Requesting Your Comments - "Garden Wall"

[gerryp123]

Recently posted this in one of the competitions and would like to get some member feedback. What do you like (not like) about this photo? What would make it a better photo?

I originally envisioned this as an image in the Victorian- art noveau style. I had a difficult time separating the vines from the multi-colored stone background. I over-processed the vines a bit to achieve the effect I was after. Does this work for you?

Happy to hear your suggestions.

Gerry

[Designer]

As a study in texture, it's not bad.

It is nearly symmetrical, yet not quite balanced, neither symmetrically nor asymmetrically.

Probably what this needs most is a definite subject, rather than three textures.

[Digital]

Gerry, I believe your concept was good, but the photo appears flat (not very dimensional) IMHO.


Bruce

[Andrew1]

Yes, a bit flat due to the somewhat homogenized tone. Nothing really stands out. It would be a candidate for adding contrast with a brush. An interesting shot Gerry.

[Geoff F]

Yes, Gerry, the stems seem over processed to me. Too sharp and harsh against an overly soft wall; so it doesn't seem quite natural.

Possibly works better in colour?

It would be interesting to see the original unedited photo.

[gerryp123]

Geoff:
As requested, here is a jpeg of the original (which was shot in RAW format). A little bit of work to patch up the clipped areas and to separate the vines from the similarly colored stones. Happy to hear your further C&C.
Gerry

[Geoff F]

I definitely prefer the colour version, Gerry. Some nice subtle tones in the wall contrasting with the foliage.

[gerryp123]

Thanks for the advice,

[pnodrog]

My vote is for the monochrome version. I find it much more moody.

[Abitconfused]

Crop to remove leaves and keep B&W. This should help emphasize texture. The photo is really about the branches, the leaves are superfluous in my myopic and egocentric opinion (MEOP).