The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This image was taken during a recent trip to Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where I spent an extended period of time in the area hoping to encounter fresh snow, which I was fortunate enough to encounter towards the end of the trip.
My intention with this image was to compose the scene so that it was akin to a classical/romantic landscape, whilst also attempting to personify the pandani plants in the bottom right. Through this image I hope to convey a sense of the sublime, and a sense of relief.
Composing this scene I imagined the pandani to be weary travelers, relieved to be looking upon the clouds parting to a beautiful dawn. Considering the days prior to this snowfall had been full of storms and severe winds, I was quite emotional waking up to such beautiful conditions at the end of the trip, and I hope that this image helps to share my sense of wonder and appreciation for the landscape. Additionally, I suppose that through this image, I am trying to convey a sense of perseverance and gratitude for the wilderness in which this image was taken.
Specific Feedback
Any and all feedback is welcome!
I have not done much in lightroom except for cropping to 4:5 and brightening the scene, so I would appreciate any additional suggestions on editing that could make the image more cohesive. Also, I would love to hear if this image provides you with any emotional or conceptual response.
Thanks in advance
Technical Details
ISO 200, f/22, 1/5 second exposure on a 24mm lens.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Keenan, it is good to see you back on NPN. I am enjoying spending time with this wonderful image. The touches of color in the snow-frosted pandani provide a wonderful point of interest, leading the eye up the curves of the stream to the gentle color in the sky. These touches give a sense of peacefulness to the composition. I felt a special sense of joy when I noticed the pink in the morning sky. I find the play of light on the mounds of snow in the foreground and the slightly less bright mid-portion of the scene, suggesting that it is still in the shadow of an unseen hill, reads very realistically. I would not change a thing.
Hi Keenan – What an effective puzzle between the snow and the tropical (from a northerners perspective!) plants. The contrast is striking and it make the image a real pleasure to view. Thanks for sharing the experience!
This is, as @Michael_Lowe says, beautifully composed and executed. I absolutely love those two “weird” plants in the foreground (tribbles?) that, in addition to a playful shape, provide a subtle shot of colour. And I love that the leading line of the creek actually leads somewhere, taking my eye to a subtle but moody sky. And there too, in the sky, is a subtle shot of red/magenta that adds rather than distracts. I notice that I have used the word subtle several times and I think that speaks to how effective you have been in creating a compelling mood.
A very refreshing image Keenan, here in Italy it’s very very hot. I love your photo that is for me an hymn to nature and its beauties. Colors, lights, water, snow, sky is all natural, subtle, as @Kerry_Gordon write, and beautiful. Perfect as it is for me.
You mentioned personifying the plants at the lower right, and I have to say that they are what drew me in, and I saw something similar. With the snow coating them, they look like heads of hair to me, facing off to the distance. It’s a lovely scene with very nice soft light.
Keenan, the snow covered plants in the creek grabbed my attention, and the nice curved composition, snow and wonderful sky in the top keep me pondering this pleasant, cool image. Nice work.
I like the way you give human qualities to these unique plants in the FG. This in itself is a worthy lesson. Yes, I see how they marvel at the arriving sun. Lovely image that is well composed with the winding stream. We visited Australia in 2019, but did not get to Tasmania. So thanks for the geography lesson as well. I would suggest cloning snow into the small tree spot in the LRC. The green spot is the only distraction I see. Great image; thanks for posting it.
Hi Larry, thank you for the feedback! I definitely agree with you about the green spot being slightly distracting. I’ll experiment with cloning it out.
Keenan I’m viewing your image here at home in 30degrees heat and 90% humidity. (Or at least it feels like it) A totally surreal sensation for something that produces in me such calm as this beautiful scene does. Apart from everything else techy that has been already said I also like the width of the “s bend” which for me, helps to anchor the image and give it perfect balance.
Thank you for sharing.
