Composition/Balance?

[NSFan14]

Thanks. I tell you what getting a good job from Mitch Goldman is like getting a phone call from the president! I love your photography and I enjoy seeing it in Train mag also. Thanks to all for their comments.

[Crusader]

Rather than start a new thread... let me ask what I did wrong with this image:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewreje...d=446641&key=0

Already failed on appeal.

Now I know that Septa LRVs are ugly, that the li'l brick station is uglier. But hey, I didn't build 'em. I don't see, however, how the pic is badly composed. Seems to obey rule of thirds, light on the nose, Septa sign and station sign visible, etc. Are the passengers a no-no? Or is this just code for "we don't like it"?

[JRMDC]

might be "don't like it" but...

might be a bit top heavy - I would prefer you crop the bottom and add to the top. Sadly, adding is often not in the cards without going back and reshooting.

The sideways V shadow that hits the passenger nearest the train is unfortunate.

[Crusader]

Tried a tighter crop... but it got the "bad crop" and "foreground clutter" reject. I guess the little fence is a no-no, tho I think it adds to the old-time feel of these interurban trolley lines. I kinda like the angry commuter tho. Seems like the perfect Philly "wha chu lookin at" expression. Wonder if I could get Septa to use it for their next Rte 101 schedule.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewreje...&key=915632385

* * *

There really aren't many uncluttered places on these trolley lines. Also, I had my baby daughter (in her stroller) with me, so there was no safe way to get a better vantage point. Just thought that, for a quick grab, it came out well enough to try here.

[WembYard]

Crusader, if you get the chance to re-visit this location, try stepping back a few paces and maybe one or two to the left if possible. You would have to watch the lamp post or whatever is causing that shadow.

[Crusader]

Originally Posted by WembYard

Crusader, if you get the chance to re-visit this location, try stepping back a few paces and maybe one or two to the left if possible. You would have to watch the lamp post or whatever is causing that shadow.

To my back and left (out of frame) is a row of 6-ft-tall junipers around a funeral home. Tho I think I can squeeze in safely between the trees and the inbound track if I don't have the baby & stroller with me. Will give it another shot when the sun returns.