The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This image was captured from a day trip to Trap Pond SP, DE in the first week of November trying to catch some peak color of the cypress needles. I had called the park office a couple of times during the week trying to time our visit. The day we chose the needles turned out to be a little past peak, but there were several very nice pockets of color still left awaiting my brother and I. The light wind was a little bit of a challenge, so we just waited for some lulls in the breeze before tripping the shutter. The park itself contains the northernmost stand of naturally occurring bald cypress in the US.
Specific Feedback
How does the autumn color of the bald cypress needles look? I tried to not make it overdone. Anything else you notice please feel free to mention it.
Technical Details
Nikon Z 7, Nikon 100-400 @ 400 mm, f 11 @ 1/15 sec, ISO 200, Kase magnetic CPL, cable release & tripod.
Critique Template
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A gorgeous tapestry!! Wonderful light and lovely variation in the trunks. Perfect subdued light for the oranges and blues. Absolutely no nits. Nothing to even wonder about. Except how did bald cypress get that far north?
Photos like this are not meant to be viewed small, they need a very big wall so that all the fine detail can be really appreciated. The soft lighting is perfect for this subject to avoid any harsh dark shadows that would block up detail.
Ed, although I’m not familiar with this type of tree at all this stand or grove makes a truly wonderful scene. As already mention I would not change anything…
Agree with Diane’s comments. The colors of the needles and the trunks of the trees are balanced very well. Some will have a tendency to oversaturate the leaves and needles - but you did not. Congratulations… Wonderful photograph.
Ed: Thought it was yours from the thumbnail. We have cypress in our part of the world but I’ve not done much with them. You’re shaming me with this shot. Colors look great to me the detail is marvelous. Most excellent. >=))>
I can’t really comment on the needle color as I’ve never seen one of these trees in person but I will say that this is a stunner, especially the larger version. There’s so much texture and fine details to explore, and the color contrast between needles and trunks is wonderful. I’d be happy to see a print of this hanging on my wall.
I had no idea these trees were that far north. I’ve only seen them in the deep south. Go figure. The colors look just about right to me. Definitely not oversaturated. You have a good spread of color which I have found difficult to find with these trees and there are almost always some greens mixed in. This image is fun to zoom in and explore. So much going on. I’m not sure I’d change a thing. Well done, Ed.
Many thanks everyone @Diane_Miller, @Youssef_Ismail, @Paul_Breitkreuz, @stephen_rauch, @Bill_Fach, @John_Williams, @Bret_Edge, @Michael_Lowe and @David_Haynes for taking a moment and leaving your thoughts on this image; always appreciated.. I came upon this state park a couple of years ago and ever since then Mike and I make the two hour drive to check them out during the first week in November. These bald cypress do not have the moss draping from the limbs like the ones down south, but they are still quite beautiful IMO. I am guessing the lack of moss is due to them being so far north.
You did a great job of capturing the Bald Cypress in their late falls dress. I really like the contrast between the needles and the trunks. Our old house came with a huge Dawn Redwood, which behaves like the Bald Cypress in the fall, with their needles turning orange and fall. I’ve heard of Trap Pond but never visited…looks like a visit is in order, maybe with my kayak.
I have always been captivated by these images that I sometimes refer to as being wallpaper images as your eye is directed nowhere, or if you prefer everywhere. Being Scottish and having the surname Cameron elevates this quite a few notches in any event, as it is pretty much composed and actually looks not wholly different from the Cameron family tartan. The colours are surprisingly close as is the grids formed by those odd branches coming out at right angles to the tree trunks.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your thoughts @Mark_Seaver and @Ian_Cameron; always appreciated.
Mark : You should make a visit and bring your kayak as well. I am sure Trap Pond doesn’t have all of the photo opportunities that some of the places down south have, but it is still an amazing place with some amazing trees and color.
Ian : Thanks for sharing that bit of information about the Cameron family tartan.
What a great shot, Ed! I love the edge to edge pattern of colour. I also that the reds are muted and not too strong. Outstanding work and no nits from me.
