Although there’s not necessarily a ‘right’ answer, the question of which photo below is the best is interesting to ponder and even argue. There are so many variables to consider beyond framing and ‘proper’ metering. To a foreigner that had never seen the Golden Gate Bridge, the first photo might be seen as spectacular, yet for everyone in the US its recognized as the shot you’ve seen on every postcard of San Fran. It’s not so special because its taken from the same public vantage point accessible to anyone. we’ve seen the shot a thousand times. I do really like the shot, however, relative to color and exposure.
The second photo has great color as well, to me, and a much narrower frame of view. Since I’ve seen the first photo repeated so many times I find #2 better relative to composition and simply being interesting. When you so often see the whole, sometimes looking at individual parts is more interesting. I shoot nudes this way a lot as well. Parts. Curves. Contours.
Il start about the third photo by stating it’s my personal favorite of the three. B&W has always been my fave. I always shoot color and make B&W conversion, and while some purists submit it’s not true black and white, I say screw that. #3 is the same photo as #2, converted, with a slight contrast adjustment. I love the colors in the first two, but the third photo just interests me the most. Besides, I like dark.
Any opinions, concurring or differing are welcome in the comment area below.
BTW, here’s some very interesting links re: Golden gate. VERY interesting reading. http://www.npr.org/2011/04/26/135150942/the-golden-gate-bridges-accidental-color -NPR article. http://goldengatebridge.org/research/facts.php#cmyk -Official page. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_gate_bridge -Wikipedia.
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