I visited this spot a half dozen times finding last month developing this idea. A focus stack that started with 5 images manually focused at different locations along the wall. As I was completing that, a couple strolled by and then a skate boarder. I went ahead and got several different shots with him at different points. The original idea combined one shot of him into the focus stack. I did have to remove the couple, some benches and other distractions.
The leading line has such strong movement that I wondered if viewers eyes would just zoom right out of the picture. I added the skate boarder twice (Around the Bend2.jpg) as a way to hold the eye. Not sure if it works or makes it too busy or weird? The image is flipped horizontally from the original thinking that makes it easier for the eye to do a round trip on the path. Subsequent trips I improved the focus (using the built-in camera feature) but didn’t get the better lighting or subjects.
10 comments posted
Deborah Milburn
The skateboarders do add interest. I am not sure which I like better. Posted: 07/08/2026 19:12:48
Michael Griswold
Thanks for checking it out, Deb! Posted: 07/16/2026 19:39:18
Deb Thurlbeck
I agree that one skateboarder adds interest, but find the second one distracting. Great curve in the wall. Posted: 07/08/2026 20:01:40
Michael Griswold
Appreciate your eye and your thoughts! Posted: 07/16/2026 19:40:19
Annmarie Finn
I agree with the above comments I think I would just have one skateboarder at the end, so your eye goes around the curves to the skater, good idea! Posted: 07/09/2026 01:36:21
Michael Griswold
Yep, I tend to agree but am glad for the consensus. Posted: 07/16/2026 19:40:55
Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
I am very fond of architectural and similar photographs with no humans in them. I much prefer your empty image. See examples by Thomas Struth, German photographer, of empty streets. Posted: 07/16/2026 01:01:01
Michael Griswold
Thanks for your insight, Stephen! I tend to agree... I don't usually want people in my photos unless to give it scale. I typically work with landscapes so this is something of a one-off for a class I'm working on. It's been helpful to get opinions.
I looked up Thomas Struth and found him to be an interesting guy. Most of the work I saw didn't resonate with me at all. Yet I find it fascinating to learn about the other styles of photography that I might ignore in my ignorance... what they shoot, why they shoot it and their way of seeing the world. Thanks for the tip. Posted: 07/16/2026 19:55:29
Kathy Brand
I like it with and without people in it, but sometimes the most interesting part is the curve of the curved walk and the shadows of the railing. Posted: 07/20/2026 05:22:20
Michael Griswold
Thanks, Kathy! I think it will be worth returning in the fall when the trees are turning too. Posted: 07/20/2026 19:55:13
