Reflections

[AntonioCorreia]

I clearly remember the moment I took this photograph, as it was earlier this morning during a walk through the city centre. The interplay between the real and the reflected in this shop window caught my attention, creating a dialogue between the interior and exterior.

The reflection of the building, with its flower-filled balconies and red awnings, merges with the objects inside the shop—decorative boxes and Easter-themed items heralding the upcoming holiday. This overlapping creates a sense of simultaneity, where different realities coexist in a single instant, in one fleeting moment.

As I composed the image, moving back and forth, adjusting my position higher or lower, I aimed to balance the composition and bring movement to the final shot. Natural light, as always, played a crucial role in highlighting textures and colours. However, some intense reflections obscured certain details, though I don’t consider this to be of great importance.

[AntonioCorreia]

Today, I revisited this photograph and was astonished by the poor quality it displays.

How could I have been capable of producing something so unsatisfactory, so bad? Now that I've shared it, I accept the consequences of the justified criticisms that may come, and they will be perfectly warranted.

Oh well... these things happen.

[escape]

This is an interesting shot, Antonio. It sounded like you enjoyed taking it. My only issue with it was the top corner.
I think it can be cropped out and still retain its visual energy.

[mugge]

Daniel's crop is a much better image. It is still very busy though. Maybe bump up colours and make it 'super vibrant'
Cheers Ole

[escape]

Daniel's crop is a much better image. It is still very busy though. Maybe bump up colours and make it 'super vibrant'
Cheers Ole

.
Good call, Ole. Time to pump up the volume. I don't hear too well, so I may have made it extra loud.
.

[KathleenBlake]

Reflections always add depth and intrigue to photographs.

[escape]

It is still very busy though.

It is busy, and I find my eyes moving and jumping from one spot to another. But somehow it works for me. I think that is one of the things I like about the image. Those little spots my eyes are drawn to stem from unguided curiosity. I give no thought to it, but Im taken from here to there around the image, a sectional tour.

[AntonioCorreia]

Thank you all for your kind responses which, as usual, I appreciate and receive with gratitude.
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Here are my points on this photograph
Yesterday, upon observing this photograph I feel compelled to admit that I no longer like it and the reasons for this have become evident as I analyse it more closely.

Firstly, the colours seem mismatched, almost "strange," as if there is no harmony to guide the eye naturally. This chromatic disorder creates a sense of visual discomfort, something that might have been mitigated by opting for a black-and-white version. The absence of colour could simplify the composition and reduce the confusion caused by the visual elements.

Another aspect that bothers me is the upper left corner of the image. This visually uninteresting space ended up being included in the final framing—something I now regret. It’s an empty corner, devoid of purpose or relevance, which merely distracts and weakens the composition. This detail reveals a lack of attention during editing, though I was aware of it at the time of capture. I tried to avoid it but couldn’t.

Finally, the most troubling aspect of this photograph is its structural chaos. The image now appears disorganised, confusing, and lacking a defined focal point. The elements compete with one another chaotically, preventing the viewer’s gaze from finding rest or direction. It lacks a visual anchor—something to guide the observer and give meaning to the composition.

Reflecting on these flaws, I realise that this photograph represents more than just an unsatisfactory result; it is also a learning opportunity. Recognising mistakes—whether in colour choices, framing, or element organisation—is an essential step in evolving as a photographer.

After all, every less successful image teaches us something valuable for the next click.