MountainWest
Scholar
VD said:Anyway, tell me how to improve this picture. We've been tweaking it for awhile, but I'm still not pleased.
Looks good. Actually it exceeds my expectations by a far margain. The one thing it lacks is life. It doesn't look like a place where people live.
Some suggestions (of course, if it's a strictly military compound then I guess it should look sterile):
*Flags (or whatever those flag-like military things are called) from the top of the walls. See upper left corner of the pic below.
* Instead of the two trees growing behind the first wall, place broken down statues or the remains of flowerarrangements. The fact that the trees behind the wall are of the same sort as those standing infront gives an 'overgrown' impression.
*The 'wild' vegetation infront of the castle strikes me as strange. If I'd have to guess I'd say the castle is abandoned, or has been abandoned and is now functioning as a temporary base for rebells. I suggest you clear up outside the walls and instead plant a garden or a stable. If not, at least get rid of the trees (perhaps replace them with tree stumps). They provide excellent cover for thieves and spies.
Hmm, taking another look at the picture. Walls crumbling... moss growing beneath windows... The suggestions I'm thinking of might be totally wrong for the purpose of the castle. It'd be easier if you gave us a hint of the history of the castle and its current use.