Endless Lines

Well, I started out shooting a really nice sunset, but these darn power lines kept getting in the way. So rather than fight them, I thought to make them the subject. By the time I was done with PP, I decided the great colors of the sunset didn't do much for the composition, and B&W had more impact. So here we are...what do you think?
Attachment 92513
Canon 1D Mk IV, EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS L (1/50, f/5.6, ISO 1600)

Oh man, it's been forever since I've been around here, but I figured I'd give some critique while I was here. For as centered as you are, I think you're just a couple degrees off to the right...maybe getting that center wire lined up would satisfy my ocd. I'm also curious what this might have looked like had you gone across the street and composed it with the power lines going from corner to corner maybe.

Good to hear from you N8! I've just recently returned, but not many of the "old-timers" are vocal anymore. I owe a bunch of you guys a lot of credit for my education, based on what I learned from the many candid critiques that has made this site unique and valuable.

Your comment regarding the off-center position is duly noted...and I instantly noticed it when I started working on the files. I "felt" centered when I set up the shots, but the rapidly descending sun probably fed my haste and I simply didn't verify it. As for the perpendicular perspective, I will try to look at that next time I travel this route. My recollection is that the poles are too widely spaced, but maybe at a sharp angle it would work. Would still need to shoot mostly into the sunset, as there wouldn't have been enough light for this to work otherwise.

Thanks again. Hope you drop in more often!

I think power lines can be good subjects if you pull them into the scene to show the interaction of man and nature. This one is OK but I think not having any detail in the dark areas, and no color, may hurt it. I do like the single car's lights :D

G

Based on your input, Greg, I thought I'd offer the lightened, color version to see if you think it is a stronger image.

Attachment 92574

Have you thought of a portrait crop, the framing would sorta mimic the poles rectangle and deal with the space on either side which doesn't really do any thing. Don't lose the headlight its a great part of this image, and I prefer your edit Ken.

I prefer the color image,it looks like you can feel the temperature.

color - 100%
wish headlamp weren`t so bright

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hminx

Have you thought of a portrait crop

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In portrait crop...
Attachment 92599
Heck, I've stared at this so much now, I don't even know if I like it anymore:confused:

Color here works well, personally I prefer the softness of the first color edit the second seems too dark for my taste. I don't like the centered crop as much as I thought I would. I'm usually drawn to scenes like that. In the full frame color shot the cool tones from the clouds on the left and the dead space kind of drag on the scene. I like the square crop you just suggested for me, and think it might help keep this focused on the positives without making the composition too centered.

It might be interesting to increase the ISO

I agree with GB1, but would add that the image could also increase my interested with an offset composition rather than a centered one.