Waterwheel

[Digital]

I would like C&C on this photo. Thanks

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Bruce,

Welcome to the CiC forums from me.

You'll notice I had to edit your post to put the image "inline" - so it is bigger than the thumbnail and doesn't need everyone to click on it.

You can read how to do that in "Part 2" here, plus other image options here;
HELP THREAD: How can I post images here?

This thread may also help;
How to Get Effective Feedback for your Posted Images

Now to your picture.
I think it would benefit from being a little bigger, you can upload upto 700px on longest edge
It is certainly a riot of colour and the lighting looks quite tricky, on the whole, it isn't too bad.

It would certainly help me give you more useful advice if I knew whether this was a camera jpg or a RAW you have processed yourself?
Also what PP (post processing) software do you have?

Due to the angle of light and hence the lack of a decent reflection, I would suggest cropping the lower 20% off, i.e. lose most of the water so we just have the wheel and trees.

I think it might benefit from some Local Contrast Enhancement to bring out some texture on the stonework.

Hope that helps, at least until we know some more,

[Digital]

Thanks for your comments Dave. It is a jpeg file. All of the enhancements were done in LR4. Bruce

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Bruce,

Do you mean the capture was jpg - then processed in LR4?

If you've not started shooting RAW, assuming your camera can, now is the time to start.

[Digital]

Dave: yes it was shot in jpg. I have shot in RAW, and I like it. Depends on the shoot. Bruce

[Geoff F]

With regard to the photo. What did the original look like?

I find this image too complicated with too much 'shouting for attention' while the actual wheel, which I would have regarded as the main subject, is appearing somewhat subdued.

How about cropping tighter at the top and right side then toning down the highlights a little. Also try slightly darkening the shadows to provide more contrast.

I think there is a good scene there, it just needs a little more careful editing.

[IShootPeople]

Hey, pretty good for the subject! I know it's hard to get close to that wheel (I'm a Berry grad myself and I've taken my fair share of pics of the mill!)

I might suggest aiming a bit more to the left to include some of the grismill building in the shot to give a tiny bit more balance. But I like the shot! Got a soft spot for the Alma Mater!

[Digital]

Kim: I do have a pic depicting more of the building to the left of the waterwheel. I just have not uploaded to this website.
Thank you for your comments. Bruce