The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This image was taken from Face Rock State Park Overlook, Bandon, OR, my last image of the day. It was very much blue hour; the fog starting to coalesce over the water. I wanted this image to be a long exposure.
Specific Feedback
Re: the small sea stack overlapping into a background rock formation, I could get high enough with my tripod. Lesson learned, I will keep a small step ladder in my truck…
Technical Details
Camera: Nikon Z7 Lens Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 @60mm Exposure 15 sec ISO 64 f/4 Tripod.
In PP, I did slightly increase the warmth. Ediited in PS.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
To start: I have very little experience with very long exposures, so take my opinion with a large grain of salt.
I have the feeling that the exposure time is either too short or too long. If you aimed at a completely smooth water surface, it is too short. But I can imagine that the sea wasn’t calm enough to get that look.
Because there still is a lot of “texture” in the water, I would prefer to see more of it. So a sharper image, a shorter exposure. And combine that with more contrast in the rocks.
Now it is somewhere in between. I can’t exactly put my finger on what I feel as a bit of friction in the image.
Gary, I think your choice of SS here is fine, to render soft swirls and texture. The overlapped area of the rocks doesn’t bother me at all.
More room on top would better balance this, imo
I like this a lot!
Bandon is a really nice place to photograph. I really like the swirling patterns in the water and the way they push around the sea stacks. The sea stack overlap is minimal and is a trade off with the water opening between the other sea stack and the cliff. Yes “where in space do I want my camera to be?” All photographers have been there. To me the sky is somewhat of an eye draw. More to balance or omit (when possible) . Additionally it would be interesting to play with some of the light/dark contrasts in the rock and water to see how those would change the depth of the photo.
This is a very enjoyable little sea scape in what would normally be considered very unfavourable light. The low contrast works nicely here, as does the movement in the water. I think overall its really quite successful. Well done.
