Tunnel Vision

[LeeIs]

I've had so many problems settling on this image. I've originally shot it in colour so that was one problem. Colour or b&w. I also have numerous other versions mixing the b&w and colour to emphasize the tunnel, etc. All feed back is appreciated.

[dbutler]

I think this shot is great! I like how you composed it. It feels as if the viewer herself (or himself) is encapsulated in the tunnel. I also love how you met the horizon smack in the middle of the opening. And the play of shadow on the walkway reflecting what is above gives it a wonderful continuum.

And to the left, there's that handrail that is running down another walkway (I think it's another walkway) that further adds to the tunnel. I just wish there were one on the right as well, for balance.

The only thing that I'm not sure about (and this is strictly a personal preference type deal) is all that is going on outside the tunnel. On the one hand I like it because the tranquility lies in the tunnel and the end of the tunnel offers total peace. But on the other hand, it just all seems to get in the way of the quiet peacefulness of the tunnel.

Does that make any sense???

But my indecision in no way decreases my admiration of this image.

[readingr]

I like this as is, I like it beacuse the pathway chosen is taking the walker to a place of tranquility avoiding all the hubub going on around the path.

Excellent tones and love the shadows which enforce the chosen path.

Shame about the street light - chainsaw!!

[LeeIs]

D,
I don't see the handrail on the left that you're talking about. I looked and looked but can't find it.
Yes, I understand exactly what you're saying. There's a lot of action going on around the tunnel that could be good or bad depending on how the viewer views it, I personally kinda like it that way. Plus I've tried shooting it at different times but I found the around noon shooting was the best becuase that's when the sun is directly above and most shadows go almost straight down and hence the repeating lines on the tunnel floor. And at that time there are lots of action in that area.

Thanks D. I appreciate your comment.

Roger,
I agree, death to light posts!! It seriously bothers me too. infact in my final print I'm removing the damn thing. I think it breaks the symmetry.
Thanks man.

I'm posting the colour shot of this image. As I said in my original post. I was torn about this shot. I had so many different versions. I've settled on the B&W but I still have doubts as which one looks better.

What do you guys think?

[gahspidy]

Liban, you have a good picture here. the points Dbutler made are valid. I prefer the B&W version. The only thing about this is the right side outside the tunnel is very busy with the light post and trees and almost throws the balance off, but it ultimately does not. good job

[Seb]

Hello Leels,

I like your composition. I think that the effect is quite interesting. I much prefer the b&w over the color one. In the b&w, the tunnel clearly is the focal point that allow my eyes to go back and forth. In the color version, it seems that my attention goes everywhere where the flashy colors are (read outside the tunnel!) and then to the tunnel.

On a side note, I am wondering how this would look at night. Perhaps the light trails from the cars passing by and the lamp post would draw too much attention outside the tunnel but perhaps it could works allright. Looking at the translucid roof over the tunnel, I have a feeling that it could diffuse the artificial lighting of the night in an interesting way.

Seb

[dbutler]

Definitely the black and white.

I went ahead and painted in a red line to show you where I am seeing that rail (or whatever it is)

[LeeIs]

Gary,
Good to hear that the outside doesn't ultimately take away from the tunnel. I am removing the light post. I think if I moved a bit forward when I was shooting this shot, or even if I just crop it half way towards the first vertical poll I can lose the 3 trees on the right. Thanks Gary

Seb,
I haven't seen it at night at all so I have no clue, but like you I think the roof would do a great job at diffusing any light above it. Thanks man.

D,
I think you're talking about the boat docks on the left. Those look sharper and more clearer in print so they're not as distracting as you might think. Thanks D.

[readingr]

Gary,
Good to hear that the outside doesn't ultimately take away from the tunnel. I am removing the light post. I think if I moved a bit forward when I was shooting this shot, or even if I just crop it half way towards the first vertical poll I can lose the 3 trees on the right. .

Leels,

I quite like the suggestion of moving the picture forward by cropping but then it really became unbalanced because you can't totally loose the dock. (Been playing). If you go all the way forward to the posts then the photo completely changes and to me is not as good in you loose a lot of the context/story I see in the original you posted.

I quite like the trees and the dock as they add context and you also loose some of the busyness of the photo. I would go for just a clonign of the lamp if you have the skills ( I haven't)

Definately the B&W for me.

Roger

[Robert Ward]

This is the winner for me. Powerful impact in b&w. Colour lets me look beyond the cat walk.Excellent capture and you got the light just perfect.
Bobby

[LeeIs]

Roger,
I agree. I've also tried cropping in a bit, but it just wasn't the same. The light post will definitely dissappear!! and yes, B&W works better, thanks for the feed back man.

Roberto,
Thanks man. I'm glad you've enjoyed it. You didn't even mention the border! lol.