Solitude

[Slinky0390]

Well, I've never posted in the Whipping Post before, but I'm torn about this photo. It's an obvious "rule of thirds" violation since the subject is smack dab in the middle, but at the time I took it, I wasn't really thinking of composition because I had limited time to get the shot. I feel like something is missing or that I can do something more to convey the theme of solitude. Whip away!

http://slinky0390.smugmug.com/photos/267541874_Y9MCN-XL.jpg (http://slinky0390.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=267541874&ImageKey=Y9MCN)
Click image for EXIF

[BPerron]

Well, I've never posted in the Whipping Post before, but I'm torn about this photo. It's an obvious "rule of thirds" violation since the subject is smack dab in the middle, but at the time I took it, I wasn't really thinking of composition because I had limited time to get the shot. I feel like something is missing or that I can do something more to convey the theme of solitude. Whip away!

http://slinky0390.smugmug.com/photos/267541874_Y9MCN-XL.jpg (http://slinky0390.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=267541874&ImageKey=Y9MCN)
Click image for EXIF

I am not sure what you can do to make it convey solitude, but I think it is setting for me that does not really convey it. When I look at the image I see a park of some sort and the man is just taking a stroll on the path, which I do not see as abnormal or him being in solitude cause so many do that by themselves. That is the wonderful thing about photography it is all subjective :-)

[Dogdots]

I see some solitude....but maybe more so if the man had been further down the path and more alone.

[schmoo]

slinky, make sure you review the WP rules. (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=13428) This forum is for your very best work, ones that you are confident about. Critique can be given in any of the shots categories, remember! :thumb

[Miguel Delinquento]

This is another shot that I keep coming back to because it just feels pretty right. It may break some formal rules, the OP may not be all that confident in this piece, but I like it. I've been in a place very similar to the subject and it is solitude that I am seeking. I like the angle of the shot, how the path cuts gently from right to left, how we are just far enough behind the man not to pester him.
That's a good eye to me.
I also think the muted colors convey the intention aptly. The grey silver of his jacket, the path, the fallen leaves all weave together in an artful way. The sharpness and lighting also contribute nicely. Sometimes the feeling provoked by a picture transcends everything else.
Nice job.

M

[hedless]

Frankly, I really like the image too, it actually makes me feel peaceful.

How about trying it out in B&W? I did a quick convert of it and it definitely gives me more of that solitude feeling. Just an idea.

[loi]

I like it! What if you were to crop a bit of the right so that the tree and man are more part of each other and less centered? (Not expert advice.)