# Alaria **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** landscape\ **Created:** [August 6, 2025, 6:42pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/alaria/47676 "2025-08-06T18:42:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Igor\_Doncov](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/igor_doncov/32/579_2.png) [@Igor\_Doncov](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Igor_Doncov)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2025, 6:42pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/alaria/47676/1 "2025-08-06T18:42:25Z")
![_DSF0346_0358_psd3_1400px.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/f/5/f54eb0c647a585a3d6458fbad6533a604c393bed.jpeg) > **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 Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas. - Vision and Purpose: - Conceptual: - Emotional Impact and Mood: - Composition: - Balance and Visual Weight: - Depth and Dimension: - Color: - Lighting: - Processing: - Technical: ---
**Author:** ![Youssef\_Ismail](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/youssef_ismail/32/486_2.png) [@Youssef\_Ismail](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Youssef_Ismail)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2025, 7:03pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/alaria/47676/2 "2025-08-06T19:03:44Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Igor\_Doncov](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/igor_doncov/32/579_2.png) [@Igor\_Doncov](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Igor_Doncov)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2025, 8:34pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/alaria/47676/3 "2025-08-06T20:34:22Z")
> [@Youssef\_Ismail](#): > > , but I wonder what it would have looked like if a [polarizer](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/npn-acronyms-and-terms/12151#circular-polarizer) was used to minimize the glare. I think some of the texture would be gone. ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_Lowe](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/michael_lowe/32/7118_2.png) [@Michael\_Lowe](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Michael_Lowe)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2025, 11:59pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/alaria/47676/4 "2025-08-06T23:59:03Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Diane\_Miller](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/diane_miller/32/27391_2.png) [@Diane\_Miller](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Diane_Miller)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2025, 4:29pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/alaria/47676/5 "2025-08-07T16:29:37Z")
Wonderful seeing and capture! I love the colors and the almost-symmetry. Sounds like a good place for crampons… ---
**Author:** ![David\_Bostock](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/david_bostock/32/34921_2.png) [@David\_Bostock](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/David_Bostock)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2025, 1:59pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/alaria/47676/6 "2025-08-09T13:59:29Z")
Nicely seen and captured. The sheen does indeed enhance the image. ---
**Author:** ![Igor\_Doncov](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/igor_doncov/32/579_2.png) [@Igor\_Doncov](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Igor_Doncov)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2025, 7:30pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/alaria/47676/7 "2025-08-09T19:30:58Z")
> [@Michael\_Lowe](#): > > Almost looks like a manmade fabric. Interesting comparison. ---
**Author:** ![Diny\_Jones](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/diny_jones/32/52647_2.png) [@Diny\_Jones](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Diny_Jones)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2025, 1:18am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/alaria/47676/8 "2025-08-12T01:18:55Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![Ian\_Cameron](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/ian_cameron/32/583_2.png) [@Ian\_Cameron](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Ian_Cameron)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 1:19pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/alaria/47676/9 "2025-08-16T13:19:55Z")
Like a soaked high quality leather jacket love the blonde highlights. It is the texture and sheen that make this one work. ---
**Author:** ![joaoquintela](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/joaoquintela/32/20552_2.png) [@joaoquintela](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/joaoquintela)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2025, 9:56pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/alaria/47676/10 "2025-08-20T21:56:13Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Igor\_Doncov](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/igor_doncov/32/579_2.png) [@Igor\_Doncov](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Igor_Doncov)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2025, 3:03am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/alaria/47676/11 "2025-08-25T03:03:42Z")
@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.