What's wrong with this picture?

[vickig]

:(I thought these wagon wheels looked so cool. I can't figure out why the picture isn't so cool though. What does this need? Should I crop out the trees altogether?

[julimucca]

Thats a tough one, because I think it looks pretty good! I wonder if the angle of where you were standing may have made a difference though. Crouching down to be eye level with the top half of the wheel maybe?

[coffee]

Like Julie said, I think the composition is lacking. Work on different angles, lay on your back, really change it up. I think the background is very uninteresting. Maybe a narrower DOF to blur the background and isolate the wheels. The time of day is a factor too. By the look of the shadows you have the bad midday lighting. If that's all you have then you can't do much about it, but if you can take it again, to it early in the day, or later in the day when the shadows aren't so harsh. Also, that time of day the bright sun washes all the color out.

[LensBaby]

I think the problem is all of the negative space above it. I think if that could have been cut down it would make the wheels stand out so much more.

[dkippen]

I agree with Joseph and Sue. Maybe get in close and at angle, then convert to B&W.

[skeuos]

What works - unique subject, contrasting with the flora around it, decent color contrast.

B&w's a possibility; my biggest suggestions are to get lower, get shallower (less dof), and shoot a bit later or earlier in the day to catch lower lighting that will bring out more of the texture in the rust. Getting in closer is also a good idea - especially if you can focus on the hub and the vine near it. Is a reshoot a possibility?

steve

[bwpics]

Good Morning.

I agree with all the above statements. The background space takes your eye away from the wheels, and therefore minimizing the importance of the wheels themselves.

The angle could change as well, however what you have works in my opinion. If you crop out most of the negative space and create the image to where the majority of the picture are the wheels, that would greatly enhance the picture.

Finally, was this digital? If so, I would play with the contrast and brightness of the colors more and bring out the brown in the wheels. Because green naturally brighter, it is harder for my eye to see the brown.

Let me know what you think.

[peeper]

Great concept but hear is my two cents. There is a lot of open nothingness and the wheel on the right is a bit boring. Keep in mind though I'm just a beginner.
Here are a couple Photos I took in the summer last year. I hope they can give you some ideas. please feel free for ANY C&C.~Keith

[vickig]

Wow - all great ideas! I will play with this one a bit, because I think there is a decent picture in there somewhere. This was taken from a moving tour bus in Jamaica on the way to another destination - but I couldn't resist taking a few shots along the way. Thanks for the suggestions. :)