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
this is a cropped image to isolate a lone bird
Creative direction
looking for minimalist
Specific Feedback
What can be done to improve my processing
Technical Details
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Description
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Critique Template
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Hi, @ian7. I love the composition of this one and I think with some additional processing you can really make it sing. Given the subject (ice) it feels too warm and too dark. I would cool it off a bit, brighten the image overall and then further brighten highlights while slightly darkening shadows. Adding a bit of clarity and texture will make the textures in the ice pop, too. It’s a really neat image that could be made great with some additional post-processing.
Ian! Wow! I love this image for its simplicity. There’s plenty here that will lead to a wonderful image when processed just a little more.
I agree with @Bret_Edge. Even by taking the image into ACR and selecting the “Auto” button will give you a good place to start. The image needs just a pinch of CCW rotation to level it.
What an interesting image Ian! This is one that at first glance, my mind is going close up/small scene but once my eye caught the bird, I went wow, that is a huge ice shelf! I like the shapes and contours of the ice. The brighter ice in the midground is interesting and adds to an abstract feel for me. I look forward to seeing what you come up with after using some of the processing ideas shared above. This must have been an amazing trip!
This is a beautifully minimal and moody composition with great use of contrast and texture. The darker swaths in the ice naturally lead the eye toward the bird, creating a strong sense of movement and direction.
What works well:
Well-timed bird placement. The bird is positioned perfectly in the frame, adding a dynamic element to an otherwise still and abstract scene.
Subtle textures and layers. The gradation in the ice and the interplay of light and shadow create a sense of depth.
Areas for improvement:
Consider excluding the ocean for a more abstract look. If minimalism is the goal, cropping out the ocean would remove the most recognizable element, making the scene feel more abstract and atmospheric.
Brightness and contrast adjustments. The image feels a bit too dark overall, which flattens some of the detail in the ice. A curve adjustment and re-setting the white point would help bring out the textures while maintaining the moody feel.
I agree with the other commenters, especially on the extra boost in post processing, aligning and cropping out most of the sea. The results is a very nice and abstract composition that is rooted in reality because of the bird silhouette. There’s a lot of odd colour in the back iceberg because of jpg compression here but I think that would be OK if a curve is applied to your raw file as mentioned elsewhere.
Ian: I really like what @Tim_Parkin did with this. In the original I had to go hunting for the dark bird against the dark BG but with the brighter BG it commands attention and is a very positive element. Our processing tools are wonderful but your RAW material and capture are top notch starting points. >=))>
Not much to add Ian; this is a great concept, and I love how the bird adds just that little bit of perspective to an amazing abstract. I agree that improvement here is mostly about the processing.
