Adi Ben-Senior  


Lincoln Memorial by Adi Ben-Senior

May 2023 - Lincoln Memorial

About the Image(s)

The Lincoln Memorial. I took it in DC on March 31st back to back with my April Pic. I decided to post this one as an example to our conversation as to Dynamic Vs. Static composition April.
1st- the subject occupies the majority of the frame. 2nd- it is perfectly centered. 3rd- the margins around it are equal and symmetrical. 4th- The negative space is equal above and below, left and right ( the dark purple sky Vs. the stairs are equal in weight) . 5th the ghosted humans - even they do not seem moving / giving a sense of movement as in the previous picture. It seems they are in the picture just to give a sense of size to the monument. All these together are causing the viewer to get a good sense of the subject but to concentrate only on it, not having the eyes move around the frame (such as leading lines etc..).
Spec: Nikon Z71_2 ; Nikkor Z 24-120mm f4S ; @120mm ; S13" ; f22 ; iso 320 ; Manual ; Center weighted exp.
A bit of crop on the left and basic light corrections in PS RAW.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
11 comments posted




Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
Capturing popular monuments like this free from people is most difficult but you have done a nice job of handling this. While looking at this I was struck by the way color and contrast brought out, what to me, is a strong double subject. The surrounding dark tones make the build a clear choice for the subject, BUT the white light striking statue of Lincoln sets the President off as an eye catching subject as well. The more I look the more attracted I am the Lincoln.

As a side note, I've photographed this building several times but none of my photos feature that green tint- I find that interesting.
  Posted: 05/06/2023 12:43:49



Adi Ben-Senior   Adi Ben-Senior
Thank you Larry. I'm glad you like it.
I can only guess that the green tint is due to different bulbs than when you took the picture.   Posted: 05/06/2023 22:12:45



Arne Skinlo   Arne Skinlo
Symmetry makes a calm image. Here, the symmetry is as perfect as it can be. This is a ecxellent example of good architecural photography.   Posted: 05/07/2023 13:31:18
Adi Ben-Senior   Adi Ben-Senior
Much appreciated Arne.   Posted: 05/07/2023 20:36:25



Michael Jack   Michael Jack
I think you definitely accomplished your objective. My eye mostly stays focused on the building which is sharp and has architectural details. The green of the pillars and bronze of the Lincoln background are approaching complementary colors further highlighting Lincoln. The addition of people provides a strong story for me. My eye does drift a bit to the lit trees on the left and right. I might consider reducing the highlights of those.   Posted: 05/07/2023 13:56:01
Adi Ben-Senior   Adi Ben-Senior
I think your advice for selective exposure correction - on the highlights is spot on. To be completely honest - I very rarely dedicate more than 6 min on editing of pictures so I should have paid more attention and worked on it a bit more.   Posted: 05/07/2023 20:40:02



Barbara Gore   Barbara Gore
I like the harmony and balance within the image. Although I see the ghosting my eye goes right to Lincoln. The ghosted people add energy to an already powerful statue. Nicely done.   Posted: 05/15/2023 15:35:07



Adi Ben-Senior   Adi Ben-Senior
Thank you   Posted: 05/16/2023 07:26:46



Bill Peake   Bill Peake
That's a great image of the Lincoln Memorial. Every picture I have taken of it has been mobbed with people. I really like the lighting and my eye is drawn to the statue of Lincoln as you intended. I do agree that highlights on trees to either side are a bit of a distraction, and could be toned down a bit. I like the green tint in the middle, its probably some reflected street lighting with a different color temperature than the lighting on the monument.   Posted: 05/16/2023 19:50:09



Diane Ferdig   Diane Ferdig
Beautiful architectural image. Looks like it could be in a magazine. The building is very eye catching and nice to look at with the perfect symmetry. But the colors of green, cream and copper are so complimentary and Lincoln really stands out framed by the green and backlit by the copper. I didn't really notice the lighted trees on the sides until someone else mentioned them. The building and Lincoln are so strong that they don't overly bother me. I would however go ahead a dim the lights just to make this perfect. I find the people very interesting and fun to look at, like desert after a well put together meal!   Posted: 05/22/2023 15:13:59



Adi Ben-Senior   Adi Ben-Senior
Thank you very much for the kind words   Posted: 05/22/2023 18:36:47