Hi, Mike! I'm sorry that I don't have anything stunning to say. I just want to register that I love this and the other one (French Ideal) that you posted. It has that wonderful and charming European flavor that I so enjoy with your photos. Also, of course, they're wonderfully put together and executed. All of the angles and lines in this one are particularly fun and (I think the word is) whimsical. I want to go there!
Two hours for lunch; brilliant idea. Some wine and relax leaving one chilled out.
^^ I like that, made more vibrant.
Mike- I prefer this over the "French Ideal" which I felt could have been any small village, it didn't particularly say "French" to me and didn't captur the narrow street feel that "Almost Home" does.
Chris
I'd have to disagree with you on that one. More vibrant - Yes. But that it what ruins it for me. It loses all its grace and charm. It just becomes a brash imitation of a cheap postcard. I have to say I think the same effect is caused by the changes made to Mike's other post, "French Ideal".
I think if we're going to interfere with a colleague's work to this extent, we should firstly seek permission that it is okay to do so.
I totally understand.
I don't think the more vibrant picture is necessarily better (and will endeavor to be more specific in my comments). I do think, though, that it has more life and detail to it with out being seemingly over-saturated. For me, a little more interest, though it probably comes across as more of a "Tourism" placard.
And I agree about asking permission
I'm pleased to read the views of a moderator regarding re-posting a reworked image of another photographer, Donald, and have to say that I share your view, and hope that you can establish a protocol.
To invite and receive c & c is one thing, but to do otherwise encourages a 'look I can do better than you' habit, which can be most off putting to a new forum member or inexperienced photographer, and has ruined many a good forum. I know what I saw and how I wanted to present it in the posted image, other people's versions do not matter to me. If I had doubts and asked for suggestions it would be a different matter.
Yes, I have re-worked an image by way of illustration during discussion on technique, but generally try to do this by PM, so as not to openly cause offence or embarrassment.
No harm done here, of course, but as I say, your point is well made.