Second Try with Orton - Gate or Abstract?

sapphire73

Here are 3 takes on a gate using the Orton effect. I've experimented with blending two exposures and doing it all in Photoshop with one exposure. Does the gate have potential or should I stick with one of the abstracts I did earlier with the motion effect? If the gate has potential, I may be able to reshoot in a way that retains some blue in the sky but as others have noted, the Orton effect tends to blow out the sky.

Would appreciate any input you might have on these!

Thanks,
Gretchen

11. Greener on the Other Side


12. Gateway


13. Garden Gate



Favorites from my abstracts - for comparison: (click on the image if you want to see a larger version)

1. Once upon a...Sycamore (Tree)


3. Embracing Autumn


4. Liriope


9. Tree Prism

WhatSheSaw

I really like the gates. I like the stone in #13 and the shadow of the metalwork on the stone in #12. I think overall I like #12 best.

sapphire73

Heading to Chicago soon and may not have time to do any more with this after today.... Still hoping for input re the gates as an option, but I do love the motion effect abstracts. Will definitely keep this approach in mind as I approach shoots in various locations. Very grateful to Sean for this challenge!

billseye

This one's got me spinning between abstract and blur effects. In this case, I'm finding something visually unsettling in the gates. The angle of view (particularly in the 2nd and 3rd) somehow give the composition an unbalanced feel. That said, I'd agree with WhatSheSaw's comment on the metalwork shadow and the stone in 12 and 13.

I guess for my taste (which runs toward abstract preferences) I'd go with one of your first four. Personally, 2 and 3 are my favs.

cbbr

I like the look of #3 & 4 better than the gate shots.

sapphire73

Bill and Chad, thank you both for your input. Going with one of the motion effect abstracts will make life a little more sane for me....

Bill, the set up for the gate shots is a bit awkward as there are steps descending to this level and then lots of overhanging tree limbs. So I was shooting this from close range with a wide angle lens. I'll return to the gate another time of year, I think, and with a different purpose in mind.

G.

PedalGirl

I like the gate...especially #12.

GretaPics

Hi Gretchen - I'm just tuning in after a few days, but of these I think I prefer the abstracts. Although I like the idea of the gates I agree with Bill on the angle. And anyway, you've got some really good abstracts - I can't really decide which I prefer since they're so different, maybe 3,4 + 9. GP

kdotaylor

#1 Abstract

SeascapeS

I also like #3 and #4 (abstracts) the best.

sapphire73

GP, Kate, and Sandi - thank you all for your feedback on these. I'll definitely be going with an abstract but still dithering over which one!

tinamarie52

Of all, I like the liriope the best. The gates look a bit cramped to me.

Chris

sapphire73

Thanks, Chris. Much appreciated!

SeascapeS

Good luck with the decision.