December Tule Fog, Cosumnes River Preserve, California

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
1

FGisin_NPN_1167_Winter_Minimalism.jpg
FGisin_NPN_1167_Winter_Minimalism.jpg1500×1000 639 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I don’t do snow images anymore. Figuratively speaking, I spent my entire lifetime supply of “snow credits” during the 10 frigid windy winters I lived in Idaho Falls many decades ago. Nowadays, I’m content to immerse myself inside the tule fog that frequents the central California valley during the winter months.

At the Cosumnes River Preserve, where this image was taken, fields that are part of the Pacific Migratory Flyway are flooded during the autumn/winter/spring months. In which case, the flooded fields not only become a wonderful replacement for snow covered fields, but also a much needed feeding/breeding ground for a myriad of migratory birds.

A win-win solution for everyone - including local photographers who don’t have anymore “snow credits” to spend.

Specific Feedback

There wasn’t much light, and I debated on whether to submit the darker more-moody image, or one that was brightened up in Lightroom. After some waffling back-and-forth, I elected to submit the latter instead of the former. A right decision?

Technical Details

Nikon Z9 + 100-400 mm Z lens set at 300 mm
1/60 sec at f/10
It was cold, so I set camera on my tripod using a 2 second shutter timer

Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
2

Wow Franz! I had to really look closely to see that it was water, not snow I was looking at. Snow credits?/ That made me laugh - I live in the west central mountains of Idaho and it already looks likes mid-January (read: LOTS of snow). I love single trees against a light background like this. I enjoy see ing its structure, and the birds tops it off (no pun intended). I think I would like to see the whites pushed a little further though - especially the top third?

3

Franz, this does a fine job of using the fog to create a minimalist, winter scene, with the in the shrub being an important part of the story. I also think that the limited contrast plays an important role in creating a cold feeling.

4

Ditto! That’s a great job of making an image that sings winter, but yet has no snow in it.

5

Connie;

I thought about pushing the whites too, but it was quite early in the morning when I took the image.
The sky was a lot closer to a “dark gloomy grey” than “snow white”.

Cheers,
Franz