Attached Link: The Path after

This is one of those pictures, That when it returned from the lab was not as I remember it as I pressed the shutter, I was sure the lighthouse was larger in the frame. Those processing labs are always messing with my stuff, LOL. So I have made a few adjustments and would like to know what you think, Before or after? **:0 )**

Very nice after shot! Clean up the grain in the background on the after pic and I'd say it was just about perfect. The before isn't bad either, but the after is a WoW shot!

I like the "After"

there's something very wrong with the perspective in "before". "after" is the original, is'nt it? A nice shot, RS

Sorry Rocserum the "before" is the original, it's taken with my 19mm lens which does some pretty wacky things, I want to try some candids with it but you have to get so close. Working on the grain now Michelle, Im never sure how far to push poster edges. :0 )

Well, somebody always has to sit on the other end of the teeter totter. I like before best, it looks real. After looks made up and the sharp detail of the marker just doesn't fit (for me) with the out of focus light house. From the artistic perspective, after seems more "artisitic" (with Michelle's suggestions added) because it is a bit wacked out/unusual. You could even tinker with it some more and try converting the background or foreground to sepia or black and white. Get crazy. But personally, I like the realism of before (that's why I quit using drugs.) It would be nice if the colors and contrast were a bit stronger though.

I really like the composition of "after", but agree that the grain needs smoothing..."before" aint half bad either...coolness. :-)>

Before is the one for me too....

I guess it just goes to show you cant please everyone. Thank you all for your comments I wonder what the reaction to only posting the after would have been? Apart from the obvious adding of texture I wonder if you would have picked up on the changes? Michelle, I did try your suggestion on the texture in the sky but I liked the textured sky better. Some days selecting the finished image is as hard as making a hand print, I could never decide on the paper type or grade and asking for advice always left me more confused some days I felt this was the hardest thing about making a print. I guess the final image must be the one you personally like, but its always good to get other peoples point of view. Thank you. :0 )

Yes, it is very much a personal matter as to what people like. That is why it is important to not be insulted or even overly proud when anybody gives you their "personal" opinion because that is exactly what it is a "personal" opinion. I recently printed 100 photos (all different shots) and matted them for sale in a local art show. Some that sold surprised me, some didn't. Some that didn't sell surprised me also. The same batch on another day with a another group of people and I am sure the results would have been different. (A tip, the bees on flowers went very well) Happy shooting.