Jetty photos- I've been staring at them too long

[PhotoByTrace]

I've been staring at these too long and just can't work out what I like or don't... would love some feedback on what works for you (and what doesn't).

Landscape vs Portrait
1.


2.


Higher horizon (more foreground) vs central horizon (less foreground)
3.


4.


Stylistic and clean cool blues anyone??
5.

[Polar01]

Trace I think I know the problem, it is the sky. Great shots really like what is happening in the near and foegeound. I was wondering what if you created a copy then worked the sky maybe darken it and applied a mask to allow the new sky to come through.

Cheers:

Allan

[HiImTom]

I have to admit, I have very light technical knowledge, but all I know is if I took any of those photos I would be darn proud of any of them Beautiful art, sorry if it does not help you choose...

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Trace,

I think there's a place for a series of three; the first three.

#4 is too similar to #3 and the coolness of #5 only works for me in the sky, not the sea, nor the pier.

That's a couple of minutes; I cannot analyse them any more or I'll be where you are
(and I made that mistake once already today here)

[jamn4ex]

For me its no. 2 I think all are much better than I could produce, but to the casual eye 2 works best for me. A lovely shot Trace.

[terrib]

I like #1 over #2 as there is interest on the left of #1 even though it's not the main subject. I don't think it detracts and it just feels more right.

I like #3 over #4 and I'm not sure why. Sorry that's not much help but it just strikes me as a better composition.

I like the colors in #1 the best. They seem believable yet pleasing.

#1 is my choice all around. They are all really nice shots.

[Donald]

Not so keen on #5. Too cool.

I think #3 is a better balanced image than #4 in compositional terms. For example, the horizon is in a better place and I think the processing on those rocks makes them 'pop' more in the image.

I think there's too much sand in #2 and the end of the pier is lost a bit in all that's going on in the foreground.

And #1 hits the mark.

So, for me, #1 and #3 are the keepers in here.

That's my immediate analysis. Like Dave (and yourself) if I start thinking any more about them, I'll get as mixed up as you.

[JPS]

Hi Trace,
I'll keep it simple, #1

Regards
John

[Plumcrak]

Trace, I like #1 over the rest (they are all very nice shots). The first one has a better balance IMO.

[Rob Douglas]

I like #1. It has the best tones IMO and also the sky is not as washed out as in the others though I wish the clouds could have been a bit sharper. Great set.

[PhotoByTrace]

Thanks all, much appreciate your input! I'm at work today, so getting enforced distance
And Allan, you are spot-on in terms of the sky being the problem. I made a poor choice for my GND... really needed to use another stop on the soft GND. What you are seeing here have already had their skies "multiplied" and blended.

[jeeperman]

I am loving the first and second Trace. Very nicely handled from start to finish.

[pnodrog]

Photo 2 with the first big rock cropped out and maybe a bit less sky. I think the tones are good and the sand across the bottom give the photo a base and helps to balance the composition.

[Walshy]

Hi Trace
I'm with Donald on this one #1 and #3 do it for me.
John

[ScoutR]

#3 and 1 in that order for me. It is really hard to choose though. The colours are beautiful and the composition and subject matter and slow shutter speed make for a little magic

Wendy

[bowneracing99]

#1 is great , I feel like it guided me from the foreground directly to the end of the pier!