Bridge

[Mike Farley]

This was taken during my recent trip to Amsterdam. I might make this one of my "test the judge" images* when I try to do something a bit different, but I thought I would see what others think first.

Focal length: 30 mm (equivalent to 45 mm on 1.5x APS-C crop sensor)
Aperture: f/4.5
Shutter: 1/125
ISO: 100

So far the judges are winning 5-0.

[Nina]

Oh well, let's make it "Test Nina" shall we?

I can't see what your intention was here Mike. You used a wide aperture and focused on some railings in bottom right. The lines of the railings provide a lead in but that leads out of the picture. Even if you consider that the eye can follow from that point back along the bridge, that would only work if the bridge was in focus. Everything else is not in focus which in this instance doesn't work for me. If you wanted the honest opinion, you got it !

I look forward to seeing more of your pictures from the trip.

[Mike Farley]

Thanks for the feedback, Nina. I do agree that the shot would have been more successful if I had included more of the railing at bottom right and allowed it to continue into the out of focus area. I quite like the effect of showing the background as out of focus and the resulting bokeh, but I do accept that your view is more likely the majority one, especially where judges are concerned.