The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Deep in a block of an old growth forest that will probably be harvested at some point in the near future. These forests are beautiful, calm, and very quiet. This block probably had been selectively cut at some point in the past judging by the different size trees, but I don’t know for certain.
Specific Feedback
I really like the strong subject of the large tree in the left center of the frame as well as the diffused light. I also like the various hues of greens and yellows that are very typical in these forests. Forest scenes are chaotic in general and are hard to photograph, at least for me. However, I feel this image captures the calmness and serenity I felt while I was there.
Technical Details
Shot at 68mm, f11, 0.5 sec, ISO 64. Post processed in Adobe LRC and PS.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
These deep forest scenes are so difficult to compose, photograph and process well but you’ve accomplished all three with this one. I like the dark yet low contrast presentation. It’s also nice to see an image like this that isn’t oversaturated as that seems to be the norm lately. I don’t think I would have “seen” this composition. I likely would have tried to avoid including the tree protruding in from the left to clean up the image. You managed to use it well, creating almost a veil or curtain that’s being pulled back to reveal the forest behind. No critique from me. Nice work!
Outstanding photograph. I love the light falling gently on the trees. I almost wish the interceding branches were not there to allow a better view of the main trees, but at the same time they create a mystery that is so typical of deep forests. Wow, that light is just so alluring all throughout the scene, even in the background. The tree trunk creeping in on the right side would be my only concern with this but it is barely worth trying to remove it.
Stunning! The soft colours, detail in the bark, moss, and play of light make this just magical -
I’m going to vote for removing that tiny sliver of trunk on the right as I’m not a fan of cut-off edges - but this is a very minor issue, as others have noted.
Exceptional!
I typically gravitate to heavy contrast shots. however, I love the soft almost ethereal feel this photo gives. What appears to be evocative use of Dodge and burn makes this really stand out as an art piece. Kudos
Hi Steve,
The soft light is exquisite in this woodland scene. That coupled with the understated processing has created a wonderful relaxing scene. Woodlands are chaotic by nature and you have done an excellent job of minimizing that chaos. My only suggestion involves cropping a little from the right and left sides to get rid of those cut off trees. I hope you do not mind, but here is a rework with what I was thinking. Just my opinion of course. Thanks for sharing this beautiful image.
Wonderfully executed woodland scene. You’ve chosen a composition that carefully removes much of the clutter that is typical of woodland scenes making this both calm and serene. Mission accomplished. Those spot lit couple of trees are obviously stealing the scene but I actually love the branches gracefully entering the scene from the left hand side of the image with a couple of the tips grabbing some of that diffused light. The saturation looks spot on to me. I like what @Ed_Lowe did with his crop as it cleans up both the right and left side of the image. I would also burn down the one bright section of branch near the top center of the frame that pulls the eye up and almost out of the frame. It doesn’t need much but it appears to be the brightest section of the image.
Here is a quick rework using Ed reworked image:
I like this for capturing the essence of a forest - its dark mystery. I might bring up the brighter areas in the dark area at the right edge of the image. Just a tad.
I agree, forests are really hard to photograph most of the time, but I think you did a really great job with this image. The composition is nicely balanced and everything that needs to be there is and there is nothing extra. I also really like the branches that come in from the left and are in front of those trees. They add a really nice sense of depth and complexity to the image without feeling forced.
Yes, forests are a challenge to photograph. And that is one reason I love them. I feel this image captures the spirit of the forest very well. I love the layers and the simplification of what can be a chaotic scene. I agree that Ed Lowe’s crop improved the composition.
Maybe it’s just what I’m seeing on my monitor, but the foreground needles and moss seem soft, like slightly out of focus. Perhaps a deliberate decision to contrast the sharpness of the trunks?
