The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
The sea of light-colored branches gave this scene a texture that appealed to me.
Specific Feedback
All comments are welcome.
Technical Details
ISO 1000, 90mm, f/4.5, 1/329th sec.
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:
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Der Don Peters, I think this is an interesting image. The frosty, white twigs create a unique pattern that stands out against the green areas in the middle ground. I wonder if it would improve the image if one quarter of the left side was left out? In that case the tree would become more central.
I like the pattern of the light branches. The scene seems a chaos, but somehow the branches give it a structure. Maybe also because there are some “empty” spots where the green and yellow shines through? I like it.
Organized Chaos! And beautifully organized I might add. I love the low contrast and the light tones throughout the scene, Don. The colors are soft and muted and I love the slight variations in yellow and green on display that all work well with the high key effect and I have to say that I kind of like that ULC that drew my eye when I opened this image up. It shows another tree, almost in black and white, creating a different kind of contrast. I can’t really say why I like it but I think cropping it out would worsen the composition. Maybe just a gut feeling. Beautiful image, Don!
Wonderful find and presentation! A palo verde? The white sticks add a wonderful texture. Are they dead limbs from the same tree? I wouldn’t think of a crop for the image presented but I see a twofer focused on the lower right. Not sure exactly where I would crop it but I totally love the overlay of the white branches there.
I agree, this has great texture that’s very appealing. I love the light colored, yellow and green leaves behind the veil of the light colored branches. I’ve gone back and forth about a crop, but think I like it as you presented. Just for comparison, here’s a crop for everyone .
Hi Don,
This is my kind of image; the frame filled with all of that organized chaos. I can see why this scene appealed to you as it does to me as well. I love the lighter yellow and green pastel tones in this intimate landscape as well as the multitude of amazing details and textures. I could see a little crop from the left as well as slightly darkening those branches in the ULC as my eye wants to go there. IMO that balances the two upper corners a little better as well. I hope you do not mind, but here is a rework with what I was thinking. Just my opinion of course.
Hey Don – really got people going with this one, and I’m not surprised. I love desert trees, but their colors are usually so subtle that one is tempted to punch them up in editing. This I believe is a Tamarisk or Salt Cedar. Like my favorite, the Paloverde, it is loaded with sticks and deadwood which I find wonderful for filling the frame. It is the chaos of the living and dead elements, usually lying exactly where they fell years before, that I find so magnetic. Every tree is a story. My best Paloverde was shot in deep shade on tripod, which helped give richness to the colors. I think in this case you’ve been true to a desert subject, not always easy to do. As a large print it would be lovely. I might darken the main trunk and the few dark sticks just to provide more contrast.
Thanks, David.
