Coastal Art

Image Critiques Landscape Critiques
1

Kelp heart for NPN-P8147005-.jpg
Kelp heart for NPN-P8147005-.jpg1500×1179 1.26 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I took this image about 2 years ago and just re-discovered it when I was going through some older images. I was taken by the diagonal line of the surf and the heart shaped kelp. Processing it in B&W really captured my eye. (After I uploaded this, I removed the distracting stick top rt.) I’m really taken with this image. The edge of the foamy surf reaching out to touch the kelp touches a place deep within me…but I can’t explain why. Perhaps the connection of the water and the kelp?

Specific Feedback

While I’m taken with this image, I’m wondering if it speaks to anyone else? I want to make sure the processing does the image justice. Should the heart kelp be darker? Should the sea water highlights be reduced? (I’ve already brought them down a fair amount.) If anyone can add or subtract to what is already done here I’d appreciate it. Is there something that could be done to make it stand out more? (Note: The natural debris top right I removed after I uploaded the image.)

Technical Details

1/320 sec, f11, ISO 800 OM -1, 12-100 @12mm (24mm equivalent)
LR and PS; used PS to remove footprints and LR to remove debris in top rt

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:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
1 Like
2

Madeleine, I find your image beautiful in its simplicity !

3

Hi Madeleine,
This is quite nice, I can see why it would resonate with you. I love the heart shaped kelp and the B&W processing looks great with a nice range of tones. The diagonal placement of the surf also works well and creates some visual tension in this scene. My only suggestion would be to remove the debris in the URC which you said you removed after posting. This is a beautiful example of sometimes less is more. Thanks for sharing.

4

Thank you, Ed. I appreciate your confirmation of my emotional reaction to this image.

5

Thank you, Ben!

6

What a wonderful find – and very well-presented! And yes, I get it! The foam seems to be tentatively touching the kelp, maybe to see if it is OK! And the sand it is nestled in gives it some very nice support. The tonalities feel just right. I could see a slight crop from the top just to make the kelp a little bigger in the frame but that’s a very minor thought.

7

Thank you, Diane! I appreciate your input!

8

Lovely image. I can see what attracted you. I like the strong diagonal of the surf. The image has a sort of yin yang feel to it. The water and shore are opposites but quite complimentary of each other with the living kelp tying them together. I like the processing. Beside the URC, there is a footprint in the LRC that needs attention.

9

Thank you, Michael. I’ll work on that footprint. I caught some others but missed that one.