of thinking.

 

[ejmbibb]

Here is another shot of same lighthouse on same morning, no busy branches etc.

 

[DueyDooDah]

...The photo is a bit complicated, I am not sure if the building(lighthouse?) in the background is the subject or if the foreground branches are. Just cant seem to decide which to focus on without the other distracting from it...

Well said. I see you are paying attention to your lessons.

OP:
As for the second shot, I like it much better than the first. The subject is clear, and the shot is simplified. I like the framing you did on the structure, which adds focus to the subject.

One thing that catches the eye, though. The top of the tower is cut off. This is a minor distraction, but something you want to watch out for, unless it's intentional of course.

It's hard to say much more as the photo is so small. For a real critique, you should try to post a larger (800 pixels wide) image. We can then see the detail better. But, a careful pass through PS (or your favorite editor) could help boost some color. Just a bit to make it (I hate this term, but it's popular) "pop".

All-in-all, good job.