Enter at your own risk...

[baldemort]

I composed and processed this to give a really foreboding/menacing look. Very tricky to take/compose as the path is on a very steep curve and incline and the walls are high on the path so can't get low. I felt it wasn't right to go for a wider aspect as there wasn't much but tree branches etc on either side and I prefer the way the tight framing hems the viewer in. All original colours but just desaturated. Comments and thoughts would be great.

[baldemort]

looks like a spam attack!!!

[ksbryan0]

I see what your intent is with this image, and I think the subject can work to make the statement you're after, but to me the castle is almost too bright and clean. I'd suggest darkening the bright spots on the structure, and maybe come down -1 or more EV on the entire scene. Some low lying mist or haze would add to the mood you're looking for here. Also, the building seems to be leaning to the right a little bit, so you may want to straight it out a tad. If this is a site you can return to, you might look for similar opportunities shooting through the gate on the left side of the castle...from here, it looks like it has a foreboding appearance!

[Greg McCary]

I think the sky may be a bit over done and it looks like it needs sharpened.

[baldemort]

I see what your intent is with this image, and I think the subject can work to make the statement you're after, but to me the castle is almost too bright and clean. I'd suggest darkening the bright spots on the structure, and maybe come down -1 or more EV on the entire scene. Some low lying mist or haze would add to the mood you're looking for here. Also, the building seems to be leaning to the right a little bit, so you may want to straight it out a tad. If this is a site you can return to, you might look for similar opportunities shooting through the gate on the left side of the castle...from here, it looks like it has a foreboding appearance!

thanks for the reply and comprehensive advice. i can't shoot from the gate sadly as its closed off and on a very steep incline. the lean on the building is the building being not straight as the lampost near it shows, but whichever way i do it it doesn't seem right due to the lay of the building. i like the shot dark too but thought most would not, so will have a play and maybe darken it a touch and repost. thank you.

[baldemort]

I think the sky may be a bit over done and it looks like it needs sharpened.

i think the sky is a matter of taste as if anything i would have done it more, but then i am sure most people would have agreed with you that its too much. the sharpening is definitely soft, you are right, but again that was personal taste as it looked too hard to me, but i will post a sharpened version which you may prefer as this shot has only been very slightly sharpened in ps acr. thanks for the advice, Greg.

[Greg McCary]

i think the sky is a matter of taste as if anything i would have done it more, but then i am sure most people would have agreed with you that its too much. the sharpening is definitely soft, you are right, but again that was personal taste as it looked too hard to me, but i will post a sharpened version which you may prefer as this shot has only been very slightly sharpened in ps acr. thanks for the advice, Greg.

I agree the sky is a matter of taste I like the composition. If it looks sharp in print is what matters.

[baldemort]

Mono and a further desaturated and slightly coloured sky to balance things out a touch...

[ksbryan0]

I like the first image of your new post, the BW has a more ominous feel to it. The second is too warm to convey the mood you're looking for.

[hminx]

The odd crow or raven in the sky wouldn't go a miss, have to agree with Ken the B & W has the most ominous effect. Nice composition

[armando_m]

Nice moody image !

I like the original better than the edited versions which seem to loose even more sharpness
the b&w I find it to dark


good composition !

[Adamo]

I have to agree with Armando on this one. The original is the better image!

[baldemort]

The odd crow or raven in the sky wouldn't go a miss, have to agree with Ken the B & W has the most ominous effect. Nice composition

thanks for the advice. a raven would be great, or a crow sat on the near wall, but as i don't have time to sit and wait, would it be cheating to paste one in???

[baldemort]

I like the first image of your new post, the BW has a more ominous feel to it. The second is too warm to convey the mood you're looking for.

thanks for the reply, and glad the mono works for you.

[baldemort]

Nice moody image !

I like the original better than the edited versions which seem to loose even more sharpness
the b&w I find it to dark


good composition !

thanks for the reply and glad you like it.

[baldemort]

I have to agree with Armando on this one. The original is the better image!

thanks for the reply and comments and glad you like the image. thanks

[ksbryan0]

I'd say it is only cheating if you denied manipulating the image or promoted it as untouched.

[baldemort]

I'd say it is only cheating if you denied manipulating the image or promoted it as untouched.

i was hoping you would say that!! thank you for the advice.