Hoshedar, You did an outstanding job in your 'classic' image - sometimes it's just not possible to capture everything when there's so much to see in a scene, but your capture was excellent - and certainly not run of the mill. Photographing the scene from above the lighting fixtures was most creative and I think it's just outstanding.

Regarding the varied image, we must remember, that Impact, Visual Interest, and Storytelling are the fundamental characteristics that most often succeed in competitions; thus, these three aspects of an image need to be the hook that grabs and keeps the viewer's attention and outweigh any minor technical deficiencies. And in this case, your image certainly has impact and a good degree of visual interest, but you have a composition where the pillars, which are an incredibly powerful component fights with the visual interest of the ceiling - it's not cohesive, and is much more abstract, but without the continuity one needs in an abstract image.

The comment, "what did you as a photo artist bring to a building which was not your creation" was answered (in my opinion) in the classic image vis-à-vis the perspective you chose. And while you did an even more creative job in your varied image, the composition is not harmonious or cohesive and thus it defeats what you were trying to do. I think you could make two boffo images by focusing one on the pillars and one on the ceiling.
  Posted: 07/09/2025 17:32:04

Your classic image is very well done, with good lighting, sharpness and depth of field. But like you said, this is more of a "postcard" image of a view that anyone could take (but probably not as well). Your varied image shows creativity and imagination and is very sharp and well lighted. I like the symmetry of the image.

I do agree somewhat with Butch, the pillars seem to overpower the image. I did flip the image top to bottom. I think that makes the pillars act like they are bringing us into the image and are a base of the image. I understand that this is not what the beautiful building looks like and that may be a problem. But I think that the composition is better. What do you think?   Posted: 07/10/2025 20:40:36

Of the two images, I prefer the classic. What a visual fiest! You must have been on a ladder or through a window. The whole thing is so extrordinary! Interest, composition, sharpness, color, exposure! The varied image does not have the composition to compete with the classic. I do like Tom's flip more. I feel that you photographed unique view of the seen in both cases so you can call them your own.   Posted: 07/14/2025 04:34:45

I like the classic as it gives a general view ofthe building. Regarding the varied, what if you would have moved a few feet forward and havingthe whole grey dome in the image? I know it may notsound an easy task ...   Posted: 07/19/2025 05:00:31

I agree with many of the above comments. The classic image has so much to explore and appreciate. What a wonderful memory. I agree with flipping the image so that the pillars are on the bottom. If you're going for abstract, how about creating an image with a reflection of the domes merged so that the pillars are in the middle? Not true to the building, but may be interesting...   Posted: 07/20/2025 16:29:14