The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This was shot on a very windy day, a wind that raised a lot of dust into the air. I thought I would use the dust to my advantage and have the background less sharp. There were also high clouds that day, which made the shadows less harsh and the highlights less intense.
Specific Feedback
The image seems a bit underexposed but when I try to brighten it it doesn’t work for me. I’m not sure why. I think it’s because I like the brooding nature of this tree. What do you think?
Technical Details
GFX50R, 45-100mm, 1/500 sec, iso 2500, f/11
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
It’s a good one. Out of curiosity I copied it and raised the darker tones. I thought the result was fine and probably better. I also tried converting it to black and white. Liked that too.
Thanks. That didn’t work for me. The cacti at the bottom get too dark and the image starts to feel bottom heavy. It’s bottom heavy as it is. I put work into raising the blacks.
I think the framing and composition on this image is really well done. You’ve picked out a very charismatic tree as the center point of the image and equally charismatic cacti that are wrapping around the tree. There is a lot going on but I think it works well. The tree and the cacti are playing off of each other. I’m enjoying the lack of depth caused by the dust in the wind and high clouds. I also like the cooler color tones. It has an almost bluish colorcast which I really like quite a lot. The image does not seem underexposed to me. I find the light to be soft and I think the sheen on the left portions of the tree trunk and cacti to be really special. I honestly can’t find anything I’d change on this one, Igor. Sorry. I like it as is. Really nice processing job here.
Igor, It is moody as presented and that works well with the mix of mostly stark shapes with scattered bits of color. The hazy background adds to that feeling also. I did put it into PS for a slight tone curve adjustment and the reduction in mood is noticeable. The tree itself has a very interesting shape.
I love this Igor but I would either lighten the dark cloud area above the tree or darken the rest of the clouds so that the dark patch of clouds doesn’t pull the eye so much. Because of the structure of the branches in the tree and the way it pops against that white background I’d be tempted to lighten the area in the sky that is darker than the resy. I love these trees. What are they called?
Hi Igor,
This tree is loaded with character as the limbs seem to be twisting in every direction as they fill up the frame and the dust and clouds certainly provided you with some lovely soft light for this desert landscape. I also think your understated processing with the cooler tones works beautifully here. The bottom is a little busy, but certainly not a deal breaker as the cacti and tree compliment one another. Beautifully done.
Igor, what I love most about your images is your appreciation and use of color. I don’t know if it’s captured in field or PP, but it’s very pleasing to the eye.
Now I’m gonna contradict myself and say I actually like the B&W image you posted better than the OP.
The tree is a wonderful subject, but I also adore the cacti you found mixed in with it. I think they add a lot to the interest, as do the hills in the background.
I think the light looks good to me; it fits with the high overcast lighting it looks like you had.
I also really like that black and white. It’s a very different photo in that the tree really stands out, but the way that you’ve backed it up with the distant tree and cacti really works well.
This is a stunner, @Igor_Doncov. It is beautifully composed and the word that seems to resonate with me is “crisp”. The soft color palette, the atmosphere from the dust and your studied composition are all significant contributions to the overall success of this image. Love it!
Igor: At first glance this looked like a fine artist’s illustration! Truly an amazing photograph showing such fine detail and excellent composition! Super well done and artistic.
