The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.
Self Critique
I like the dynamic quality of the lines in this image, and compared to my other Agave images, I like how this one includes darker, bluer tones.
I’m not sure whether the overall tonality is a bit too dark. I don’t want it to feel melancholy, just a little more deep than the others.
Creative direction
In this image, I was aiming for additional variety in my Agave series. Most of those images are fairly light and airy, some almost high key. In this image, I wanted to take it a little darker.
Overall, I’m planning to put together a project of 12 of these and get some feedback from the group sometime later this spring.
Specific Feedback
I’m always eager for any and all feedback. In particular with this one, I’m interested in the following:
Your initial gut reaction to the image: Does it draw you you? What impressions do you get from it?
If you have viewed/commented on my other agave images, what do you think of this as an addition to the set? Is it too much of a departure?
To your eyes, does it need to be a tish brighter? More contrast? Anything like that?
Technical Details
Canon 5D4 with 24-105mm starting at 24mm and zooming in
ISO 100, f/16, 2.5 sec
Description
This one of the agave from a large grouping in the back yard of a house I rented in Palm Springs this winter. This one is toward the edge, in the shade (hence it’s darker palette) and has volcanic rock at the base, which I believe contributed to the grays on the right side.
I love ICM work and this is gorgeous. Love the colors and the directionality implied. I think the contrast is good, it could possibly go a little brighter. But it is beautiful.
Nice job with the ICM on this one. The lines of the agave all draws the eye to that central spot towards the left edge. I’m not thinking it needs any more contrast. I haven’t done a lot of ICM work, but this image makes me want to do more.
Wonderful image. First impression, it makes me think I’m looking at a coast line with cloud patterns above and wave patterns in the foreground below. I love the color palette and the slight gradation from left to right (lighter greens to darker blues). I can’t say that I would change the brightness or contrast. Nice work!
Thank you for the feedback @michael18, @Ted_Forman, and @debbie_campbell.
Michael: Thanks for the impression of a coastal landscape. Sometimes I feel a need for an abstract image to be reminiscent of something else. I couldn’t really do that with this one, but I think your impression will stick for me.
This was actually not camera movement, but a zoom exposure (tripod mounted, I think) with the camera zooming longer during the 2.5 second exposure. It looks similar to ICM, and maybe that technique is considered a subset of ICM. The difference is in how the lines and colors get “painted” onto the sensor. That’s why it shows movement in multiple directions. It tends to burst the image outward rather than streak it across. I believe I cropped off the left here, so the movement is not quite radial.
Marylynne, your Agave series is delightful. Everyone of your images feels light, airy and inviting. I like how the contrast changes from left to right, enhancing the eye movement across the frame. There’s a sens of flying, that’s good fun. I also like the color shifts from the light blues to the dark purples.
Another brilliant take on the Agave, Marylynne. I really don’t see anything in this one that I’d change. As for fitting into the series of Agave images you’ve done, I think if you arrange them in order of tonality (in either direction) it would work beautifully (but remember, that’s coming from an engineer more than an artist).
Thanks @Don_Peters and @Dennis_Plank. I’m putting together a series for a “Project Critique” over the next few days.
I’m debating whether ones with no ICM or Zoom exposure fit at all or are perhaps necessary as a relief from the abstraction or whether the shorter exposure ICM and zoom are sufficient. We’ll see.
ML
I’ve been watching these ICM types Marylynne. I’ve liked every one of your images. Your’e making a very compelling series. This one, would have to be my favourite. The darker tones of this agave are very appealing at I don’t find it melancholy.
Like @michael18 has mentioned, it reminds me of a coast line with the wave lines streaking across the sand.
I love @Dennis_Plank 's idea of a tonality direction for your series.
Hi Marylynne. This image immediately drew me in. I like the abstraction while still being able to tell what that it is Agave. The directionality of the lines works very well, especially the diagonal cutting across the lower left third and the shorter dark blue along the upper third. The color and contrast both look great to me.
Marylynne: I’m grievously late to comment on this but it is a worthy addition to your series. I especially like the color palette and the implied energy. Really well conceived and superbly executed. >=))>
