Ray of Optimism - Sun Beam

[fotugraphy]

Hi, going forward on my photography venture I stopped and clicked another shot. Can you please review it and let me know what exactly is missing for it to make it much better?

It is winter time in India and went to shoot Sun Beams only. It is my first attempt to capture Sun Beam.

Also, Please let me know if this image is worth to print and hang on my wall or do i have to take more attempts with it's composition or post processing?

1st Background on a warmer side.
2nd Background on a colder side to increase more contrast between rays & background.
Which one of them is better?

Thank You

PS : I forgot to add that I Processed the image for surreal look. Also, added unprocessed image in the thread.



Background on a colder side to increase contrast betwen rays & background:


Unprocessed version (Raw converted to JPEG):

[chauncey]

Methinks that you went overboard with enhancing the beams...more subdued is called for.

[fotugraphy]

Methinks that you went overboard with enhancing the beams...more subdued is called for.

Thanks for the valuable review. Just wanted to make it a bit surreal kind, but will surely work on it as sugeested.

Updated Description about processing & unedited image

[chauncey]

Wait a minute here Raj, it's your image and you accomplished your goal.
One of the complaints that I've always had with C&C is that when you ask two photographers for C&C...
ya get three different opinions. What works for me may not be your goal.

[flashback]

Raj,
Personally I think it's a great shot and I'm liking the slightly cooler #2.
I agree that you should PP to what you like; it's your vision. Go with your gut.

[fotugraphy]

Wait a minute here Raj, it's your image and you accomplished your goal.
One of the complaints that I've always had with C&C is that when you ask two photographers for C&C...
ya get three different opinions. What works for me may not be your goal.

Sometimes i get different opinions & sometimes gets common opinions. I understand & respect everybody's opinions, Suggestions & choice. I'm on a beginner level and learning things and will be learning new & new stuffs in the future.

When i clicked the image, i thought of exact this type of final image which i processed. But I may be wrong with the processing part or can overdo stuffs which may not look aesthetically good

Just like you suggested i need to be soft with the rays, for that i will tone down the background contrast which will make it soft

[fotugraphy]

Raj,
Personally I think it's a great shot and I'm liking the slightly cooler #2.
I agree that you should PP to what you like; it's your vision. Go with your gut.

Thanks for the valuable review.

Sir, i agree it is my vision but final image should also look good and I got some wonderful reviews & suggestions on PP too which really worked for me

As i said m just a beginner and still learning things and I may be wrong too. I really love & keen to learn and gain experience from the members of C&C and i really respect that

[Downrigger]

One of the complaints that I've always had with C&C is that when you ask two photographers for C&C...ya get three different opinions.

That's a good thing. Who wants one right answer?

I do agree Raj addressed his goal well here. I like the first image best because of the nice golden light between the beams. As far as wall hangability, it portrays a striking effect strikingly, but to me lacks strong composition and a more interesting context or story to tell.

[shreds]

Raj,

I would certainly be pleased to hang No.1 on my wall. You achieved the beams that you set out to do. (I tend to be quite critical at times, as I can't bear web sites that are just backslapping 'great shot' type replies. But you had a clear brief and the finished product is testament to that. So congratulations!

[kdoc856]

Hi, Raj. I agree with Mark: you have captured your intended subject excellently, and your processing has enhanced it nicely (I prefer the more subdued #2). But great light can ALMOST, but not quite make a photograph on its own. Rather like a great sunset shot, that requires some compositional "anchor" to hold us past the initial "wow", and look again and for more.

[Wavelength]

I liked your interpretation very much....

[fotugraphy]

That's a good thing. Who wants one right answer?

I do agree Raj addressed his goal well here. I like the first image best because of the nice golden light between the beams. As far as wall hangability, it portrays a striking effect strikingly, but to me lacks strong composition and a more interesting context or story to tell.

Thanks for your valuable review. I will surely work more on the composition part.

[fotugraphy]

Raj,

I would certainly be pleased to hang No.1 on my wall. You achieved the beams that you set out to do. (I tend to be quite critical at times, as I can't bear web sites that are just backslapping 'great shot' type replies. But you had a clear brief and the finished product is testament to that. So congratulations!

Thanks for your kind review. I really want to learn & gain experience from the experts & experienced photographers and i know here i will get true reviews thats why i post my images for review on this forum only and nowhere else.

[fotugraphy]

Hi, Raj. I agree with Mark: you have captured your intended subject excellently, and your processing has enhanced it nicely (I prefer the more subdued #2). But great light can ALMOST, but not quite make a photograph on its own. Rather like a great sunset shot, that requires some compositional "anchor" to hold us past the initial "wow", and look again and for more.

Thanks a lot for your valuable review & suggestion. It was my very first shot of the sun beam. I will surely work on the composition part as suggested.

[fotugraphy]

I liked your interpretation very much....

Thanks for the appreciation

[NorthernFocus]

I think it's awesome, Raj. Either processed version is excellent. Nice job of creating an excellent image from a simple concept.

[fotugraphy]

I think it's awesome, Raj. Either processed version is excellent. Nice job of creating an excellent image from a simple concept.

thanks a lot for the review & appreciation