Chasing Shadows

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Chasing Shadows

A sinking Sun means rising shadows. As shadows rise, contours are revealed that midday light has obscured. Rising shadows bring photographers alive! I was on a little walk-a-bout near our campsite a few weeks ago when this image presented itself to me. The light was pure magic as it danced around between the snow bank and the meltwater. I watched until just the tip of the mini iceberg was illuminated. Moments later, the light was gone. The light and I wandered around for a while. Eventually I had to let it go and watch as it chased the shadows through the meadows and up to the summits of the nearby peaks. Long dark shadows streaked with warm light now merged into one as the Sun inevitably set and night began to prepare to take over. In a few hours I’d be on top of the ridge watching starlight’s noble attempt to illuminate the sky, but for now, its time to wander back to camp and find a few hours of sleep!

Specific Feedback

Are the shadows too blue? There’s not much color here and to reduce bleeding made it too monochromatic. I have some more from this scene that includes more of the surrounding snow…that little iceberg is just 4’ long…but that got more busy and less artistic.

Technical Details

Nikon D850
Nikon 70-300 f4.5-5.6
ISO 64 , f/11, 1/2 second, 200mm


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1 Like

Hi Paul,
The interplay of light and shadow has created some wonderful diagonals along with some nice details in the snow in this scene. Everything looks very natural and the shadows are not to blue for my tastes. Very nicely done!

Nope, I think the shadow color looks fine, but the nuance of the blue could maybe be pried apart a little. Great little scene full of texture and I like the way you’ve organized the lines and major parts. The crack in the top right could go if you had a mind to have the same image top and bottom. Also maybe darkening the reflection a scosh. Nicely seen and executed. Bravo.

Paul: What Ed and Kris said. I love the diagonals and textures and for me the shadow blue looks pretty natural. Not sure I would have remarked on it if you hadn’t mentioned it. Well seen, composed and captured. >=))>

Paul, the interplay of light and shadow looks great. I like the juxtaposition and reversal of triangular shapes in the small iceberg and the shadow. The shadows look fine to me.