Originally posted by Michael Piziak
Here is my red fishing hook. Comments please. Taken with the Pentax smc m-100mm macro f4 lens...
I would suggest the open part of the hook towards the larger part of the canvas, so if the hook is facing the direction it is, put it on the other side of the frame. I also think this may be better in portrait orientation, with the hook (in the direction you have it) in the lower left corner, a third or fourth of the frame from the edge in both directions. It's not bad but could be better. To me, the open side of the hook with the barbed point is the directional leader here, and you don't lead off frame (in my opinion). My compositional skills, or lack thereof, are strongly influenced by print layout, as used in newspapers, magazines, etc. It was a journalism course I took in college, and I've successfully used it in marketing brochures, websites, advertisements, etc.
Originally posted by Michael Piziak Sweetgum Tree Seed
I know these go by another name, but it baffles me right now what that name is.
This one of the sweetgum fruit is well executed, but it lacks much interest to me, it's just somewhat sterile. Possibly adding directional light with a shadow? I'm just not sure. It is interesting enough that I don't dislike it, it just lacks interest. But it is interesting enough that I may try something with them, I have many in my side yard. So I will have to say it is inspiring.
I don't feel there are any rules to any of this, just opinions, and we all have one and have the right to change it (usually after you see how stupid it looked after more thought)