Hi Robert. I love photographing people on crosswalks because it captures movement, a sense of place and just everyday life. The lines of the crosswalk give the image a nice graphic feel while the woman and her dog add personality and character. The scene and the subjects work together - I don't think either would be strong on their own. One thing I often look for in photos is a little more separation between the arms and body, along with some space between the legs. That would help show her stride and maybe the movement and shape of her dark clothing. Nice job.   Posted: 08/07/2026 20:36:23

Thanks, Barbara. I appreciate the suggestion re the separation between the legs and/or arms. I will keep that in mind for future photos - that's a very good suggestion. In this case, I think what I have is the most separation she was offering - she was moving quite slowly.   Posted: 08/07/2026 21:34:32

Nice story Robert - I want to reach out and pull that pup back inside the lines. I agree with the comment about separation, but I also think that in this instance, her posture, the slope of her shoulders and the lack of separation all together tell me she is shuffling.

I do wonder if you might tighten the crop on the righthand side? There is a lot going on in the upper right corner that is a little distracting. In addition, the lines of the crosswalk pull my eye up to it. I wouldn't take much - you don't want to lose any of the crosswalk.   Posted: 08/09/2026 19:15:41

Hi Robert,

This, to my eye, is a great storytelling image of not letting 'old age' stop you from getting out and spending time with your companion.

I do not normally read the other comments/suggestions before making my own. In this case I did and I find myself agreeing with Shari. The crosswalk lines do tend to pull my eye to the top right corner. I also think that this is an instance where seeing her face would give the story greater depth.

I chose to try some changes cropping the image more, removing the sign and also flipping the image so that the eye travels through the image stopping at her instead passing her (golden spiral). I would be interested in your thoughts about the changes.

All in all a really good storyteller. Thank you for sharing it with us.   Posted: 08/13/2026 17:50:42

I thought about removing that sign and your edit sways me to doing so. I see what you mean about the golden spiral. Maybe it's because I took the photo and have seen it for so long that I've become accustomed to her moving from left to right, which is the direction I would normally want her going. But your change works also. I think I will work with your suggestions but possibly add a little more space at the bottom of the picture.

Thank you for taking the time to work the photo and for your comments.

Rob
  Posted: 08/13/2026 18:02:42

Hi Robert, I see this as a gently image of ageing: there is the posture, the shuffle, the cane, but she is still going to places, and the little dog companion is keeping her firmly in touch with life. I think that Shari's idea of the crop makes the image more intense. I wonder if you could tease out some more details in the black garment to give it more dimension? About flipping the image: it might change the mood if moving from left to right indicates towards the future and vice versa towards the past? Also, the rising lines give a happier message of hope (lessons from our creative phography class!)   Posted: 08/14/2026 08:24:18

Hi Robert, I would also definitely keep the orientation as it is - I think that what our teacher calls "visual language" supports the message of the image.
  Posted: 08/15/2026 17:27:27

Agreed!   Posted: 08/15/2026 17:30:31

Robert you captured a real moment in a real environment which includes lots of clutter in the background. The sidewalk lines gives me a feeling of walking though the scene plus provides the needed contrast to the moment. Overall nicely done.   Posted: 08/24/2026 19:38:19

Thanks, Steve.
I was aware of the clutter when I took the picture but it does overwhelm it a bit. I'll see if there's a way to clean it up.
Thanks for the comments.   Posted: 08/24/2026 20:40:42