"Mechanical" critique

Here's a two-fer....

This is an entry for the Nov photo project -- something I would have never thought to shoot otherwise. I decided to bring it here first for opinions on composition and technicals. Thanks. (I cropped some to try to follow the thirds rule more closely, and I boosted the saturation and cut the brightness a hair in Canon's Zoombrowser.)

Love it, just like it is :thumbsup:

Very nice. I think you could use a little more space on the left but it is fine as is.

Good texture. I think you darkened it a hair too much.

I am glad this months subject got you to shoot something you normally wouldn't.
That is one of if not THE main purpose of the project forum, to get all of us to explore new photo opportunities.

Paula, good stuff for the photo project! I like the composition, the sharpness seems to be good for this subject. I agree with frog about being a little dark, but also i think a slight contrast boost would get this to pop a bit more.
Well done, and very worthy!

Good shot and it also got me to thinking of something to try for this month, Jeff

pushing the DoF back a bit would be nice so some more texture on the right is focused.

My thanks to all of you for your comments and suggestions. Because this is an old lathe of my dad's in the barn, I can try it again. I like it as it is but am curious what a second try may get. I especially like your suggestion, canadianicon25, and -- welcome to PR!

Exif says shot at f/4.5, I would try f/8 or 9, I'd like to see the knob on the top in the dof, and as canadianicon said on the right side too. The Bokeh looks good though, so the f/9 might decrease the bokeh quality - might be a way you can angle the plane to get the entire circle in DOF and still have pleasing bokeh..

Very good composition and good submission for the project.

Thanks, Anbesol. My charger and batteries are out of my possession until the weekend -- and wouldn't you know it -- dead batteries. I'm anxious to try it again.