Leaning Tower

[Overbeyond]

Straighten up that tower and thats the end of Pisa.
Hard to get anything without a tourist getting in the way, so I decided to focus above them and zoom in. Would be vastly improved if that auld netting was not there. Comments or any suggestions for improvments welcome
Tom

[PuckJunkey]

...that is, and I'm not just saying this, one of the most interesting shots I've seen of that spot. You have found a rarity in places like Pisa or at the Eiffel tower... a new perspective. Because you didn't shoot it standing at the foot of the tower, it's a completely different way to look at a famous structure and its surroundings. I also like the texture you've picked up, and the contrast from dark and light gray / brown tones works well. I will say it's a tad softer in spots than it could be but it doesn't detract from the overall quality of the piece since the structures are so old.

As for the netting, I didn't even notice until you pointed it out. It's so dingy and gray that it more or less blends in with the stone. Nice job.

PS - excellent signature.

[Yoyo Szeto]

Hi Tom,
Another interesting and unusual perspective of the place. The lighting on the right adds another pleasing element to the shot. I feel the left a bit soft; I wish it would be a bit sharper. Good eye!
yoyo

[gahspidy]

Good point of view, Tom. What I notice, and feel effective here, is your focal point is on the buildings on the right. (which are further behind the tower) Was it autofocus that was attracted to the contrasts of the lighted areas? For me, it works to further bring the leaning tower "off kilter" and the "odd one out" so to speak. As PJ noted the net does not distract or take away from the image at all. Nicely done, Tom

[Overbeyond]

PuckJunkey
They are very encouraging comments and I very much appreciate them. I'm also glad you like the signature.

Yoyo
Thanks for your contribution also. I note your comments on the softness of the tower itself. Not intentional. The autofocus obviously picked up the buildings on the right. I suppose I could always select the tower and give it a bit of the old USM.

Gary
I'm interested that you like the focal point. I have to say it was not intentional (just the way the auto focus worked out) and I was even wondering would the shot have been more sucessful had the focus been on the tower and the right hand buildings been a little off. Many thanks for giving your time.
Tom

[swmdrayfan]

Tom,
This, is to me, a good example of what you mentioned about focal points. I hope I've learned from your response to my picture. I plan on taking a good look at your work, as well as the work of others to gain the proper idea of what a good photo tells the viewer.

[jar_e]

Definately not a cliche picture from a highly photographed area. I personally wouldn't mind seeing a person in the picture to give perspective (ie. in the window), but that might be tough given the situation. Overall, I like the texture, and it's a great shot.

Jared

[Overbeyond]

Thanks Jared and swmdrayfan for your comments on this. Very much appreciated.
Tom

[juzzus]

The image could have achieved a more 3 dimensional effect if not for the use of smaller aperture ...