Miami by night

[jetrim]

I *WILL* reshoot with separate color temperatures for all the lights and merge into an HDR for the final product. The effects added to these two were an attempt to mask exposure problems, and I'm not sure if I care for either method on these particular shots (but input on that is highly valued as well). My reason for posting is composition. I can't make up my mind whether I like the vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) format better...

[caleb]

I think the tracks serve the opposite effect as you intended. My eye wanders straight from the center of the photo out through the top, after which I come back to look at the lights.

edit/ looking more, I think a person on the bench with a snooted speedlight could potentially do wonders. (on the first photo)

[hminx]

With all the vertical lines I like the portrait format, could you PS someone onto the bench
, borrow somebody and shot it again or perhaps even just a hint of a person in the shadows

[PhoebeG]

I vote for vertical.

Phil G.

[Grandpaw]

I think with the addition of the area below the tracks it adds to the composition and makes the portrait view a much more interesting shot. Adding someone in that area might make it even better, Jeff

[jetrim]

Thanks for the suggestions! Hadn't considered placing someone on the bench but it makes perfect sense - now to find a volunteer and figure out how to light them.

[caleb]

speedlight just out of frame camera right, light up the sign+person in a flash.

[GB1]

Jet

To me, the vertical wins hands down. It not only captures more information, but it probably creates a somewhat unstable, dynamic 'tipping' feeling that injects energy. A horizontal is more stable and peaceful than a vertical (that's what they said in the architecture 101 class I took, anyway). The HDR created a cartoonish look to some degree, but in a good way. I like how the details are abstracted out -- looks 'Pop Art' so to speak. Call it Pop Photo. It reminds me of a few paintings I've seen .. Good stuff.

The lack of sharpness isn't fatal but I would want it sharper. Keep working on the technical execution.

A success, I think.

G

[cm_mtb]

Definitely vertical. I like the added elements in the bottom of the frame, and it helps the buildings feel bigger/grander. Putting someone on the bench sounds like a good idea to me.