Reply To: looking for some honesty. :-D

[iliketag]

Here’s a really practical example of how you could improve the last shot you posted.
First of all, there’s too much going on. What is your focus? What would you like your viewer to see?

You’ve got a heap of negative space on the right. I would have moved in, closer to the bridge, and shot facing back into the more wooded area. “But there’s a parking lot that would encroach on that side”, ok, tighten the frame again and move with an upward shot, grabbing the light through the trees. Lose the house in the frame all together.

Grab a girlfriend and have her sit on the railing of the footbridge. Get in closer and the distance of the trees in the background will create a smoother, softer bokeh of the wooded area behind her. “But there’s not enough light in front of her to brighten her up!” get a large piece of white poster board or a windshield cover and light that lady up! Bounce the light back into her face. If you go even tighter for a head shot, you can manage catchlights in her eyes.

These are all ways you could add interest to that location. I would love to have a little hidden gem like that close by!