[RikWriter]

Took this with my Sigma 24-70 last evening. I like the colors, especially in the sky, but I am not sure if it is visually interesting enough. I was trying to pick out a couple pictures to blow up and frame for my son's school auction, and my wife suggested this one. What do you guys think? Is it a winner or should I pass on it?

[shuttertalk]

Wow, great shot, Rick! Awesome wide angle perspective, and the reflections of the sunset in the water are magnificent!

[Schellamo]

I think its a winner!
I love the wide angle, the sky, the water, the skyline and especially the silhouette of the swan. The composition is great too. Perhaps a tighter crop might help? There is a lot of empty space, and I think using a tighter crop might help concentrate the visually interesting aspects of the photo, if your worried about that.
I think its fine the way it is though, really.

[Zig]

Sorry to be contrary voice: a bit of a drastic crop I know; also drastic raise of saturation and contrast, as I felt the subject so strong that horizon detail could afford to be sacrificed. (arghh, here goes...)

[noisynoodle]

Well, Zigmondo, I DO like your version.....but in my opinion we now have 2 different photos eachof equal merit, 'cos I really likethe original very much just as it is, too.

--NN

[Zig]

Now that's a good point, as I reckon Rik's original has a soulful mood all of its own ...."when does a processed original become not original?" could be a title for an interminable thread, I suppose!
As an aside, one of the suprising joys I've had since since joining this forum, is that of seeing how others see. The privilege of treating someone else's work, is for me much like that of playing my own version of their song...ooh dear, getting a bit waffly here... Zig out.

[RikWriter]

Actually Zig, I believe I have a photo like the one you created---I took a buttload of pics that evening with several different lenses. Surprisingly enough, given that I took pics with Canon 10-22, 50 f1.4 and 70-200 f2.8L, the best pics by far were from the Sigma.

[Zig]

O hi Rik! Gawsh, really? Thought the 50mm would have led, phew..

[RikWriter]

O hi Rik! Gawsh, really? Thought the 50mm would have led, phew..

It just didn't have the depth of field.

[EnglishBob]

Wonderful picture, the swan makes it for me That is definately a winner.