Michael Smith
January 2025 - Kinderdijk
About the Image(s)
This windmill at Kinderdijk, Netherlands was shot in the late afternoon in December, 2024 near the end of our Danube/Rhine river cruise, with my iPhone 15 ProMax. The settings were ISO 64, f1.8, 1/2200sec. I wanted something to add interest to the windmill so I chose to shoot through the grass at the side of the canal and with the backlit clouds.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted
A classic Dutch scene! The grasses generate an image that will do well in both PT and pictorial competitions should you enter. As the sky has no clouds I trimmed some off the top that - in my opinion, make the "molen" and foliage even more dominant in the frame. Posted: 01/21/2025 16:18:57
Interestingly, I have submitted this image to both PT and Open Color competitions and thus far it has not been accepted. I am fond of the image and felt the grasses added to the interest. I will continue to enter it, as I have found out, what one judge likes, others dislike. Posted: 01/23/2025 08:24:16
I like that you used a different view than most would take. I have mixed feelings about the grass since they are a bit distracting. I lightened the windmill a bit to see more detail. I like the sky and think at adds to the image. I think if there were fewer grasses it would be better, but you had no control over that. Try the DVCCC travel circuit and the Four Chapters Circuit. It looks pretty good as a monochrome too. Posted: 01/25/2025 12:23:08
I like your suggestion, Judy! Posted: 01/27/2025 09:31:40
An unusual composition, with the grasses in the foreground. But I like it! The background colors in the sky are great and make the image. Posted: 01/25/2025 20:59:23
Esther Steffens
My immediately reaction to your image was, WOW! I like everything about it, including the grass in front. I hadn't thought of lightening the windmill but do like Judy's suggestion and example.
Keep entering this. I think it is a winner! Posted: 01/26/2025 22:17:10
Keep entering this. I think it is a winner! Posted: 01/26/2025 22:17:10
I too really like the composition of your image, Michael. It is very unique. I too like the sky and personally would not crop it. Circuits s Judy suggested are good; they are the only competitions I like to enter and it gives you more judges to give their opinion. Good for you for the unusual shot of Kinderdik with some snow even. Very nicely done, Michael. Posted: 01/31/2025 00:00:37