Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This continuously erupting mud “volcano” in Yellowstone was fascinating. What the camera can see with a very fast shutter speed is even more fascinating.
Specific Feedback
Any comments welcome. There’s a weird smudge from steam (I guess) to the right of the main eruption. I tried various things to minimize it, but I can’t make it totally disappear. Is it annoying?
Technical Details
Sony a7r3, 1/2000s, f/11, ISO 6400, hand held. Processed in ACR & PS; basic tonal adjusments, conversion to b&w (although it was mostly monochrome to start with).
Critique Template
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- Vision and Purpose:
- Conceptual:
- Emotional Impact and Mood:
- Composition:
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Great image Bonnie. One of your best. It’s fascinating to look at. It has a your stamp all over it.
Holy Cow! This is better than shooting breaking waves at 1/3200 sec! What a wonderful and fascinating structure – both the main splash and all the little supporting players! Perfect lighting to bring it out. I didn’t see the smudge until you sent me looking for it. It’s hardly noticeable but looks like a bit more very local burning could make it invisible. The B/W is perfect here, with the mysterious, spooky look.
Oh man, Bonnie, this is fantastic. I agree with @Igor_Doncov, this is truly one of your best. And, I won’t lie: I’m quite jealous I didn’t think of trying a similar technique at this spot while we were there.
Thank, @Igor_Doncov, @Diane_Miller, and @Cody_Schultz. 
It’s interesting that you say that. This is one of those scenes where you set your exposure and click away, hoping to get a cool image. I don’t feel that I did much about composition and such (although I did think about the opening from which the mud was ejected).
Well, I have to confess that Jennifer tuned me in to using a really fast ss. I was originally at 1/500s, which was ok but not as good as 1/2000s. She was shooting at 1/3200s, I think.
Fascinating, when I was there last spring, there was very little flying mud action…maybe drying out matters. Big hunks of flying mud and all of the “mudlets” look very good, Bonnie, as does the action along the bottom. I may have to make a special trip… Very cool!
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