The Thames above Maidenhead
My main concern is that my eye flicks from that central tree to the ripples bottom right. The secondary concerns are that the big tree is very central and hence demands the attention that should go to the boat house. You've also cropped the tree tops top left.
On the other hand the colours and clarity are delightful.
Mike
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It might be improved by cropping it to just below the reflection of the boathouse, to get rid of the ripples, but I think a square crop from the right of the central tree would probably be the best solution; the boathouse would then be more prominent, the central tree would no longer be central, and the ripples would be gone, plus the cut-off trees would be less obvious. In fact I think it would perhaps turn a bit of a jarring composition into quite a nice image, but that's just my opinion.
Love the scene and the diagonals work well, agree with the other on the tree crop, it does detract slightly from the main subject
Simon
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If it were not for that dominating tree in the middle - a wide crop would have worked well
regards
Carl
I'd have preferred to have the treetops in shot, and hence a bit less of the river. I find the symmetry of the reflection is often less satisfying than I expect in cases like this, unless there's also some interest in the very near foreground. So emphasising it by placing the mirror plane centrally isn't as good a plan as I think.
Is this from the barge?
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The location is indeed near Cookham, and, as Chris surmised, the shot was taken from the barge. I was hurrying past looking for somewhere to moor for the night.
Obviously I took various pictures, including some where the boathouse was more central; one of these looked very like Aliengrove's version.
I agree with the comments re the central tree and the cropping of the treetops. However, it's difficult to do much with the central tree if one wishes to retain both the boathouse and the boats to the right. Similarly, the background trees are quite high (the land behind rises steeply), and to have included the treetops would either have meant a more square image (which I didn't want), or less water.
The central tree would have been less of a problem had it had the decency to have dark bark, but sadly, that was not the case.
Coming to the water, my plan was that this picture would present an image of utter tranquility, a place of peace. The reflections emphasise the stillness of the water, and in my view this adds to the placidity of the scene. I agree that the ripples detract from this, but I don't do cloning.
One day I think I will go back and moor up on the opposite side. On land I will be able to shoot from lower down. This will reduce the area of the water in the foreground, allowing more tree-tops, and a slightly different viewpoint might reduce the impact of the central tree.
Alternatively, I do own a chainsaw, and one can never have too much firewood. If the owner complains, I shall explain that art comes before trees.
G
I have the answer - get the dinghy out and go for a leisurely row back to the same spot.
Far easier to get the composition right from a rowing boat than from a faster moving boat.
Changing topic - how is the restoration project coming along :
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George,
I have the answer - get the dinghy out and go for a leisurely row back to the same spot.
Far easier to get the composition right from a rowing boat than from a faster moving boat.
Changing topic - how is the restoration project coming along :
Now that's a great idea.
It's about 37 miles, and upstream all the way.
At a leisurely pace, it should be possible to manage 2 knots against the stream; so that's about 17 hours rowing. Should be doable in a long weekend.
I wonder if you'd like to join me? As I know the river, I should probably steer, and you will have the privilege of manning the oars. It's thirsty work, so I'll provide the beer.
As for the project, my original 2 year plan has now stretched a bit. I reckon it should be complete by my 95th year.
G
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I will bring my outboard motor
That might be handier than you know.
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I prefer the wide crop, but such a shame for that domineering tree.
Well done George, a very beautiful photo.
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8165 posts
20 years
London
Thank you.
G