The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This image is in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest in the Ozark Mountains. The image was taken in February a few years ago. I liked the way the long exposure created the softness of the water juxtaposed with the boulder in the foreground.
Specific Feedback
Any feedback or input on the composition or the post processing is greatly appreciated.
Technical Details
I shot this at 30mm, f11, 5.0 sec, ISO 100. The image was cropped in post and was processed in LRC and Photoshop.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
There are elements of this photograph that are certainly appealing but there are also aspects, that to my eye don’t feel quite coherent. The colour palette, for example, doesn’t feel consistent and so it is hard for me to pick up on the mood of the image. Most of it seems to speak to a mid-winter mood - subdued tones, browns and greys tinged with faded orange and green. But then the water has this, almost Mediterranean aqua marine, which feels off, almost clashing with everything else I’m picking up on along the shore. Then too, there’s that bright green moss in the distance that feels a little too vibrant and so like it doesn’t quite belong. But here’s the thing - what I don’t know is your intention. What is the mood that you want to convey with this picture because maybe, according to what you’re aiming for, you absolutely nailed it.
I have similar issues with the composition. It feels to me that there are conflicting elements. You have the bright area in front of the boulders - a nice mixture of the foam, hints of blue, and the warm orange of the rocks - that lead my eye to the boulders and for me, that works well. But then there’s that strong streak of aqua marine that moves to the right and out of the frame. There’s also the falls and especially that bit of falls that is falling out of the frame. And finally the spot of vibrant green behind. That’s what I meant by a lack of coherence -my eye feels like it is being pulled around and away from the boulders - the stars of the show, as it were.
But again, Steven, everything I’ve said might be moot because I don’t actually know what mood you are trying to create so it’s pretty hard for me to say the extent to which, in my estimation, you’ve succeeded or failed. So, maybe this is all blah, blah, blah, or maybe its useful. I’ll let you be the judge
Thanks for the input Kerry. It is much appreciated. The image was captured in mid winter on an overcast day. So the mood I was trying to convey was a winter scene. The image is somewhat messy, but the aqua color is characteristic of Ozark Mountain streams. I see what you mean about the moss covered rock in the background. It is somewhat distracting. Again thanks for taking the time to provide comments. I will help me with future compositions.
