Benton Hot Springs and the White Mountains, California

[billtils]

OK Donald, I'll bite. There are 3 things that made it for me: it's an excellent B&W by any standard; it is an excellent composition; and it tells a tale (well, several tales).

[Shadowman]

Nicely done, I love it when you have the time to frame a shot that really inspires you.

[Donald]

Nicely done, I love it when you have the time to frame a shot that really inspires you.

That's why, John, I never hurry a shot. The final composition/framing is done before I press the shutter. Normally, I'll set the shot up (camera on tripod - I can set my Canon 5DS to show me this square view in the viewfinder and on the back screen), then I'll walk away for a couple of minutes. Then I'll come back and look at it again to make sure it's the best composition I can make.

With this one, it was a case of swinging a few millimetres left and right to get those buildings in just the right place, so far as I was concerned, in relation to the edge of the frame. At the same time I was concerned about getting the trees too centred in the frame. But finally I arrived at what I thought worked best.

[terrib]

Since you asked specifically for comments from those of us not loving it, I'll weigh in. I think you did a great job of capturing the scene. As Chris said - nice separation in the mountain peaks. And a good amount of sky for relief from all that texture. My issue is not with your photography. It is with the scenery. I just don't find it attractive or interesting so even all your skill doesn't make me want to look at it. It spoke to you, reminding you of a photo/artist you admire. It just doesn't speak to me. Which is the way of art.