#80 - Retired Machinery

[Fred W]

OK, one of these might be my first challenge entry. I took these on 12/11/06. These pics definitely show machinery but I thought that the parts were more interesting than the whole. I think that shooting too wide would lose details of the subject. Any advice or opinions?

BTW, can anyone guess what this machinery did? At one time I was going to reassemble and restore it but it is way too weathered to be functional (and dangerous) :D


Pic #1 - Retired Machinery

http://photosbyfred.smugmug.com/photos/116490503-L.jpg



Pic #2 - Retired Machinery close-up

http://photosbyfred.smugmug.com/photos/116690608-L.jpg

[rgbivens]

I think I like the composition of the second picture better...the first one appears to be more cluttered in my opinion...

Good shot.

-Grant

[Fred W]

I think I like the composition of the second picture better...the first one appears to be more cluttered in my opinion...

Good shot.

-Grant

Hi Grant,
I agree with your comment about being less cluttered.
Thanks for the input.

[nalvarez]

I also like #2 better, but am left wanting a bit more context for what it is.

[Fred W]

I also like #2 better, but am left wanting a bit more context for what it is.

Thanks for the comment. Here is some info on what this is. :D

The equipment is an antique saw mill that was once driven by a canvas belt possibly powered from a tractor pulley. The drive system powered a circular saw blade and a geared log feeding ramp. The system has been disassembled for a long time. The pictures show the main transmission section with pulley wheels, canvas belt, and various adjustment devices, best guess probably built in the early 1900's.

[Dizzy]

I guess I'm the odd one out on this one.. I like the first one better. I don't see it as cluttered but as a way to get into the part of the photo that is the focus. I like the fact that the wood beams frame the more apparent 'machinery' in the photo and it gives a little more context as to what it is. If it were me I would enter the first one...more visual interest. My .02 :D dizzy

[Fred W]

I guess I'm the odd one out on this one.. I like the first one better. I don't see it as cluttered but as a way to get into the part of the photo that is the focus. I like the fact that the wood beams frame the more apparent 'machinery' in the photo and it gives a little more context as to what it is. If it were me I would enter the first one...more visual interest. My .02 :D dizzy

Very good comments Dizzy. I might also try a re-shoot from a different POV. You've got me thinking again. Thanks for your .02 :D

[Alkhemist]

I like the first one. Maybe crop the top 1/5 to direct the view to the gears. B/W fits perfectly for the subject.

[Fred W]

I like the first one. Maybe crop the top 1/5 to direct the view to the gears. B/W fits perfectly for the subject.


Hi Alkhemist,

I experimented per your suggestion and liked the results. Thanks for your C&C


http://photosbyfred.smugmug.com/photos/118203984-L.jpg

[Flyinggina]

The cropped version is much stronger. :thumb:thumb

Virginia

[Fred W]

The cropped version is much stronger. :thumb:thumb

Virginia

Thanks Virginia. Pic submitted :ivar

[LilleG]

Really like the cropped version.