Yesterday I went to woods by the river to see if the moss was photogenic … well actually just to get out. The moss was nice. A stagnant side channel of the river, with rotting chum salmon carcasses scattered about, had an intriguing sheen on the water. I suppose the thin oily sheen was from the salmon or from leaves. With no wind, it formed curls and stripes. Also unusual was the orange scum on the bottom of the shallow water. The reflection of the branches was a bonus.
Self Critique
I like the variety of appearance among the images taken within a few square yards.
I found it hard to process them to achieve a highly similar look, though. It turned out that the curls and stripes were very elusive to show in processing. I think the captures with a polarizer were a bit more effective in that regard.
Creative Direction
Overall, the results seem to be illusory, and able to yield an impact to a patient viewer, hence Zen.
Specific Feedback
Primarily wondering if these are too similar. Maybe one image is enough.
What a great project Dick! The reflections of the trees between the rocks are fascinating and a bit haunting at the same time. The only thing that jumps out for me is the slightly different processing, or maybe different lighting. I think you could possibly dial them in a little bit to be more cohesive. I don’t want them all to match, but I think the foam on 2 and 5 for example could be a bit more white like 1 and 6. No. 6 is stunning by the way, that one could stand on it’s own! Wonderful work.
What an interesting set of photographs. I think the tree reflections make these much more artistic., more so than the swirls from the surface film. I too think the sixth photo is a good contender as a stand alone photo. The direction of the light falling on the rocks to me seems to be a big factor in whether the photo works well or not. Like in image 4, the light and then the orientation of the photos makes it seem like everything is about to spill out of the frame, which brings a sense of anxiety in me, which I think is the opposite of what Zen meditation is supposed to produce. The other five do not bring on that same feeling, but of all of them, image 6 has the most calming effect on me. Neat project.
Thank you for viewing and commenting. When I show the 6th image on its own, I get quibbles about composition. I think seeing the photographs in sequence sets up the 6th to be more appreciated. On its own maybe 7 Stones is easier to appreciate.
What a wonderful find. Next time try it w/o a polarizer so the reflections are more obvious. I don’t even wear polarizing sunglasses when I’m doing water reflection work because I miss too much! Anyway, keep at it.
