On the edge

This image was made in July of 2007 in Quoddy State Park near Lubec, ME. I'm on the edge with this one so I'm seeking your input.

I like many of the individual elements and the different textures in the grasses but would have liked the path to be clear of intersecting lines. Does this comp with its small lighthouse work for you?

5D, 24-70L @ 46mm, 1/13 @ f/16, ISO 200, -1.33 exp bias, polarizer

On initial examination I never noticed the lighthouse! Still, I found the image pleasing with the foreground RH stump leaning left, which mirrors the skylined left-leaning trees. I agree that the path is somewhat lost, but it does work as a leading element. This capture has a nice range of colors and tones to keep the eye interested.

the stumps dominate the lower scene, but you placed the lighthouse perfectly to catch the eye when going up the photo, I think the lines work well and you found some clouds to break up the sky :)

Wayne I like the image, the light is good, the scenery is outstanding. As you say the individual elements and textures are right, but to me it needs a more prominent focal point. Perhaps cropping the lighthouse out and concetrating on the foreground stumps would help.

It is a pleasant scene with some nice colors, but it is not particularly compelling. On the rugged coastline of Maine most of the drama takes place at the shore, where earth and sea are engaged in a timeless struggle. Those two stumps represent a lifelong struggle to survive the winds and storms sweeping in off the Atlantic, a struggle that finally came to an abrupt end. Your photo suggests something of that drama, but downplays the ocean's role in it. Were the lighthouse a bit closer, it might have substituted as a symbol of that grand struggle.

Another possibility would have been to feature the walking trail and let it draw the eye into the image. Unfortunately, that would have eliminated the ocean from view!

I don't know if any of the above is helpful, but I wanted to offer more than just "nice picture, nice colors."

Great feedback everyone, just the help I was looking for with this image. And Daniel, I think you hit on what I couldn't seem to quantify in my mind. The concept of edges, where land meets sea in this case.

Here is another version from just a few feet right of my last post. I brought the path more into play and there is more sea evident too. I know the sky is blown out in spots but thought that this comp might give additional food for thought for those who may comment later.

Thanks for your comments and insight, they are much appreciated.

Wayne, initial look is pleasant with nice comp of this sloping shoreline scene. The lighthouse is a small part of the grand view, but carries much weight implying a deep somber emotion to me, this is the part that I want to have the greatest impact when I look at it. The stumps flora and path keep drawing my attention back to the foreground dominance. It is done very nicely with in the respect of total scene composition. To me if the sky had just a little more punch it would make the distant view a bigger part of the overall scene.
Also when I scroll my screen down and crop just below the stumps removing the green flora at the very bottom leaving the stumps to frame the bottom, it seems to bring more attention to the remaining image. I know this changes the aspect of the image which I usually try to prevent but to me it helps.

I like this second image Wayne, if you could get that sky toned down in the hot spots it would be a wonderful image. I like the single stump much better than the double as well. It fits very nice next to the leading path.

Wayne, I like the 2nd image better, you managed to leave the lighthouse and by cutting out the 2nd stump made what I feel is a stronger composition. Now if you could just sprinkle some pixie dust on those hot spots.

Oh, I could fix those hot spots alright ... maybe I will and put up another revised version of this seaside setting. Thanks!

The path in the second version gives the whole picture a clearer sense of narrative direction and purpose. I can imagine the path eventually leading to the distant lighthouse. I also believe that the single stump is far more dramatic, more compelling somehow.

Fix the blown sky and halos around the trees and you will have a photo of which to be proud. Trying to lighten up a photo too much using P.S. will cause those kinds of artifacts.

Daniel, in this case the halos around the trees are the result of my web sharpening sloppiness. One of those cases where I "settled" because of being in a hurry. Thanks for your comments.

Wayne, sorry to comment so late but I have been out of town for a week. I think I like your first selection the best. Just my personal taste, but I like the softer tones.

Hi Wayne,
I think I like the 2nd image bc it is a little more simplified. It let's you wander down the path and not have to trapse through the bushes. Both images are nice. Looks like a nice place.
Rob

Sorry to also be a little late on this, Wayne, but I think the processing/color balance of the first is much better, but would like to see more to the right which the second image provides.