Arches

[Clactonian]

I'm really not sure about this one. The natural framing of the render is an obvious choice but does it then give too much blank space above the arch? Undecided.



I think I prefer this version.

[Mike Buckley]

Nice conversion. I also like the various activities of the people.

If the image was mine, I would crop a little lower than your crop so the bottom of the arch is displayed but not the top of the arch. For me, your crop draws my eye to the top of the arch whereas my suggestion draws the eye down the long hallway. Years ago I would have cropped as you did until I saw lots of paintings and photographs that leave something to the imagination in this type of photo.

[Shadowman]

I like the first as it adds to the feeling of depth within the composition.

[Wavelength]

I want her in close up as in two, but i want the arch fully within the frame as in one...what should i do?

[Clactonian]

Thanks guys. Hmm now where does that leave me? !!

[Wavelength]

Please keep both

[bnnrcn]

I prefer the first image but I would crop the natural framing at the top. Nice conversion

[Geoff F]

It's the crop for me, Mike. Concentrates more on the people and appears to create a longer 'tunnel'.

But possibly you could have cropped fractionally wider?

[FootLoose]

...The natural framing of the render is an obvious choice but does it then give too much blank space above the arch? ...

Simple answer: yes. In the first version the architecture is the main subject and the people are incidental to it, but that large space at the top is boring. There is nothing there to look at. In your cropped version the architecture is complemented by the people. Their presence draws attention more to the curves and the symmetry.

[IzzieK]

Wow! I love that response of Greg...very detailed. Disturbing to me in the second crop is the leftover of the frame actually. That can be removed to concentrate on the curves. In the first image, I would have wanted a little bit more of the frame at the top to complete that picture. Add Greg's comment, it will be perfect.

[Clactonian]

Thanks for all your comments which when added to those on another forum give a wide range of opinions. Oh I do so love the subjectivity of photography!
So, weighing up all my options and with the benefit of learned advice I am settling on this my final version, for better or worse and at the risk of offending some I'm sure.