The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This is a location I’ve visited 4 times in the last two weeks, only going out when conditions look promising for a spectacular sunset. Twice I’ve been denied; the first time all the nice clouds melted away and the second time, they came together to form an ugly gray overcast. The third time was better, and this fourth time was the best. But, still not what I’ve visualized. Also, this is not the image I’ve been wanting to create. This is a consolation prize. Hey, I’ll take what I can get.
Specific Feedback
I wish there was less shadow and more light in the landscape on the left side of the image, but this location never gets great light. Ideally, the alcove would be dark (as it is now) and the landscape would be mostly sunlit - at least in my head, that’s how I’d like to see it.
Technical Details
Sony A7IV
Sigma 14-24mm lens at 14mm
1/13s @ f/18
ISO 50
Single exposure, under exposed to maintain highlights in sky
Processed in Lightroom CC & finished off in Nik Color Efex Pro (local contrast adjustments only)
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
What strikes me about this image, Bret, is how it captures the rugged beauty of the landscape, framed perfectly by the arching rock formation. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic contrast, drawing the eye toward the sunlit rock formations in the distance. The natural frame provided by the cave’s opening adds depth and context, making the viewer feel as though they’re peering out into a vast, untamed world. The way you’ve captured the subtle hues of the setting sun enhances the textures and colors of the rocks, giving the scene a warm, golden glow.
Despite not being the exact shot you were aiming for, this “consolation prize” holds significant merit. The balance between the darker foreground and the lit background is well-executed, maintaining visual interest throughout the frame. The exposure is handled nicely, ensuring that both the sky and the rock details are well-defined without any areas being overly bright or dark. Nice one Bret!
Bret, I like the concept of the framing. There is enough lighting in the arch to preserve the textures but not demand attention away from the brightly lit background. I understand what you mean by the shadow, but we have to take what nature gives us. I wonder what that area was like when the sky was overcast. If you had moved more to the left, how much would it have minimized the shadow on the landscape? You certainly deserve congratulations on your persistence.
@Saundie I really appreciate your thoughtful comment, Don. I’ve been to this spot in every season and it’s just a tough one for lighting. I think my best options will be mid-day storm light when more of the landscape to the left is receiving some light, or post-sunset when the sky is filled with colorful clouds reflecting light and color back onto the landscape. This certainly isn’t my last visit as I intend to keep returning until I get everything precisely the way I’m visualizing it.
@Barbara_Djordjevic Thank you so much! Under an overcast sky the entire scene is just…flat. It didn’t work for me, at all. I had to underexpose quite a lot to prevent the clouds from blowing out and though I could have recovered more shadow detail in the foreground alcove I chose not to for the very reason you referenced.
@Youssef_Ismail Tough to say, huh? Guess I’ll just have to go back over and over again until everything lines up the way I want it to. Only then will we know!
This has the Bond 007 look we saw in his films. I think it was in Goldfinger where he turns and fires into the camera. It’s well done. The light is great, as are the clouds, and you have that wonderful shadow splitting the field. The keyhole perspective gives a sense of voyeurism by looking from within to without.
I have to agree with what everyone else has said in regards to composition but in regards to the sky, I have mixed feelings. Whereas the foreground is well controlled with light, a warm shadow and tonal range, when I get to the sky, I find it too bright and too cool. I did a slight edit to the sky with a warming filter to the clouds, but retaining the blueness to the sky.
Thank you, Chris. For some reason I don’t usually like warmer toned clouds mixed with blue sky, and I frequently cool them off a touch. Your edit does look nice, though.
Thanks, Bret. The lovely thing about photography is how we can infuse our own preferences into a shot. I’m generally more of a warmer tone shooter though I always try to ensure I am keeping with the overall tonal qualities of the image.
I love this, Bret! The circular framing really adds so much to the image and I don’t really mind the shadow on the land – it feels right to me and doesn’t distract. I also agree with Youssef that without that shadow the arch in the distance would be a bit lost.
Pretty darn good consolation, for sure, Brett. Great job on a classic framing foreground. The foreground shadow doesn’t bug me too much, but you could play with lightening it where it joins the arch area to compare.
