The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I first discovered this tree almost twenty years ago, shortly after moving to Moab. It was always on “the list” but for some reason that I cannot identify I never made the effort to photograph it. This fall I decided to give it a go and have been out to the tree six or seven times in the last few weeks. I’ve focused on much tighter compositions but on this visit it had been raining all day and I was fortunate to have stumbled upon a brief lull in the storm AND a waterfall behind the tree, so I went with a wider composition. I shot over 100 frames in a short period of time. It was windy, and either the waterfall would be blown into mist or the leaves would rustle, or sometimes both. Just as it started to sprinkle again there was a minute or so of perfect calm, allowing the wispy waterfall to reach the ground and the leaves to remain perfectly still. I did a quick “spray and pray” with the shutter button and luckily, got exactly the image I’d hoped to create.
Specific Feedback
Open to any and all thoughts and comments.
Technical Details
Sony A7IV
Tamron 28-200mm lens at 76mm
ISO 100
1/2s @ f/18
Induro tripod and Acratech ballhead
Processed in Adobe Lightroom Classic
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
A tree of life and life-giving water in one scene - that’s excellent and I’m glad you took the time and had that moment of calm. Great perseverance to wait for it. The composition is a bit this and that though. Not sure I’m expressing it correctly. They feel distant from each other in some way even though they are literally right next to each other. The divide feels real and I wonder if any of your frames had the fall a bit more behind the tree rather than directly next to it. The illusion of the water pouring directly on the tree could be interesting if conditions permitted. Quite striking and the colors work beautifully together.
Growing up in the southwest, there is so much I love about this image. The way the canyon walls “weep” when it rains, and the beauty of cottonwood trees. I can hear @Kris_Smith’s thought about the composition; the waterfall and the tree are a bit disconnected. For me, though, this just sings southwest so strongly that I don’t mind.
Thank you for the comments, @Kris_Smith and @John_Williams! It’s interesting that you both feel the composition is a little disconnected. I did try to compose an image with the waterfall directly behind the tree but there just wasn’t a way to do it as there was too much in the foreground that got in the way.
Hi Bret,
The old saying that “good things come to those who wait” is certainly appropriate for this wonderful image. An image of just the tree could stand by itself, but I think the waterfall takes the scene up another notch. The tree is quite lovely and stately and the yellow/greens leaves of the cottonwood contrast rather nicely with the warm tones of the rock face. Beautifully done.
I think I worded that poorly, making it sound more negative than I intended. It’s disconnected in the sense that you don’t see the stream flowing by the tree, but I do think it’s beautiful as is. The waterfall and the tree fill the rule of thirds nicely, and the tree becomes framing for the waterfall while the waterfall is supportive of the tree.
The tree is gorgeous. I can see why you were taken by it. It has great color and shape. Although I like the reddish background I think an image of just the tree would be stronger. As Kristen said the falls compete with the tree. You had some amazing light.
Thanks, @Igor_Doncov. I have several images of just the tree bearing various shades of foliage. I’ll be heading back as soon we get a good snow, too. Since the waterfall was present on this visit, I took advantage of it. I appreciate your comment.
@John_Williams No worries! I’m grateful for all comments, positive or constructive. Thank you.
Bret, this image is stunning just as it is. The tree draws the eye wonderfully, then, in exploring the rest of the image, the little ephemeral waterfall is a secondary gem. The colour contrasts are gripping. I wouldn’t change a thing
I see the point that the tree has enough presence to stand on its own but the inclusion of the waterfall is really nice and tells a bigger, more complex story. It’s like a symphony versus a solo act. Awesome image regardless and I can’t wait to see what it looks like when you go shoot it with some snow!
Bret, what a great catch with the waterfall as a fine extra, a super reward for your patience. There are an amazing collection of green/yellow tones in the trees, set of well by the red tones in the rock wall. Have you looked at cropping from left to an 8.5 x 11 format? That would lessen the impact of the red wall on the left.
@Tom_Nevesely Thanks, Tom. The forecast called for possible snow last night but alas, it just rained. I’ll have to wait a little longer but man am I eager to see what it looks like in the snow!
@Mark_Seaver I played around with a few different crops but not one in an 8.5x11 format. I’ll give that a shot tonite. Might just be the golden ticket. Thanks for the comment!
