Historical Style: The Jefferson from under a Cherry Tree

[SirMike1983]

Below is a picture from here in D.C. during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The picture was taken from under a Cherry Tree across the tidal basin from the Jefferson Memorial (a lesser known memorial, but still quite beautiful). Picture taken a little before sunset, and a kite appears as a spec to the left of the memorial in the sky. Camera is an original 1938 35mm Kine Exakta. These monuments have a sort of immortal, timeless feel reaching into the past and I was hoping the old Exakta could grasp at that.

[GB1]

You did capture it. Success, I think. But the photo's also missing something. All that uninteresting foreground - arggg. It's missing a boat or two, but then again that might take away from the nostalgic feel. What can one do, eh?

Try playing with the composition. I think there's a better one here somewhere.

GB

[SirMike1983]

I think you're onto something there. The tidal basin waters are often filled with paddle boats and small boats during the summer. They don't let anything in this early in the year though. I think maybe another visit this summer would make for another good chance. I'm still learning 35mm (the Exakta is the first film camera I've owned) so maybe a little more experience will help future shots there too.

[PlantedTao]

I like the feel of this photo...I believe you should try some more monument shoots with this camera.
The cherry blossom is a nice touch, but I think you could have put in more of the tree, especially if they are in bloom.
Can you get a red filter for this camera? I think the sky and water would benefit...even burning in the sky might help a bit. I would like to see some more contrast on this print...not too much, but a bit more.

A very unique photo because of the camera, but I think the composition could be improved with more tree and not having the monument so dead center.

Cheers.