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This is the original. I cropped to put more focus on the old rigs, and also the background trees.

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

It’s been a very busy year, especially the last few months. My wife and I needed a break so went for a drive in the mountains, and I had to stop when I saw this scene. Unfortunately it was well past peak fall colors, so this is my only fall image.

Specific Feedback

All comments are welcome, but I’m mostly curious about the crop. Did I crop too much? I thought about cropping more to just focus on the white bark trees (aspens?).

Technical Details

Nikon D850, 70-200 @ 120mm, f9, 1/100th sec, ISO 800, hand held


Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
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  • Composition:
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I much prefer the cropped version, Steve. It puts the focus where it belongs. The distant hill doesn’t really add anything to the environment. Very nicely done.

I love image of old cars, and I think you did a nice job with composition and colors; crop was definitely the way to go. I would suggest a couple of things to consider given the busy background, I might suggest blurring the background and crop further to keep the viewers eye on your subject. My thoughts. Cheers.

Thank you @Dennis_Plank and @gDan52 for your comments. Gary, I appreciate the suggestions and will give them a try.

Steve - this is really cool. Jim is into restoring old cars - mostly WWII jeeps - but he loves this image. I think the pano crop works well, although your original is fine too.
Wonderful catch - worth a U-turn for sure!

Thanks Sandy!