The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
In the first week of October Mike and I made a day trip to Blackwater Falls SP, WV for some autumn color. We soon discovered the water level of the Blackwater River was the lowest I have ever witnessed, so the falls were a bit underwhelming. Although I was a bit disappointed it did allow me a chance to capture some different compositions that would not normally be available, such as this post. The 100-400 was not long enough so I did have to crop to get what I wanted for this image. I particularly liked the sense of mystery with the veil of water partially obscuring the rock face. I just felt as though I was standing just behind the cascading water. I also liked those pools of water on the rock shelf.
Specific Feedback
I know this is just a rock wall and cascading water, but I was wondering if this image works for anyone? It is a bit of an experiment and has grown on me. Anything else you notice please feel free to mention it.
Technical Details
Nikon Z 7, Nikon 100-400 @ 400 mm, f 11 @ 1/5 sec, ISO 100, Kase magnetic CPL, cable release & tripod.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Vision and Purpose:
Conceptual:
Emotional Impact and Mood:
Composition:
Balance and Visual Weight:
Depth and Dimension:
Color:
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Technical:
Hi @Ed_Lowe … this is so nice, good thinking here. Your image, as I see it, definitely has an impressionistic aspect to it. I would also agree that the water falling on the rock on the upper part of the image enhances the composition by adding another element to it.
The other think that I immediately thought before even checking shutter speed, (and this would probably work against .. impressionism), is that a higher speed that captures the cascading water on the front, would produce a more layered image, with increased depth. The falling water would have it’s own substance if I can describe it like that. I don’t know if you have such a version, and how it looked to you. In any case, really nice, inspiring image.
Ed, for sure a very different waterfall look here. I agree on the splashing water off the rock shelves and wall jetty’s here and there. I think it actually helps break the image up slightly to a point of not looking like a ICM of sorts. Well seen and photographed.
I love the setup of the veil of the waterfall with the glistening rock behind. I find the choices to use a longer shutter speed and to stick with low contrast intriguing. It definitely adds an ICM feel to the image.
Did you happen to take a faster shutter speed (and processed with higher contrast)? It would be really interesting to compare the version that @Nikos suggests.
I actually wasn’t sure what this was until I opened it and read your description. I feel like it needs more depth to it. Do you have an image with a faster shutter speed that might separate the water from the background rock? It might benefit from a little more contrast as well. There is no real focal point which is fine. It makes your eye wander the scene looking for that special something.
I love that you experimented with something like this and that you had a vision for the shot. It’s definitely mysterious. I have to admit I don’t think this one is working for me though. Love the experiment though. Would love to a version with much more texture to the water if you have it. I think that could work.
Ed, it’s an intriguing change-of-pace. It took me a moment to understand…The falling water is clear, but I started out expecting to be looking out from behind the falls. The splashing and pools behind the “curtain” make it clear that you’re looking through the falls to the wall behind. That’s a different approach to the “usual”. The curtain of falling water looks good, while the splashes and textures tell the story. This is a fairly abstract view. In my opinion, abstracts need to be fairly uniform in brightness and contrast throughout the frame. In this view, the reduced amount of falling water on the left lets it and the extra contrast in the rocks behind get some extra attention. So I wonder how reducing the contrast in that left ~1/4 would look. I do like having the splashes go completely across the frame.
Many thanks everyone @Nikos, @Paul_Breitkreuz, @John_Williams, @David_Haynes and @Mark_Seaver for your thoughts on this image as it was a bit of an experiment. Unfortunately I did not think to take any images with a faster SS. I usually wind up shooting my water scenes anywhere from 1/2 to 1/10 sec as I just prefer that look. My brother is always telling me shoot slower and faster SS along with verticals and horizontals; one of these days it will sink in. Hopefully we will be heading back for some snow in the next couple of months and I will try some faster SS.
Hopefully we will be heading back for some snow in the next couple of months and I will try some faster SS.