Escalier13cg Calvados

The composition of this image effectively captures the coolness of these stairs, and effectively commands the eye through the image. Lighting from the windows, combined with the darker downstairs area creates a good value contrast and a strong definition between two spaces.

On the merits of composition and subject, the image is of quite high quality. My only gripe about composition is that the painting on the left is cut in half, and appears to be hanging crooked. The image would be effective without the painting, but the painting does add additional depth. As one of those useless in hindsight reviews, I would suggest controlling the presentation of the painting by straightening the hanging, and using it more intentionally in the composition. Removing it would also be an excellent option. Leaving a little more space around the foot of the stair might strengthen the flared style.

Considering the topic of technique, it seems that the image uses a larger aperture and very high ISO setting to cope with low lighting conditions for a handheld camera. This has caused the picture to have an overly soft feel, with fairly apparent digital noise. Architecture photography is technically demanding, and almost almost requires a tripod to do perfectly. Using a tripod, a narrower aperture and much lower ISO setting would have been possible with a longer exposure.

The image is well spotted, and I have thoroughly enjoyed viewing it. Sometimes as a photographer, you just don't have a tripod, and that is OK. If you have access to the location again, it would be worth taking another shot at it.