The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
It had been raining and I mean a lot; even by Scottish standards. I had never seen Loch Maree in the Highlands of Scotland, this high at any time previously, the old lochside tree was no longer loch side, it was well and truly water bound and more particularly, the bizarre collection of creeping roots belonging to nearby Scots Pine were partially submerged too. John Wyndhams book âDay of the Triffidsâ, became the inspiration for the shot you see here. The problem was the backdrop of Loch Mareeâs far shore cut directly through the tree, I needed some mist but none was forthcoming. What was forth coming was another epic deluge of biblical proportions which had the same effect of eliminating the hard line horizon beyond. I ran back to the van and grabbed some umbrellas and set up a tripod 12 inches above the ground and sat like a gnome under my brollies keeping myself and camera lens relatively dry. I am quite sure the wee group of photographerâs that were with me, sitting warm and dry in the van, thought I was bonkers, one remarked that the three umbrellas over me looked like the tri-umvriate of parachute canopies above the Apollo space capsule ditching in the sea. I was so so pleased I made the effort though. Just proves lousy weather can sometimes be a landscape photographers best friend. Sorry for the long waffle.
Specific Feedback
Normally I rarely request specific feedback, but I really would like your opinions on the included images in respect of the following, which works best as a picture, and secondly does the motif namely, menace, alarm, visual discomfort, which occupied my initial thoughts come across best (if at all), in black and white or in muted colour and lastly would that implied motif Trump any aesthetic preference. Of course I am happy to hear any other thoughts on either version. Thankyou in anticipation.
Technical Details
This was taken using my old Pentax 67II loaded with Fuji Velvia film on my 55-100mm lens, no grads were needed or used but I did decide to polarise the water slightly to see the white limestone rocks below the water surface and to smooth out the water a little. The umbrellas were vital and I still got soaked.
f/29 at 12 Seconds, Fuji Velvia 50 film.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Hi Ian, regarding âemotional impactâ: on this occasion you donât appear to have had the misfortune you and I suffered at this location when the owner of a Labrador, after asking us what we were photographing, decided it would be a great idea if she threw a very large stick into the calm waters surrounding the tree for her dog to then retrieve! I recall asking you if there was anything even more inconvenient I could request from the ladyâŚand you were completely lost for words.
Ian, Unfortunately, major flooding like this is becoming the global new normal . You have probably seen news about the recent flood disasters in Texas and many other places in the US. These images are both well seen and presented. I like the way the water blends with the sky as your story is about water and the tree and roots are the supporting characters. Either image by itself would be a winner, but together I prefer the B&W as the color in that version is kind of a distraction when looking at the B&W. The monochrome just seems to have more impact to me. You did a great job in your little huddle under the umbrella. Great title - hopefully you wonât have to swim to find your roots in the future.
I am partial to the color photo. The B&W has something that is just missing for some reason. Perhaps it is the moss on the FG root that lends the notion of moisture that is very clear in the color version that is lost in the B&W. Kudos on the effort, and yes, the worst weather does seem to make for the best photos.
Hi Ian,
Gee, this is a tough one to pick a favorite as both are quite nice. After toggling back and forth several times I am thinking the B&W is my favorite. I think the rich tones and graphic quality of the B&W just convey the weather conditions better than the color version. I also think the B&W oozes that feeling of menace that you were striving for. Kudos on sticking it out while dealing with the lousy weather conditions and I bet the photographers in the van are kicking themselves right about now for missing this opportunity. BTW, I loved Day of the Triffids and the FG root certainly fits that story line with the plants. Beautifully done! You and Nigel are nicer than I would be as I would have said something; politely of course; to the owner of the dog..
Ian, These are both marvelous images with exquisite detail, but they each say different things to me.
The colour version: since I love colour, I prefer this one slightly. It exudes warmth, peace and a beautiful, calm day
The B&W, on the other hand, is stark, forboding, dark, and a exudes mild sense of gloom.
It depends on the story YOU want to tell!
Your persistence and dedication paid off, and was a good lesson for your lucky clients.
Exceptional work. Glad you persevered and got your gale to obscure the shoreline. I much prefer the B&W version. I think it fits the conditions better and has a sort of menacing feel. Funny you should bring up Day of the Triffids. I just read Wyndhamâs The Midwich Cuckoos last week. Watched the movie adaptation âVillage of the Damnedâ when I was young and that movie weirded me out. Classic British SciFi.
Aesthetically, I love the color version, for the muted colors and greater sense of depth. The b&w version feels more menacing, however, because youâve lost those warm tones in the lower right. I think if you desaturated and cooled those warm tones (just in the corner), the color version would take on that menacing feel but still have that slight bit of color to give depth.
Aesthetically, I love the color version, for the muted colors and greater sense of depth. The b&w version feels more menacing, however, because youâve lost those warm tones in the lower right. I think if you desaturated and cooled those warm tones (just in the corner), the color version would take on that menacing feel but still have that slight bit of color to give depth.
Thank you everybody it has been quite valuable to hear your thoughts. I just thought I would sign off with my own. If I had to keep one version I would choose the colour version. I donât think the motif is as strong as the black and white shot which definitely strikes me as being more nightmarish, which frankly is closer to my initial thoughts and I think there is some merit in cooling down the image a little whist still retaining the restrained colour palette to evoke a bit more of a sinister feel. However, for me the aesthetic of the colour version trumps the black and white. Thanks to you all. The feedback from yourselves nudges it to a slight preference for the black and white version it seems.
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