Almost Dark - Honest opinions requested

I'm on the fence on this image. This was taken 30-45 minutes after sunset. There's detail in a larger image but very little visible at this size. I like it, but that just may be because I know what the larger version looks like. and because I was there experiencing it - I know that always plays a part. I'm just wondering if this is worth posting elsewhere.

Honest opinions please - YOU WILL NOT HURT MY FEELINGS

D2X w/ 18-35 @ 20 mm
13 sec. exp. @ f/11
Singh Ray 3 stop soft gradient GND
Tripod
C1 LE, PSCS2, Marc's sharpening

Thanks for looking and leaving a brutally honest comment.

Bill,

First impressions.....I like it. My initial responce was purely emotional. Somber. Moody. Foreboding. But the more I look at it, the more I feel something isnt quite right or something is missing. Maybe its the horizon straight through the middle of the image. I cant put my finger on it.

But I would take a an image like this with deep emotional impact any day of the week.

I like it, but like Richard I think maybe the horizon shouldn't be in the middle. Not sure about the large blank spot in the sky that is reflecting...causing a large round area. Maybe that's it. But it is somber and moody. The more I look at it the more I think the problem is the large bright area.

Bill,

I like the great movement in the sky. I would make two adjustments - darken the reflected sky in the center of the shot and increase the contrast between the reeds and water. Right now it's good with some tweaks it would classify as excellent.

Thanks everybody - I really appreciate your suggestions and critiques - I'll go back and try to correct. Thanks again.

I like doing the same kind of shots where the clouds blur and the water gets a polished steel finish. I don't like the bare spot opening-I guess it's odd as it is so prominent. I think either more sky like it or not with it may look better. So you have no choice but to spend another session shooting it-what a bummer

I like it as is. There is so much to look at and see. And then you look again and find more. I like the different textures of the wind on the water. The smooth ripples in the upper center and then the soft texture of the open water. The oval of bright sky dead center just sucks you in. This is one of those photos that breaks the rules but does so in a very successful way. (horizon line dead center) I would buy this for my home and boss you can`t get a better comment than that from me. And the blue ribbon goes too----U

Bill, I like it just as it is. I like the layering effect you have created and the horizon in the middle works for me in this image. I think it is a keeper.

I looked at this photo a couple of weeks ago and it is still in my mind. In the last day or so I saw a photo that was in an oval mat. I am not a big fan of weird mats etc but I think if you took the naturel ovel in this photo it would make a very powerfull image. Touch your thumbs and fingers together and hold them up to the screen and see if this dosn`t work for you. I see a clean white oval mat in a simple wide oval black frame. Itis a very good image and I have enjoyed looking at it.And that is a no holds barred, blood in the water, brutally honest comment!

I know I'm a bit new to be making comments, but I like this image a lot as is. I wouldn't change a thing. And a large version must look great.

gc