Mangroves...Do you like the images and composition?

[jprzybyla]

Yesterday the morning was cloudy, light overcast. The air still, a very light breeze. These Mangroves and reflections caught my eye. I thought there was an image to be made from them. Below are the results, your opinions are valued. Do you like them? Does the composition work? What about the subtle colors of the water?

#1



#2

[ktuli]

Joe,

I like the first image but not so much on the second. The shape and reflection starts to make the second seem like it was made with mirror images both vertically and horizontally. I know that it isn't, but that was my first impression when I looked at it, and it seems to have stuck...

However, on the first one, I am not a fan of the centered composition. It just seems far too static for me.

- Bill

[Donald]

Joe, On the first one, I too wondered about something like a 5:4 crop to put the tree more on the left hand side, moving the trunk much closer to the left-hand vertical third

[jprzybyla]

Thanks Bill and Donald, I could not change the perspective/composition of the image I posted above but I have tried to implement your suggestions on another photograph of the same Mangrove bush. That image is posted below with the composition changes suggested. Your suggested changes brought to memory a recent article I read in a photography magazine on white space in a image, not the color white but empty space to allow the eye to wander. Thanks again, your critique of the new image would be appreciated.

[Mark von Kanel]

Good attempt! how bout trying the second in a contrasty B&W?

[Daisy Mae]

Joe,

I think they are all incredibly lovely and have such an elegant simplicity. Good work.

[jprzybyla]

Good attempt! how bout trying the second in a contrasty B&W?

Thanks Mark for the suggestion but I am still learning color and composition that are pleasing. Black and white would just steepen the learing curve.

[jprzybyla]

Joe,

I think they are all incredibly lovely and have such an elegant simplicity. Good work.

Thanks Sharon, actually they are very much like one I posted by mistake in a thread of yours a while back. I appreciate your viewing and commenting.

[dje]

Joe I like them too. I think the third is the best. Simple but very effective.

Dave

[vladimir]

Like!
(Where is my "Like" button? )
My favorite is #1. I like symmetry - when center piece is in the middle. What's the reason not to have it in the middle?
I LOVE the gradient from light blue at the bottom to almost white at the top. It's very pleasing!

You know what's missing?
...The frame!