Porthcawl Pier RHS Balance?

Hi everyone, many thanks for the comments on my last post. A while ago I posted an image of Porthcawl Pier during a storm. I enjoyed the feedback, and most said the image looked unbalanced on the RHS. After scanning through my images, I found a Gull on one, which I have attempted to use in the image, to balance it. I dont know if what I have done is considered 'ethical', or even if I have done it correctly? All C&C's would be very welcome.
Regards,
Paul Rosser.

Same Techs as before,
Re-processed in CS4.

I don't think there is anything unethical in it whatsoever, as long as you don't try to pass it off as anything other than a digitally manipulated image. As for the image itself, as I am currently working off a small laptop screen I will leave others to comment.

David

Hi Paul,
have looked at the image several times and whilst the image seems more balanced my eye is taken with the gull. I wonder if the bird was smaller in the image it would be less dominant?You have made a very good job of introducing the gull and as David said there is nothing wrong with manipulating an image if this is declared when puting the image into the public arena.

Nick.

The gull adds interest to the RH side, but it is pulling my eye away from the main subject, I think this is because it is flying out of frame to the right therefore naturally leading your eye that way, try putting it into a new layer and flipping it so it is flying towards the wave break rather than away from it, that way it acts more as a leading line to the action

I agree here with Mike, the gull needs to fly in the opposite direction to make the image really work. Good Photoshop skills!
Rene de Heer

It certainly works for me Paul but I do agree that flipping it would work better.

Hi everyone, thanks for the comments and advice, much appreciated, and here is the result, but boy did it take some working out, lol . Andy A. I ain't
Regards,
Paul Rosser.

Much better Paul.

Prefer the re-post Paul.

Nick.