The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I hadn’t noticed it until lately, but over the last couple of years it seems as though I have slowly gravitated toward capturing images such as this one which contain lots of fine details and textures. I enjoy the cusp of the seasons where the leaves have not fully leafed out or the autumn color is a little past peak and you have some leaf drop which affords the viewer hidden glimpses into the woodland which seems to be full of details that would not be noticed with a full canopy of leaves. I honestly can not remember the last time I captured a sunrise/sunset. This is a little section of the shoreline in Trap Pond SP, DE that caught my eye. I just loved the delicate details and colors in this intimate scene.
Specific Feedback
How do the crop and colors look to everyone. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I was wondering if others enjoy all the fine details here. Anything else you notice please feel free to mention it.
Technical Details
Nikon Z 7, Nikon 100-400 @ 140 mm, F 11 @ 1/5 sec, ISO 200, Kase magnetic CPL, cable release & tripod.
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:
Ed, you’ve got a lovely collection of late fall’s “quiet” colors. They’re distributed nicely throughout the frame and set off very well by that little green shrub at the water line. The reflections have a good touch of dancing. This is beautifully peaceful, restful and contemplative.
This image evokes a peaceful feel as I can almost feel the stillness. The vibrant color contrasts nicely with the bare trees and the reflection adds a lot of interest. It does feel like it might be a bit dark, although that may be the mood that you were going for. I would recommend a brightness / contrast adjustment to see if making it a little brighter is to your likening. Then again, I may be over sensitive to that as I have noticed that I have tended to process my photos too dark in the past.
This is beautiful, quiet and peaceful, Ed. I love that the reflections aren’t perfect and the overall distribution of color throughout the image. I do wonder if it would be an improvement to leave the shadows where they are but boost the midtones and maybe the highlights juuuuust a touch. Regardless, this is a real nice image.
Ed, this quite nice. I love the peaceful, easy feel. The composition and color works very well. I do agree with @Brian_Schrayer and @Bret_Edge regarding adding a tad more to the mids and lights. The darks look perfect.
Beautifully done Ed. I really like the finely defined leaves and branches, particularly the yellow ones. I tried some minor cropping here but really didn’t improve things. Just made them different. I also tried adding contrast but found that it changed the mood of the image. It looks too dark until you look at the large version. Then it looks right.
I love these late autumn photos as well because not only do they show the fall colors but also the underlying structure of the tree as well. All the shapes and details are fascinating and can hold the attention for a good ling time as you explore the whole image. I liked the moody feel of the original post, but the re-edit looks good too. I guess it comes down to what you are trying to convey. Great work.
Thanks for your thoughts on this image everyone @Youssef_Ismail, @Bret_Edge and @Brian_Schrayer; always appreciated. Sounds as though I am getting it dialed in.
Nice one, Ed. My original thought was that it was a little to dark in the midtones. I liked the darkness in the shadows. I like your rework but I think the shadows opened up a little too much. It’s a fine line, I guess. More than the fall color and reflection, I enjoy exploring all the lines and textures of the bare trees. Well done.
