# Branches, rippled and reflected **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** abstract, weekly-challenge\ **Created:** [October 18, 2026, 9:20pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/branches-rippled-and-reflected/52634 "2026-10-18T21:20:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mark\_Seaver](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/mark_seaver/32/231_2.png) [@Mark\_Seaver](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Mark_Seaver)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2026, 9:20pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/branches-rippled-and-reflected/52634/1 "2026-10-18T21:20:11Z")
![Original - Branches- rippled and reflected #1.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/6/5/6502b60cec21d0598de0368365c0b5b49aeea7ed.jpeg) _Clearly branches_ ![A reduced sense of branches](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/0/1/0118a820082200744f5c508c033ef758ec44c99f.jpeg) _A reduced sense of branches_ ![Totally distorted](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/3/e/3e55d5ee466a25a82cf19f3d55642fc72ca64145.jpeg) _Totally distorted_ ### Weekly Challenge The Gesture of a Branch 10/18/26 - 10/24/26 **Critique Style:** Standard The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below. **Feedback Focus:** Artistic / Expressive ### About This Image While photographing branches reflected in my pond, I discovered that by focusing somewhere in between the water’s surface and the reflection, I got some interesting effects that were enhanced by the wind rippling the water. These all need a moderately fast shutter to control the amount of distortion. This series of three views goes from a fairly straight look at the branch reflections (#1) to a significantly distorted view (#2), with some branches still recognizable to a totally distorted view (#3) that adds rainfall effects to the water’s surface distortion. Since all were shot at ISO 3200, I’ve used AI denoise on all three. ### Feedback Requested Do you find one “approach” preferable? As always in abstracts, individual viewer’s will react differently. ### Technical Details **Clearly branches** Camera: Canon EOS R5 Lens: RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Focal length: 500mm Shutter speed: 1/400s Aperture: f/8 ISO: 3200 **A reduced sense of branches** Camera: Canon EOS R5 Lens: RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Focal length: 472mm Shutter speed: 1/125s Aperture: f/8 ISO: 3200 **Totally distorted** Camera: Canon EOS R5 Lens: RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Focal length: 343mm Shutter speed: 1/125s Aperture: f/10 ISO: 3200 ---
**Author:** ![Huw\_Thomas](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/huw_thomas/32/87850_2.png) [@Huw\_Thomas](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Huw_Thomas)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2026, 10:00pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/branches-rippled-and-reflected/52634/2 "2026-10-18T22:00:24Z")
Hi mark Three different approaches that affect me in different ways the first one has an old analogue film feel to it , of early photographers experimenting with film. The second is a much more restful peaceful abstract you could live with very nicely framed on a wall at home. You cn look and explore it without getting tired of the image The third is a lovely agitated abstract - too busy for my wall - but lovely in a book or collection. Like them all - please dont make me choose regards huw ---
**Author:** ![Marylynne\_Diggs](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/marylynne_diggs/32/87403_2.png) [@Marylynne\_Diggs](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Marylynne_Diggs)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2026, 11:04pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/branches-rippled-and-reflected/52634/3 "2026-10-18T23:04:28Z")
Hi Mark, These are fun. Is this all the same subject, but treated differently in post or one reflected in water? Fascinating regardless. It’s so hard to pick. For the “gesture of a branch” challenge, the first seems more gestural because we have branching lines. Overall as something that engages me, I’m a fan of number 3. It’s got colors, textures, lines, shapes. Reminds me of some of your other work, so, not that it matters one way or another, but it feels more recognizably yours stylistically. But, as Huw says, “don’t make me choose.” I’m hoping we get a few more folks chiming in on this one. ML