I see your point about balance... It is always difficult in photography, to manage a balance without having the "balancing element" compete with and take attention away from the main subject... An interesting problem, to which I see no general miracle solution... But wjat I have noticed, is that the more distance there is between 2 separate elements in a composition, and the stronger the background is, the more difficult it will be for the eye to build the bridge that will unify these elements. In that sense, I think square formats are easier to manipulate somehow (for composition).
The key words for composositions in general is "unity within diversity"... Tough concept, but if you find something to read about it somewhere, I think you will find it very interesting and profitable...
To make you feel better, I might add that this composition rule has haunted me (and many others, I'm sure) for years, and yet I (we) regularly fail in a shot to apply it properly to what I (we) photograph... The journey of learning is nevertheless worth much more to me than this perfection we assume to be at the end of the road - and which might just not be there...:-) Cheers.
Marc, Thank you for the honest criticism - it's always welcome, that's what we're here for after all!
I had hoped that the bud on the left would add a balancing interest, but it hasn't worked particularly. Flowers seem to be something I take lots of pictures of, but seldom get the look I'm hoping for. Fear not, I will keep plugging away! :)
Cheers Chris
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Marc Gougenheim{K:5398} 11/29/2002
Sorry, but I feel this picture is weak. It isn't sharp. The left side of te frame contains no visually appealing element and looks rather messy. (I think I would crop off the left side to keep just a square).
The contrast may have worked if the flower would be a bit brighter, but as it is here, it all looks a tad underexposed and lacks contrast: the flower therefore doesn't stand out as much as it should.
Don't get discouraged - just an honest opinion. Best regards.
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