Chinese Farmer Meets Irish Traveller In The Mountains

[Overbeyond]

This is one from a year back. Lots of shadows and lots of messing in Levels and Curves. Reduction in size for posting and saving for web has not helped.
Your opinions are valued as usual.
Tom

[DJM]

I agree there are lots of shadows, but it is still a great shot. Nice contrast.

[Yoyo Szeto]

Hi Tom,
I like this photo. The farmer shows curiosity. It seems they are talking. A harmony between East and West.
yoyo

[Asylum Steve]

IMO, the composition of this image is close to perfect. The problem is the high sun throws an extremely busy shadow and tonal pattern over the entire shot.

Because of this, the great placement of all the physical elements is not able to lead the viewer's eye the way it would if the lighting was softer or perhaps more directional.

But, as I mentioned, the composition is very strong. I like the artificial horizon formed by the angled "crest" of the hill with the old structure on it. The stone walkway the Chinese farmer is sitting on also leads up to a sort of vanishing point that connects with the hilltop.

You have nice horizontal and vertical elements. The structure and fence, the line of goats, the stack of blocks and stones visually intersecting the tree from the top and stone walkway from the bottom.

If I had to change one thing (other than the time of day this was taken), it would be to move both people slightly closer to the camera: the "traveler" down right in the foreground of the shot, and the farmer closer so his head didn't stick between and interupt the line of goats.

[Overbeyond]

Thanks to all for your replies.
As Steve says that high sun never helps matters and I probably wont get this scene again.
It is my favourite memory from that trip and my daughter (in picture) related to me later the details of their conversation and a very informative one it was.
Thanks Again
Tom

[gahspidy]

Tom, very good framing and an interesting scene. As Steve pointed out, the composition is very good, but the high contrasts make it difficult to get a good read on the scene. I have a feeling this will look far better even in print.

[Overbeyond]

Tom, very good framing and an interesting scene. As Steve pointed out, the composition is very good, but the high contrasts make it difficult to get a good read on the scene. I have a feeling this will look far better even in print.

I agree Gary and thanks for your comments. The A4 print opens it up very well.
Tom