Well Jake, IMHO, there is certainly something old and interesting about the setting, but this image seems like only part of the picture. I don't see a strong subject, and in this case, I don't think the signage can carry the composition.
My suggestion would be to shoot a bit wider view to include more of the environment, perhaps picking-up something of interest at street level.
Also, my opinion about vignettes is that they are best used strongly, when drawing the eye to a strong subject. In scenes like this, I try to apply to an almost imperceptible level - enough to darken the corners and get that "atmosphere" thing going on, but not so obvious as to cause significant light fall-off. Re-creation of historical photography is, of course, another fine application for vignettes.
Since you asked, I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
Eric - it definitely helps. I'm new at this - and it's interesting to see what others think... I was shooting to bring out the 'grunge' and the wider shot unfortunately just had more brick... I think the nicely hand-painted typo was the reason for this shot, and the signage & windows were intended to be the subject.
Another edit to tone down the vignette, and a slightly different crop... better? no difference?
Seems like all the photos I took in Chinatown were looking up, up, up. Some had stronger subjects. Another strong vignette - this is what I can do for "vintage" working only with Picasa.
Earache verbalized my first reaction. That's a nice improvement on the second one. And that second photo is quite nice. If you're trying to "antique" it a bit, Picasa has a decent "film grain" function that might add to that (but it's easy to go overboard).
Yeah, better I think.
I should say that a successful composition can very often depend on what purpose the photographer intends - if you find the lettering and widows attractive and wish to capture that, that is quite valid and you have succeeded!
Viewer reaction is an interesting thing - I am always fascinated by the fact that some images are recognized to be excellent/good (or for that matter, bad) by a large majority of viewers, and others elicit a spectrum of responses.
It confirms the old adage - Beauty is in the eye.....
Comments
My suggestion would be to shoot a bit wider view to include more of the environment, perhaps picking-up something of interest at street level.
Also, my opinion about vignettes is that they are best used strongly, when drawing the eye to a strong subject. In scenes like this, I try to apply to an almost imperceptible level - enough to darken the corners and get that "atmosphere" thing going on, but not so obvious as to cause significant light fall-off. Re-creation of historical photography is, of course, another fine application for vignettes.
Since you asked, I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
Another edit to tone down the vignette, and a slightly different crop... better? no difference?
Seems like all the photos I took in Chinatown were looking up, up, up. Some had stronger subjects. Another strong vignette - this is what I can do for "vintage" working only with Picasa.
Jake
One of these days I'll have to figure out what my "style" is..
I should say that a successful composition can very often depend on what purpose the photographer intends - if you find the lettering and widows attractive and wish to capture that, that is quite valid and you have succeeded!
Viewer reaction is an interesting thing - I am always fascinated by the fact that some images are recognized to be excellent/good (or for that matter, bad) by a large majority of viewers, and others elicit a spectrum of responses.
It confirms the old adage - Beauty is in the eye.....