You are right, it is gloomy.

I'll ignore the technical problems and critique the image as a commercial stock photograph.

It's message/meaning/purpose immediately escapes me, which is not good. I find it lacking in interest, and I would likely pass it by as I browsed thumbnails. I also find it to be in 'no man's land' with respect to copy space. Yes, there's some room available, but not enough: either make less of it or add more. The colour of the grass is the biggest barrier this shot has to success: alive and green attracts people, dead and brown repels them.

On the positive side, there are some very nice lines to work with, and with a bit of work this might prove to be a moderately good seller. Consider adding a woman with an umbrella or two people with backpacks (and maybe even a dog) walking on the road to market it as a 'rainy springtime', 'exploring nature', or 'spring adventure' shot. Those with a more business slant might stick in a businessman with briefcase and umbrella to make a creative 'trouble on the horizon' shot, but it might be tough getting that to work well.


... good luck!

This sells good (in fact the whole series from that session):



Do it good and it'll work fine for you.

Consider adding a woman with an umbrella or two people with backpacks (and maybe even a dog) walking on the road to market it as a 'rainy springtime', 'exploring nature', or 'spring adventure' shot. Those with a more business slant might stick in a businessman with briefcase and umbrella to make a creative 'trouble on the horizon' shot, but it might be tough getting that to work well.

wow SD, you gave me so many idea for my very own future shoots.  i am amazed of how you create all those possibilities in just one empty shot.
i can see why you are so successful in micro stock