Dancing in the reeds

Image Critiques Abstract Nature Critiques
1

Dancing in the reeds.jpg
Dancing in the reeds.jpg2000×1125 1.39 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

This images was captured in a Central Western NSW swamp overgrown with water weeds.
The texture of the water’s surface peaked my interest swell as the dead tree reflections. It seemed like the trees were dancing or trying to move about in the water. Taken at 5.00 pm in the evening with very low light available.

Specific Feedback

Is this image too busy? Does the left bottom area need more balance?

Technical Details

Nikon z 7 24-70 lens
1/160 sec
Focal length 70 mm
F /6.3
ISO 350

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:

2

No, There is a lot of tension in this image but it’s not busy. It’s intense in appearance but a calm subject. I like it.

No. That area gives the eye a place to rest.

1 Like
3

Hi Diny. I don’t think the image is too busy. The water plants are thick enough that they create a texture which sometimes happens when you get enough of any one form in an image. It then quits being a distraction and becomes a landscape. I do like the rippled reflections and they make me puzzle over why I can’t see the ripples in the water around them which keeps me looking at the image. All in all a fine image.

4

@Igor_Doncov’s lots of tension and intense but calm comment is how I view this image. While you have titled it “Dancing in the Reeds”, and I can understand why, I see it as figures solemnly gathered to mourn a fallen friend. I really like this image.

5

I kept coming back and looking at it, which says something. I also like it.

6

I like the pen and ink feel of this. And the texture! It doesn’t feel too busy to me and I like the bottom left just as it is. Nice image!

7

Thank you everyone for your insightful comments! I do appreciate the effort and feedback. I am drawn to ponds, creeks and swamps…not sure why but they do provide an intriguing insight into completely different water worlds.

8

Vision and Purpose:
Conceptual: I like the patterns from reeds and the reflection of the trees.
Emotional Impact and Mood:
Composition: On the second look I see two pictures: From the left a 4x5 ratio in landscape and on the right a portrait. Breaking the picture up in two would probably solve your issue with the left bottom area.
Balance and Visual Weight:
Depth and Dimension:
Color:
Lighting:
Processing:
Technical:

9

It’s amazing how graphic the photo looks. It really has a graphic quality.

I don’t think it’s busy. The branches at the top form a semicircle, and there’s a slanted branch in the middle.

If you want a cleaner look, you can crop a different composition. There are possibilities.