Meditation Bridge

[Kyle]

Took this shot out in BC on the grounds of Hatley Castle. They have a gardens out back. Since it was November there wasn't much in bloom but there were still nice spots to be found. The bridge was part of the Japanese Gardens section. This is one of my favourite shots of the trip and I wanted some comments on it separately. I've got two slightly different versions of the shot and I'm not sure which I like more. I welcome all comments and criticism.

1.
2.

[Manfred M]

Kyle neither of these shots work particularly well for me as they are simply too busy.

Converting to B&W would help some (by getting rid of colour, you simplify) and applying a decent vignette would help some more, but I don't think either technique will make that much of a difference.

[Wavelength]

I think the sun lit fluorescence of green leaves deviate one's attention on the bridge, somewhat...i think you were there at a wrong time : But it is not a bad image :0

[Geoff F]

Of the two choices, I would go for the second with slightly darker shadows. That appears to reduce the background confusion and concentrate more on the bridge, as previously mentioned.

[NorthernFocus]

I like the better reflection on the first but would increase the contrast/lower the black point. As others have said the darker shadows in the second are more dynamic looking and help focus attention on the bridge.

[bnnrcn]

+1 to Dan's comment Although the shooting conditions were tough, IMO the image can still be improved with some PP.

[Shadowman]

A combination of both might be needed, the darker, richer tones of the rails as in the first, and the deeper shadows of the second or somewhere in between.

[Kyle]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I'll give the shots another run to post to see if I can improve them. I do see how busy the images are. I would have liked to have spent more time there to get a shot with better lighting but I was a little rushed.

[Sailorstu]

Kyle - I used to attend Royal Roads Military College on the grounds where you photographed this bridge. Your photos bring back wonderful memories. I was once thrown off this very bridge by a group of junior cadets...I wish you could see this scene in the late spring when everything is in bloom. While busy they are impressive for the blasts of colour!