I was just trying to show the space actually.
That would be sea, and the trees are actually islands.
I was wondering how a picture like this could work. I actually tried to have the person closer to me but the beloved autofocus of the 5dII it took a while before responding and the person is probably too small.
I think you have to choose: expanse of the sky or expanse of the sea. The sky has little detail and there is more potential interest in the snow covered sea (?).
The person is necessary for sense of scale but, as you have said just too small in the image. Unfortunately the tracks in the snow do not have a particular pattern to engage the viewer
Just not enough to work with here. Better with some leading lines, some foreground interest, only a bit of sky.
Here's one thing you might wan to watch for. Notice how the head of the figure just touches the horizon line? I think it would have been more effective to have the person closer, so that there was clear delineation between the top of their head and the horizon.
It is a pleasant, calm photograph. I like Kent's crop and PP. I might have softened the contrast in the foreground a smidge so as not to attract as much attention to it.
Thanks Doug ... that was part the "hmmmm" for me @ too much pull to the FG, particularly the center. Mine seems to be on the edge of having a TS vibe to the transition between areas (i.e. a bit too rapid).
I will try again, another day, and I will try to find a better way to show proportion (starting with a closer person).
I see pink is not working, will go for natural wb (or some glitter just to make it more extreme )
The story I see here is how insignificant man is vs. the severe winter environment and it delivers it well.
Figure is far and small so it is difficult to see via face if it is coming or going. That's where how the horizon is placed in the frame provides a clue. Since there is more sky than foreground my impression is he's going away towards the horizon. With less sky and more foreground I'd assume the opposite Put it in the center and he's neither coming or going if you can't see which way the person is facing.
For a shot where the face is clearly seen approaching the clue provided by the background is less important because the focal point shifts to the face and it will be automatically assume to be walking towards. The main consideration then would not cutting the body in half with the horizon.
for me atm, but you get the gist of where I was going with it.
)