Clinging on for Spring

[James G]

I was in London just after Christmas to shoot HMS President which has been painted in 'Dazzle' colours as part of the WW1 commemorations.

This was a 'snatched' shot, the best of 5 captures, taken in a moderate breeze coming off the Thames.
The weather here has been dreary for a couple of weeks and working this image has given me a definite lift in mood



C&C welcome

[JohnRostron]

The single Plane leaf amongst all the seed heads is what makes this photo. Well spotted!

John

[James G]

Thanks John, It's the unexpected 'bonus' shots like this that make some shoots.

[chauncey]

Aah, one of the eternal questions...how do I know when I'm dead?

[NorthernFocus]

Nice job seeing a unique opportunity. It comes across much better viewed large in the light box. Well done.

[Shadowman]

Nice capture.

[Rebel]

This is a cool shot, I wonder if you can create a composition out of it so that the leaf isn't so central?

[James G]

Thanks all for the positive and complimentary comments.

Matt, the original image was captured using a Canon 7D, and a Canon 100mm prime focus macro lens. It was a breezy morning, so framing capture was not totally under control. I cropped slightly to reduce the amount of 'negative space' bottom right to produce what I felt was a more harmonious composition, but had not considered a more extensive crop since I was still very much aware of the 'original' scene.

Your question though is challenging, so... I've taken another look and have settled on two, more extreme crops, which I think do work quite well.

#1



#2



My personal preference is still for my original conception , but I'd be interested to see what others feel.

ps Dan is correct ......they are better reviewed in the lightbox

[FootLoose]

Well spotted, James. I prefer the original but I like the 2nd crop also.