I posted this earlier, then I listened to the lecture here :

[flamin lib]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/promotion/15107/optic.html?utm_campaign=2020_06_OpticDay2_US&utm_kxconfid=t5ljhtrz5&utm_source=email_etevent&utm_medium=email&sfmc_sub=5445640

about the difference between images for magazines, blogs and calendars vs home decor.

Original image:

[img]?1[/img]

Reshot in high key:

[img]?1[/img]

Post to go soft:

[img]?1[/img]

I can see how a print 40 inches on the long side would be intrusive in the original and much more pleasing in either of the other two versions. The first would smack you in the face on first sight and not leave you alone as long as you're in the room. The other two would be much more passive and by changing the color balance on the background could be matched to different color schemes.

I'll be rethinking my own home decor. Just 'cause I gravitate to the high impact super sharp in-your-face action doesn't mean my guests will feel the same.

[Talitha]

1. TBH, I like the original one the best.