Clouds on the Water

Image Critiques Abstract Nature Critiques
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Critique Style Requested: In-depth

The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.

Self Critique

I really like this image because of how the long exposure of the water makes it look like clouds.
I am not crazy about the plant sticking out of the water but I do think it gives it context.

Creative direction

My creative vision is to express a feeling of floating on top of the water . There are Trout that swim up stream in this creek. This image makes me think of them swimming up stream to spawn.

Specific Feedback

The main area of feedback on this image and future picture taking is the following;

Does having a Non-Abstract part of the images add to its overall appeal or is it a distraction.
In this case , I am not sure?

Technical Details

Nikon D5600
55mm Focal Length
F22 for 8 Seconds
with Neutral Density Filter
and a Tripod

Description

I take a lot of images in Michigan from Spring until Fall where we have a seasonal RV. There are many lakes, rivers and creeks. This image was taken in the Spring when McCoy was pretty fast moving.

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2

Mike, it’s a personal taste item in the end. I agree on your POV on the stream as a sky and the whitewater providing the bit of cloud view overall. I might crop up from the bottom or clone out the outcropping in the FG for another look. But again, a personal taste item there.

3

Mike,

I most certainly see the “clouds on the water” impression. I love the texture and flow in the water. I wouldn’t have guessed this was an 8s exposure, but it certainly works and you’ve maintained beautiful texture in the water.

For me, the inclusion of the sticks at the bottom puts a slap of reality in this and really detracts from the abstract (clouds on the water) that you saw and tried to capture. I don’t know what your thoughts are in cloning and manipulation. but I think you could crop from the bottom to remove. The issue is that if you cropped them completely, that doesn’t leave much room below the rock and bottom “cloud.” Thus, you would be forced to do a fair amount of cloning. Cloning in LR/ACR are pretty darn amazing. Totally understand if you’re not up to that much editing. But the way I look at it, it is very possible you could have eliminated those sticks at the bottom in the field… I say possible, because I wasn’t there; If it was a live plant, obviously you couldn’t remove it. But if it was simply debris caught on a rock, then I wouldn’t have a problem letting it flow on down the stream.
Anyway, I think this would be improved without the sticks. With the sticks, it’s much less an abstract.

The whispy clouds are wonderful. I even think the lime-green submerged mossy rocks look good - I’ve seen them this vibrant! Color balance seems right since the whispy water looks pretty neutral.

Thanks for sharing!