The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This particular location is on some land that has been quarried and is only ten minutes from my home. It is private property so any images that I capture have to be taken from the road. There are a lot of bushes and trees where nature is slowly reclaiming the area and they are always so colorful, both in the early spring and autumn. I do not know if it is because the areas are low lying and are a little marshy or not. It is a little challenging to capture any images as there are only a couple of areas where you can shoot through the trees and bushes lining both sides of the road. I always make sure to be behind the guardrail on the road bank as the road is heavily traveled and is like the Daytona 500 sometimes.
Specific Feedback
How does the pano format work for you? Does the tree along the top edge about a quarter of the way from the URC bother you? Anything else you notice please feel free to mention it.
Technical Details
Nikon Z 7, Nikon 24-200 @ 200, f 11 @ 1/4 sec, ISO 200, Kas magnetic CPL, cable release & tripod.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
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What a lovely display of autumnal colors. the pano works for me with the tree/bush on a third. My only nit is the tree in URC. the vertical trunk kinda clashes with the rest of the image and creates a little tension. a small nit in an otherwise great image.
I think that this works well as a pano. I also like the composition of a frame of colored leaves around the main subject, the tree. You could argue that the vertical tree trunk at the top is a small distraction but it would be an inconclusive argument. For me a bigger thing is how the colors in the leaves are dominating the tree visually. I don’t think the solution is to make the colors less so by desaturation. Somehow the tree’s presence needs to be enhanced. I would try adding contrast in an attempt to make it bolder.
I hear you. It has become very frustrating. I no longer shoot at Pt Lobos because I know that with the restrictions I can’t come close to the images that Edward Weston made when he had full freedom. The sad truth is that the most photogenic places in the US are unavailable to photographers. I remember an incident several years ago when I tried to photograph an abandoned shack. Within minutes a truck came screeching to a halt next to me and told me to get off his land. When I pointed out that there was no no trespassing sign anywhere he said it didn’t matter. It was still his land. He suggested I shoot pictures of the building from the road. That was impossible because, like yourself, the restrictions were so great that it wasn’t worth the effort of to shoot at all.
Ed, I like how this view is a mix of real (the bare tree) and abstract (pointillist leaves). The snag lower left makes an interesting anchor with it’s bareness contrasting with all the leaves. I am thinking that using generative fill on the trunk (upper right) would be good. Interestingly enough, I downloaded your image to “try some things” and find that that trunk doesn’t quite get to the frame. I wouldn’t do anything to the bare tree. I like that it takes some “work” to separate it from the rest of the view.
Ed, this is beautiful. I’d consider one small enhancement, i.e., increasing the brightness, saturation and contrast of the leaves just to the right of the tree trunk. Just a thought.
I think a great colorful image of a difficult place to be. An image not everyone can make,because of the dangers. So it’s probably unique , Ed. Congratulations !! Ben
I’d like to thank everyone @Michael_Lowe, @Igor_Doncov, @Mark_Seaver, @Don_Peters and @Ben_van_der_Sande for taking a moment and leaving your thoughts on this image; always appreciated. I was quite happy when I noticed this colorful intimate landscape. Here is a rework with your suggestions.
@Michael_Lowe and @Mark_Seaver : I did a quick fill in of some brush to get rid of the tree. @Igor_Doncov : Mike and I had the same thing happen to us several years ago as we were walking a plowed field. @Don_Peters : Thanks for taking the time to do a rework; I brightened the leaves a little in my rework. @Ben_van_der_Sande : Thanks for the kind words; glad you liked it.
Another wonderful fall image Ed! I do like to minimize filling in areas of an image, but in this case I do agree removing that small bit of tree trunk is a significant improvement.
I normally push yellows in fall scenes brighter, since yellow reaches peak saturation at a pretty bright level. Igor’s idea intrigued me though, so I played with adding contrast to the tree as Igor suggested, and darkened the more yellow areas of the image to set it off a little. I’m undecided on the end result, but it is an interesting contrast.
Thanks @John_Williams for taking the time to do a rework illustrating your thoughts on the image; much appreciated. I particularly like this scene due to the array of colors and intricate details so your suggestions have given me another option to make this the best that it can be.
Most has already been said but I agree with @John_Williams rework on this. It was a great suggestion from @Igor_Doncov as a way to enhance the tree and I think the rework is nearly perfect. Removing that little bit of tree trunk went a long way to cleaning up the composition and the one glaring eye grabber. You may also consider dodging the Really dark areas along the bottom left edge beneath that tree. Beautiful Fall image Ed. I’d print this one up to see what you get.
Hi David,
Thanks for taking a moment to leave your thoughts on this image; always appreciated. Funny that you mention making a print of this as I was having that same thought this morning.
