I also like the idea Matthew, and the second version is indeed an improvement all round as observed by others. I agree with Chris about the pen though - it's all pencil

Thanks again to those that responded, also to those who did so in my absence: George, AG, David, HG and Tim.

HG - The Forge was in a part of the old loco yard, next to where the boiler carcasses are rusting away. It is a permanently mounted peice of equipment, and I asumed would have been used to do something quite forceful with a loco? No expert there! I hear you about the presentation - to someone who didn't wander through the yards to get a feel for the context, that shot wouldn't have an obvious connection. That's something for me to take away for a think. Thanks

Tim - Hear you re the busy part of the oilcan image. The trimmings box - no idea (sorry!). If the lid was opened, it was full of oil, so perhaps to do with lubrication of the propulsion gear underneath? As to the lamp glass, I should have focussed more to the front by the looks. It appears I had more room to maneouvre with DoF than I first thought.

Cheers all.

Thanks Anne (I'm delighted you saw fit to expend some time in improving it!), thanks George - they're both enjoyable to look at.
Just back today from our west coast, hence the delayed response.

G'day and welcome.

G'day and welcome.

G'day and welcome.

G'day and welcome.

All robust, democratic discussion, but back to the images!

Thanks for the comments on the series, and to those who chose to nominate individual shots for any comment.

The Forge was intentionally processed to give that appearance, and I guess it was not going to appeal to all given the very high contrast et al applied to it. That's OK, thanks for looking at it and commenting all the same. Feedback necessarily involves pointing out room for improvement, and articulating personal tastes and opinions.

Anyone who wishes to, can of course view the others at Pbase as indicated FWIW.

I'm off 'til Friday for a week down the coast with the family now - no fighting while we're gone!

Thanks all for your comments! I'd be interested in your work on this too George.

Graham, I'll try that crop, sounds like it might be interesting. The leaf edge is a bit soft - and this was already at f5.6!

It was the double reflection that drew me to it, and finally persuaded me to post it, notwithstanding the shortcomings noted above.

Methinks there's a bit to be said for images that form part of a series, for various reasons - perhaps a theme, similar processing or some such. While not every image posted in this manner will attract commentary in its own right, it may well be that the series as a whole may.

In that respect, this online forum is really not that different to any physical art gallery - not many artists exhibit a single image there either (unless you've just painted the Mona Lisa of course :wink.

In that spirit, herewith some of the shots from yesterday's visit to the rail yards at Newport, where the Steamrail Victoria buffs restore their rolling stock, and run steam train excursions for the enjoyment of all and sundry, on the State's main lines. No trains running yesterday unfortunately - I had to make do with cold, stationary engines.

Old Boiler
[IMG]http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy9/i_berg/SteamRail%20Newport%20Railyards/_IGP6370-13R.jpg[/IMG]

The Forge
[IMG]http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy9/i_berg/SteamRail%20Newport%20Railyards/_IGP6375-20R.jpg[/IMG]

Oil Can
[IMG]http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy9/i_berg/SteamRail%20Newport%20Railyards/_IGP6344-21R.jpg[/IMG]

What the lid says
[IMG]http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy9/i_berg/SteamRail%20Newport%20Railyards/_IGP1177-13R.jpg[/IMG]

The Light II
[IMG]http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy9/i_berg/SteamRail%20Newport%20Railyards/_IGP6339-16R.jpg[/IMG]

The Giant's Graveyard
[IMG]http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy9/i_berg/SteamRail%20Newport%20Railyards/_IGP6367-7R.jpg[/IMG]

C&C welcome.

Others from the day are at:

link