Too subtle for "negative space?"

[Mz Pip]

[alfredo]

1. I think it will work. Going B&W might show more contrast.

[Celebration]

2. Think we will get a lot of interpretations of the theme

I can see it. But I fully expect to look at some entries and say, Where is the negative space? Some might even say that about my entry.

I like this photo, by the way. I like the color version because of the color of the sand showing through the water.

[Mira]

3. Hearty consensus in family of 3

"it is a wonderful example of the theme". The two other than myself have degrees in visual arts, and negative space is their middle name.
All three of us agreed on a slight modification of the crop:

[alfredo]

4. Is the water moving over the sand, or is the sand moving under the water?

[Mira]

5. The small difference in the crop has to do with only the

balance of the visual masses of pos and neg.

The water is moving over the sand which is moving under the water. A beautiful and calming photo.

[alfredo]

10. The texture of the sand makes one think the sand is collapsing

(sliding) into the water.

[Mira]

12. I looked again, and I can't see that, to me its water running over sand.

The more I see it, the more I love it.

[alfredo]

14. I like it too.

[JohnnyRingo]

6. I'm no art critic, but I'll be honest in my opinion.

Though it's an intriguing image, the fact that the color and lighting is carried through equally between sand and surf defeats the "negative space" theme. That is to say I don't believe the negative space is void enough to draw the eye through to the subject, in this case the foamy surf. The beach textures are nearly as interesting as the water in this picture.

Understand that I'm only offering an unprofessional personal opinion, and I consistently submit a last place entry, so take that disclaimer into consideration as well. I don't mean to be discouraging.

Here's a water theme I took on my trip to Cannery Row I was considering, but I think I may go another direction:



On edit: I agree with Mira's crop in that it minimizes interest in the sand while accenting the subject.

[Mz Pip]

7. something more like this?

You have a point about the lack of contrast, at least in terms of color. I have a couple of water shots I might play around with. Here's one.

[JohnnyRingo]

8. I really think that works better.

Like I said, I don't want to appear critical, but this is much more interesting to me. If only you could have coaxed a single subject like a lonely bird to alight on a sand bar it would be perfect. Regardless, I like this.

[Mz Pip]

9. Here's a bird

on a foggy winter day. Lots of cold negative space in this one. ;-)

[alfredo]

11. The contrast is in the texture. The colors are very good, but

I am not sure if it helps tell the story. (of course I default to black and white, so I am biased)

[Mira]

13. At the risk of getting kicked out of here for butting in - Misty Harbor a little different

This is from Picasa
A simple crop, a little soft focus, then a hair of desaturation

[JohnnyRingo]

15. That is more interesting

I use Picassa as well, and I like the centered focus in that.
I hadn't worked on editing that picture yet, but that and the crop are good effects. I have a similar one that's already framed like that.

Alas, I may have gotten myself in some trouble though. Since I last posted I rebuilt my computer to install a new heatsink. I dismantled everything and pulled the motherboard. now I can't get the hard drive to work that has my pictures on it. I have most old one backed up, but hundreds of newer ones including that one are lost for at least the time being. Runs cooler though. hahaha

I imagine I'll figure something out before the contest, but I gave up for the night.