The dilemna of composition. The first version is based on the horizontal perspective drawn by the tree line. This one emphasizes the reflection of the clouds forming an arch. As for the title, well it's an highbrow play on words.
Hi Christian! This is my favourite of the three. To me all of them are too much dominated by the darkness - as a consequence, T. is the one I prefer the least ...
Trying to share subjectivity is what this is all about. You understood the reasons for the three propositions. You know how it is : you are caught by a moment, a place - call it a scenerey - and wonder "What is it, where is it ? ". There are two, three maybe more composition proposals taking shape. And the "rules" come out and make their noise : don't split it in two, avoid burning out highlights, mask the street lamp. I have more taken out of that moment. One is solely based on the reflection. A slow shot to catch the water movements made by the fishes sucking insects on the surface : dark and abstract. What was it ? Did I catch it ?
Hi Christian, For me, this composition is much more balanced. As you say, the emphasis is more focused on the clouds, and the tree line is "reduced" to a secondary subject.
RE: your reply to my comment on Turner's version:
"About the horizon... I have this idea that in a composition working on reflection and symmetry, a central line of division is acceptable."
I think that you are right in suggesting that the composition based on the symmetry and central dividing line, created by the trees is acceptable, but in both previous versions, that line becomes the utmost important aspect, rendering the tones and hues of the clouds to a secondary and less prominent subject.
It's only a minor effect, but I think the change in appearance is quite substantial.
With this composition and change of format, the tonal differences between sky and reflection are also more prominent in their perception, and I think the division between sky and reflection, still horizontally based is better balanced, probably because the proximity between the horizontal axis of the pane and mirror line is smaller. (there's more distance between the two of them).
It goes without reason, that this is purely a subjective matter, and solely based on my personal preferences. That also accounts to both of the previous versions to be completely "acceptable" ("Sound in composition" is a better phrasing, I think)
I appreciate your thourough elaboration on a single shot, trying to excell by applying small changes. Very meaningful, and it helps me learn alot about composition and the subtleties thereof. Thanks!
Excellent capture and very nice reflection picture, i can't be any better, it is simply perfect, and what is adding more flavor is the nice framing, very well done, regards,
This works out very well. At first I thought the horizon was too centered but when I tried to crop it things were not right. I really like your choice of framing for this picture. Don.
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{K:209486} 8/27/2004
