Of mills and water

[armand]

taken several years ago, just rediscovered them

[wolfnowl]

The water and the building in the first one come across very well, but the vegetation - both the trees in the background and the grass in the foreground seem rather bland, flat.

Mike.

[rogerxnz]

First image is a good shot showing the stream/river in context. To my mind, it is more of a record shot.

The second shot is more interesting to me and captures the water's tones and energy well. I would burn in the corners to focus attention on the turbulent water more. I would have tried to frame the water to avoid including the fairly solid black area in the right top corner or I would now lighten it to bring out more tones and less black.

Not sure what you could do to turn the images into something more arty or dramatic if that should ever be your aim.
Roger

[armand]

In the first one I specifically made the vegetation blander to draw more focus to the mill/water part, I guess I have to try different processes.

In the second the right corner is darkened as I thought it draws too much attention when it was lighter. I wish I didn't have that corner but from where I was it was as good as I could get it.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

While the second one doesn't do much for me (it's a nice water picture, but it doesn't move me), the first is a real treasure. I like the old mill building, which to me is what the picture is about. The water over the dam and the foliage play supporting roles, providing a meaningful context.

[Chris Calohan]

I too like the first image but with the sharpness on the building and on the trees across the way, I think it would have been more successful with greater clarity/sharpness on the water as well.