Alaria

Image Critiques Landscape Critiques
1

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Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

This species is not that common in California but really flourishes here in Washington. It’s in the lower tide zone so getting to it required walking on slippery kelp, which is not recommended for a man of my age. Yesterday I landed on my back so am being cautious today.

Specific Feedback

Are the colors ok? This kelp is usually a more chocolate color. I think the color change is due to light being reflected.

Technical Details

GFS50R, 120mm macro, focus stacked.

Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
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  • Technical:
2

Igor,

Wonderful composition. I like the diagonal lines and the balance created by the yellow areas. The LLC throws it off just bit though. The shine on the kelp leaves is nice, but I wonder what it would have looked like if a polarizer was used to minimize the glare.

3

I think some of the texture would be gone.

4

You’re right, Igor. sometimes a little sheen and texture is preferable. Interesting subject matter. Almost looks like a manmade fabric. Colors and composition are great as usual.

5

Wonderful seeing and capture! I love the colors and the almost-symmetry. Sounds like a good place for crampons…

6

Nicely seen and captured. The sheen does indeed enhance the image.

7

Interesting comparison.

8

Hi Igor,
I was immediately drawn to the wonderful silky, ruffled texture of the kelp. Love the hints of orange that complement the predominant blue-grey of the kelp. Lovely image.
Cheers
Diny

1 Like
9

Like a soaked high quality leather jacket love the blonde highlights. It is the texture and sheen that make this one work.

10

I haven’t been here in quite a while.
Today I uploaded a photo and came to take a look, but when I saw this photo I thought, “This is by Igor Doncov.”

You have a very clear, distinctive style.

Beautiful photo.

11

@Youssef_Ismail, @Michael_Lowe, @David_Bostock, @Diane_Miller, @Ian_Cameron, @joaoquintela, @Diny_Jones

Thank you for all your comments. One thing I forgot to mention is that I had no polarizer for that lens so I really don’t know what this would have looked with one. I tried to use that to my advantage and use the reflected light. I find that wet algae is at its best and a polarizer would diminishes that look. A partially used polarizer would probably hit the sweet spot. The tide wasn’t really that low that day and the plants reflect that. The orange markings you see is damage due to exposure. Again, I tried to use that to my advantage in the composition. It’s also not entirely sharp throughout. I’m amazed how deep the stack has to be for this lens. I’m still working on this issue.