Critique Style Requested: Initial Reaction
Please share your immediate response to the image before reading the photographer’s intent (obscured text below) or other comments. The photographer seeks a genuinely unbiased first impression.
Questions to guide your feedback
I’m almost afraid to ask what your reaction is to this image. But I’m going to anyway. I suppose if you’re one of those offroaders your reaction would be different than mine.
Other Information
Please leave your feedback before viewing the blurred information below, once you have replied, click to reveal the text and see if your assessment aligns with the photographer. Remember, this if for their benefit to learn what your unbiased reaction is.
Image Description
This is an image of a section of a dry lake that wasn’t completely down dry. I think the thrill was in driving across this sticky mud without getting stuck. I came across this scene at dusk during one of my walks.
Technical Details
GFX 50R, 45-100mm, f/11
2 Likes
I take it from your comment that you’re not fond of offroaders tearing up the landscape. I’m not either, but you’ve made lemonade from lemons with this composition. Compositionally, this is outstanding. Because the composition speaks most loudly to me, the low-contrast processing isn’t appealing. OTOH, the unappealing contrast enhances the feeling of sadness at the destruction.
No I am not, although this area gets wet every year and the ensuing mud reclaims all damage. I find little in common with these people in their mindset. They’re loud, hard drinking and see the environment as a playground. You can hear their radios for long distances into the night.
However, this image is not about them. It’s about dirt and the dirtiness of dirt.
I knew from first glance this was an image from Igor Doncov! It has your name all over it! Most people would pass up this scene while cursing the morons who left the tracks but you made the most of it and actually made something artful out of something awful. You actually made a strong message here and some group working offroaders might love to use it. Something to think about, anyway. Overall, I really like this even though it’s not a normal “pretty image”. Well done!
Hello Igor,
I hope I’m not too late with this comment.
My initial reaction is not about composition or technique; it’s about the scene you captured. In short, this image raises my ire. When I see these things I feel utterly helpless and bitter. And that’s just the beginning. The ingredients that this image stirs in my pot of emotions are probably best left unshared.
But I’ll also say this: if I did landscapes, scenes like this would probably be my consistent theme. So, I really relate to your photo. It’s certainly moving.
p.s.: Beyond my initial reaction, I also really like the aspect ratio you’ve used for the image – it’s very effective in its own right.
My image was inspired at some level by this painting I believe now.
