This is one reason why I don't do B&W

[Donald]

I had another chance with the local bridge. Here is another attempt at B&W.

Definitely better in B & W ... if that's okay with your wife!

Noting Chris' point, what I'd like to have lost are the four cars that are not that one on the left just in front of us. I think that's fine and helps the story. But the one in the distance behind it, the two below the bridge and that one with its nose just coming onto frame could/should go.

Now, trying to do a clone on these would be a big task, because not only have you got the bodywork of the vehicles, but you've also got all the shadow that they create. I tried it once with one vehicle and it was impossible ... or I didn't have the patience.

This is one of those that (notwithstanding what you write about the area being busy), I think you have to set up and then just wait .... and wait ... and wait, until all the factors fall into place (or do not appear in the frame, as is the requirement in this case).

[Donald]

I had another chance with the local bridge. Here is another attempt at B&W.

Definitely better in B & W ... if that's okay with your wife! I like it a lot.

Noting Chris' point, what I'd like to have lost are the four cars that are not that one on the left just in front of us. I think that's fine and helps the story. But the one in the distance behind it, the two below the bridge and that one with its nose just coming onto frame could/should go.

Now, trying to do a clone on these would be a big task, because not only have you got the bodywork of the vehicles, but you've also got all the shadow that they create. I tried it once with one vehicle and it was impossible ... or I didn't have the patience.

This is one of those that (notwithstanding what you write about the area being busy), I think you have to set up and then just wait .... and wait ... and wait, until all the factors fall into place (or do not appear in the frame, as is the requirement in this case).

[speedneeder]

Good points Donald. The only that bugs me is the one shooting out from under the bridge.
Can you see any detail under the bridge or is it just black? Looks too dark on my iPod, though I like it on my computer.
Perhaps I should resize it to 1024 before posting to flickr?

[speedneeder]

OK, here's a quick attempt at cloning out some distractions....
I think the van in the middle may go back!?

[Donald]

OK, here's a quick attempt at cloning out some distractions....
I think the van in the middle may go back!?

I don't know what the location is like in real life, but that, I think, makes for a better image. It conveys a certain harshness and impersonality. Now, if you're wanting to portray a warm, friendly embracing type of community, then this doesn't work at all.

I think we now have three main elements in the image, which is enough - The Bridge; That car facing us; The lampposts. I like it.