Divided on this one

[Sebastian]

[Tuna]

I am going to assume that your title is literal and you are unsure if you like the shot or not...though your image can certainly be halved as well.

I like the top part but not the bottom third. You've certainly achieved the comfortable symmetry throughout but, for me, there doesn't seem to be enough detail to cause enough interest in the bottom to be included in the whole.

Tuna

[GB1]

I think you achieved excellant symmetry. Interesting on shots like this, you can really tell the limitations of lenses, as I can see some barrel distortion at the top and bottom (not too bad though, my zoom lenses are a lot worse in that respect). I also like the top 2/3 of the shot. Somehow, the dark bottom third doesn't compliment the rest. Actually, the photo is a tad busy, but I think the one thing that makes it more of a symmetry expt than a really great shot is that there's really no area that qualifies as a subject. I can't decide where to look! Maybe if there was an outline of another object behind the glass top area... (where are the 9-11 suicide planes when you actually want them eh). Oh and the black and white works well here.

-GB

[Seb]

Seb, I can't decide if I would crop the bottom or not. Actually, I don't think that you can afford to cut the stairs. I'd cut a very slight band under the stairs at best.
Moreover, my feeling about this one is that it isn't suited for web displaying at all as your wide angle covers so much. The picture looks somewhat too busy on a computer screen but I bet that a 13x19 print would looks excellent. I like the noise and the low fi (so to speak) nature of the shot. It's quite moody.

hope that it helps

Seb

[ken1953]

Sebastian...I really like this...not only the contrasts of the geometric shapes, but also the contrast between the dark and light. I think it loses something in cropping the bottom third since, for me, the dark rounded shapes anchor this. You have the light "lacy" feel on top...and a very solid, sturdy foundation! I really like this in b/w as well. Thanks for posting this!!
Ken

[Sebastian]

Thanks everyone.

Problem is, I agree with all of these viewpoints, I like it for one thing, but hate it for another. I actually will order a large print of this just to see how it looks.

GB,

This was taken with the Nikkor 18-35 f/3.5-4.5, a decent, albeit not great, higher-end consumer zoom. But even my 17-40L exhibits the distortion, but at least it has much better sharpness and color.

Tuna,

I am struggling with the same thing. I tend to like images that make people a bit uneasy, but this might miss the mark and just be ineffective. I dunno. Must think about it much more.

Anyone else, any thoughts? Speak up!

[payn817]

I agree the a print would probably be a better presentation. I see this more as a part of a series, perhaps with the photos from viewfinder (or some others) that show these great intricate details.

[readingr]

Seb,

Just seen this - work keeping me busy again.

I agree with all the comments so far, as for cropping the bottom I think it would be difficult to get a sensible crop. However, Have you tried dodging the bottom t try and get a bit more detail in, which might help the shot. It looks as if there could be quite a bit of detail in the bottom part.

I love the symmetry, its just the bottom half that to me is just to dark and throws the picture out of balance.

Roger

[gahspidy]

Sebastian, I agree with Tuna in that the upper most part of the picture is what I find keeps my attention, but I do not feel that you could/should lose the bottom. while the bottom does not give me much to like if I focus on it, it does act as a sort of base on which the upper part of the image can display and present itself from. Sort of like a base for a work of art. In whole, I feel it should stay.
This image is a good one, in it's symetry and great patterns, light, and tones are nice to view.
Seb is right, this will really stand out in print, as so much of the strength in this image would be the intricate details in the patterns, which we are most likely missing lots of in the monitor.
I would hope you order a ink jet print from a good b&w system( such as the Piezography or new epson K3 inkset) , as I feel a light-jet print would not bring the best results from this image.
Good work

[Chunk]

The first feeling I had when opening this was a great feeling of depth and space and I'm sure a large print will enhance that. I enjoy the various patterns within the frame.

[LeeIs]

I love it as is. I'm really enjoying the intricate patterns up top. The bottom might be a bit dark and heavy but I think it balances(anchors) this shot down. I don't think it would look as good with out the stairs down below. Great shot.