When I downloaded the original photos I put my Testing Folder and sub-folder Throwaway. Actually the photo bothered me and it took Alan Brown to point out what I didn't like.
I don't like that everything is in focus.
On location the scene is extremely tight for shooting:
~ Immediately to the left is a Portable Toilet.
~ Any higher is the top of the fence
~ To the right is a sign tacked to the fence.
~ Behind me 1 foot away is a traffic lane.
~ The fence and the mural are not on the same focal plane.
I went back today and reshot with a shallower Depth of Field. I feel this is a stronger story. Thank you Alan for pointing out the obvious!
This does tell a much better story, Dean. Great job on the reshoot!
Thanks Dean.
I think that one of the greatest values of this community is the feedback we receive from others.
There have been a number of occasions where I have ended up improving images after taking onboard a suggestion from a member that I had totally overlooked.
I think there is a lot more depth in this version of the image, but I feel both have their individual merit.
Just for fun - as you have indicated distractions surrounding the mural I'm wondering if you took wider and tried to remove using the new PS generative fill tool. Worth playing with if you'd like to extend the image.
Just a thought......