Second Thoughts?

Thoughts anyone? And critique welcome.
Photo taken from my recent trip at a temple in Zhongdian.
Many thanks
Tom

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Overbeyond

Thoughts anyone? And critique welcome.
Photo taken from my recent trip at a temple in Zhongdian.
Many thanks
Tom

---

Tom, the composition is fine. What a view! If I wanted to be picky, I'd point out that the guy shoes doesn't fit with his clothes but frankly, the picture have too much visual impact to stick to this kind of details.

Have you used a filter of some sort? I dig the colors but overall, there is an illustration "quality" to the picture. I am curioius about your post-processing.

Seb

I like the sky and clouds and the clouds' shadows lying on the landscape. You've caught the contemplative mood of the foreground figure.
I find the nearby rooftops a distraction but think the tree tops immediately behind them are important to keep. I think a lower camera position would have improved the shot, hiding those rooftops and possibly allowing the figure to transect the horizon, tying together all regions of the photo.
The horizon line being near the center of the shot, I think a crop of part of the sky would be effective while leaving the interesting part of the sky.

If it were mine, I'd try brightening the robe(?) on the figure. Just seems to blend into background a bit too much for me.
Otherwise its a great shot.

The mountains and sky and green field, not to mention the placement of the fellow, is great, imo. However, it is kind of a contradiction. The fellow's robe to me seems like he should be overlooking his flock (maybe Ive watched The 10 Commandments too many times?) or a temple. However, his shoes sort of kill that cause it injects a western/21st century feel. As mentioned I luv the mtns and the town at the foothills are OK, but imo the worst issue with the pic is the buildings in the foreground. They just don't belong there. Perhaps that is what he is thinking?

Anyway, very impactful shot even the issues I discussed. It's one that has most of the right elements but just needs some replacements of the others.

GB

Tom,

I like the composition of this photo and the colours give a tranquil scene.

However two things could be improved

1. Totally impractical is to ask the chap to wear sandals or bare feet - the trainers spoil it for me.

2. the burnt out parts of the clouds overpower the scene so if you could burn these in a bit it would make this photo even if you can't fix #1.

Everything else is excellent, lovely photo Tom.

Roger

Seb; No filters (in fact I dont carry any at all to be honest). The only post processing I did was a little levels adjustment around the figure and a little saturation. I usually finish with a bit of usm. I think the light on the day in this area was nice even though it was not too late in the day.
Chunk; Thanks for your comment. It has been mentioned before about a crop from the top so perhaps this is the way to go.

Gb1; I understand the contradiction you mention what with those trainers etc. Hence the title. He is a buddist monk who could be having second thoughts and looking back on what could be. That is what came into my mind. The monks also use mobiles and ride motorbikes! Interesting to hear the comments on the village in the foreground; funnily enough I considered that to be an asset. Thanks for your interesting critique.

Frog. I'm with you here. I did actually give the figure a lift but perhaps not enough.

Roger. Many thanks. I agree with you on the points you made. See my reply to GB re the shoes.
Tom

Tom, this is a very nice image as it is. The colors are rich and the view spectacular. All the things mentioned already could help improve upon it further. For me, the thing that I feel would improve would have been to wiat for the man to turn his head, or to stand further to his side so as to have a bit of his face showing. I agree with Chunks comment about the centering of the horizon, to an extent, but I think the placement of the man and foreground area help offset that. Also, I think a slight chop off the sky would make the horizon even closer to center, unless you chopped it significantly which would hurt the image, I feel.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gahspidy

Tom, this is a very nice image as it is. The colors are rich and the view spectacular. All the things mentioned already could help improve upon it further. For me, the thing that I feel would improve would have been to wiat for the man to turn his head, or to stand further to his side so as to have a bit of his face showing. I agree with Chunks comment about the centering of the horizon, to an extent, but I think the placement of the man and foreground area help offset that. Also, I think a slight chop off the sky would make the horizon even closer to center, unless you chopped it significantly which would hurt the image, I feel.

---

Thanks Gary (almost forgot)
As you say, and I agree, the aforementioned critiques and suggestions would help the image along its way. To be honest I'm not too sure about seeing any of his face but one thing I am sure about is that a change of footwear is called for.
Tom

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Overbeyond

Thanks Gary (almost forgot)
As you say, and I agree, the aforementioned critiques and suggestions would help the image along its way. To be honest I'm not too sure about seeing any of his face but one thing I am sure about is that a change of footwear is called for.
Tom

---

I am not sure about that at all. Anyone who travels knows that the combination of modern and traditional clothing is extremely common throughout the world. That shot is quite representative and indicates the competing influences for the hearts and minds of even the religious monks.

Ronnoco

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ronnoco

..... and indicates the competing influences for the hearts and minds of even the religious monks.

Ronnoco

---

Very well put ..
I agree with you 100% Ronocco. My reference to the footwear was a lighthearted comment.
Tom