This image was taken at the Grounds for Sculpture, located in Hamilton, New Jersey (midway between Philadelphia and New York), is a forty-two-acre not-for-profit sculpture park and arboretum founded by Seward Johnson. Its collection features more than 270 contemporary sculptures by renowned and emerging artists. Many of these statues are huge. Rotating exhibitions in six indoor galleries. With rich educational offerings, a robust schedule of performing arts, and fun family events, the park is open year-round. The image on the right is my wife in front of one of many statues and you can see the size!
Shot with a Nikon D850 in Manual Mode, exposure at 1/100 of a second, F18, focal length 42mm, Nikkor 28-300 lens and ISO 200. A little Photoshop to remove people.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 9 comments posted
I like the natural frame of the greenery and the way the waterfalls and spire of the building create a leading line through the scene. The reflections in the water are also really nice. I prefer seeing the power of the water and appreciate that you didn't smooth it out. My eyes are sensitive to light and I always have trouble telling how bright something is but this looks just a tad dark to me.
Between your description and the photos, I sent off an email to my husband to add Grounds for Sculpture to our list of places to visit! Well done.   Posted: 11/02/2023 23:52:39
Tom Buckard
Hi Teresa, Have to agree that it is a little dark. Was trying to portray the lush green flora. Made it somewhat lighter and like that also. I guess it just personal taste. Thank you for your comments.   Posted: 11/03/2023 12:57:01
Michele Borgarelli
Tom this appears to be a very interesting place with full of photographic opportunity. I like the image but I have the feelings there are two images in this photo. One is the building and the other is represented by the waterfall. Indeed your frame is split 50/50. Since there is not much in the foreground water I am wondering if you have another photo with less water, so that the building and the waterfall become more connected. The image of the statues really give a sense of proportions.
best wishes
Michele   Posted: 11/04/2023 22:57:10
Tom Buckard
Thank you for your comment Michele. You are exactly right. Just like a horizontal horizon line divides an image right in half.   Posted: 11/04/2023 23:38:38
Nigel Dalton
Looks like a great place for a day out Tom. I also think it's a little on the dark side but not in an underexposed way, just perhaps selectively lift the midtones to darks with a curves layer. I personally would lose the bottom inch of the image up to the rock - it's not really adding anything and would perhaps give a better balance. I also like the detail in the water - I think too many images nowadays are cursed with milky water disease.   Posted: 11/05/2023 11:41:29
Mike Patterson
I agree with Nigel about losing a bit at the bottom. This would lower the waterfall in the frame, so that it doesn't cut the image in half. I think the waterfall adds a nice feature to the image and helps sets off the scene nicely.   Posted: 11/07/2023 12:53:29
John Zhu
It's a good image. I think darkness is the issue. I tried reduce the darkness and increase the shadow.   Posted: 11/07/2023 23:12:22
Tom Buckard
John, I like it! Your rendition is the best one yet. Thank you.   Posted: 11/08/2023 01:37:41
I like the way the greenery frames the shot and the foreground, middle ground, background imagery. An angle that puts either the tree or the building clearly as the subject might be a fun variation.   Posted: 11/18/2023 17:26:54