Still needs something

[cjt]

Frame is from Anna Aspnes
BG from Texture Junkie 
Bolton Tilting Shadowed Regular (couldn't resist name!)
Photo is mine

i.ibb.co/SRKnsRj/APR-12-B.jpg
As a retired pastor and having been in quite a few cemeteries in western ND, this is common sight. Trying to use the photo as the basis for the composition. But, while I am happy with what I have so far, it's missing something. Maybe a tasteful embellishment?
Is there any particular format, size, etc to putting a photo here for comments?
TIA
cat

[blackmutt]

Maybe some delicate flowers along one side?

[hmca]

The texture, frame font/fontcolor all work so well together, cjt. They compliment your image beautifully. I like Judy's suggestion of flowers. I also wondered if some sort of iron gate might work? I have seen wrought iron gates around some cemeteries.   I found some on pngegg.  One kind of stood out to me and I selected part of it to try with your image.  Not sure if it's too much.  I think you will get a number of good suggestions.  It will be interesting to see what other ideas people might have.

[pontiac1940]

Hi cjt
I like the overall presentation and concept. You said, "Still needs something."
I took a different tack than Helen. Helen artfully filled the empty space.
To me the tombstone is the focus so thought "less is more" and reduced the size of the empty space. 
I did not know your font name (I like it a lot) so improvised. To me, "In a.." was redundant. I can't do fancy frames so improvised. (And the inset is not centered properly... oh well.) 
And I corrected the spelling of cemetery.   
Clive

 

[hmca]

My first sentence when talking about cjt's page was going to be that I liked the simplicity of his design. Your edit supports that thought and gives it a more finished look. I like it. Clive. I knew this was going to be an interesting thread to follow. Looking forward to seeing what Janice and Lillias suggest.

[Lillias]

I tend to agree with Clive and I like what he has done here. The tombstone is the focus and you don’t want to take away from that by the introduction of too much other stuff.

Here is my take on it just to present a slightly different look on the subject.
First I selected the frame and the photo and copied that to its own layer and then raised it from the background slightly using the drop shadow method. I applied a very slight burn to the animal and the first line of the epitaph to try to bring them more to the fore.
I used a more decorative/elaborate font and followed Clive’s footsteps with the wording.

Then I turned my attention to the BG. Like Clive I also reduced the width of the BG and thought it could do with a bit more texture so I used a couple of ‘cracks and walls’ brushes and although you can hardly see it I added an Inner Ridge bevel to both of those. I created a frame and placed that on the page. I wouldn’t do anything more than that to it. The image speaks for itself really.

The items I used came from...
cracks and walls brushes from 123 freebrushes - 014_mineral_ sky
Rothenburg Decorative font from Font Squirrel.

[hmca]

Like your refinement, Lillias. Would never think to add cracks to the texture....need to remember that. Also like the bit of burning you did on the marker.

Great learning opportunity, cjt. Thanks for sharing on this board.

[cats4jan]

Enjoyed seeing everyone’s take on this. Hard to pick a favorite.

[cjt]

One more try
BG is from ON1 Texture preset
Font is Prince Valiant
i.ibb.co/wS1T4wf/Apr-15-A-country-cemetery.jpg
As always, so many thanks for the ideas, suggestions, and (corrections( ))!!

[hmca]

Thanks for sharing your new edit for your page, cjt. As is often said what's important is that you are happy with the results. I like the way you have slightly lifted the bottom edge of your framed marker off the background. The rustic look of the textured background is in keeping with the weathered look so often seen in old cemeteries.

[cats4jan]

Cjt. Looking good.

[Lillias]

I like what you did with the frame. Nice job.

[blackmutt]

Kimd of late to the party but here is my attempt - but as Helen says, you have to be happy with what you decide.

i.ibb.co/VpM7R4N/APR-12-B.jpg

[cats4jan]

Those corner flowers are pretty