The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.
Self Critique
I feel the selection of a longer lens to simplify the composition to a single tree trunk and selected branches as a contrast to the brightness of the light toned blooms was successful in portraying my vision for the scene. I wonder if the image could benefit from pushing the brightness, particularly in the mid and lower tones higher and creating an overall more high key image. I may play with that at some point but also enjoy the “anchor” the darker tones provide. There are times I look at the image and initially do not have a strong sense of a clearing weighted top or bottom to the image.
Creative direction
My connection and desire to capture and portray the landscape is to illustrate the beauty of the natural scene that can be found all around us, whether that be in a place like Yosemite or in our own backyard, I believe it is there if we search. For this specific image I was inspired by the back light on the Dogwood blooms and the overall brightness and joy I felt when I came upon it.
Specific Feedback
I am most interested in Aesthetic and Emotional feedback to the image but open to any feedback on the Conceptual and Technical side as well.
Technical Details
For a variety of reasons I prefer to work with large format black and white film but then scanning film for printing purposes, so a hybrid system of sorts. Captured with a Linhof Master Technika 2000 on TMX 100 4x5 with a Nikon 360mm lens. Exposure of 16 2/3 @ 1/4 second with a #25 Red Filter. Film developed in Xtol at 1:1 at Normal Development in a Jobo Rotary system.
Description
Image was captured in Spring of 2024 in Yosemite Valley while Dogwood were in bloom. I had spent a couple of days searching for images of the Dogwood that spoke to me when I came across this scene in lower portion of Happy Isles with late afternoon sun still illuminating the area. I appreciated the sea of blooms accentuated by the backlight with the subtlety of granite walls behind and distinct dark tone of the delicate tree trunk and branches.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Hi Chipper,
First off welcome to NPN! This is a wonderful first post of a dogwood in full bloom; in fact it looks a little like a winter scene rather than a spring one. The B&W processing looks spot on and I love the contrasting tones of the darker tree trunk against the lighter tones of the dogwood blooms. The midtones of the canyon walls makes for the perfect backdrop. For my own personal tastes you hit the sweet spot; I do not think this needs to be any more high key. I quite like this as is, but I can also see an alternate composition as well. I hope you do not mind, but here is a rework with what I was thinking. This is just my opinion of course and may not be your vision. I hope to see more images from you as well as commenting on other photographer’s posts. I have found that commenting is a great way to learn as well.
Thank you Ed and I greatly appreciate the feedback. Interestingly I actually captured a sheet of film in a vertical composition as well but have not yet worked on the image. Initially I enjoyed the space and volume the horizontal version provided but will look back more closely to compare.
Large format and (possibly) moving Dogwood blossoms is quite a challenge. I’ve tried several times with 4x5 and had no real success. This image is successful. In fact, I don’t recall seeing that density of blossoms in Yosemite.
The high-key nature of this works very well, but I wonder if a slight reduction of the tonality of the granite behind the tree would make the blossoms to pop a little a more. There’s certainly nothing wrong with what you’ve done here, but thought I’d mention it. I do like @Ed_Lowe 's crop.
Nicely done first post, Chipper, and welcome to NPN!
-P
Thank you Preston. I will definitely try some print options pushing the highlights of the Dogwood or reducing the tonality of the granite background to increase the separation, particularly in the mid to upper sections of the blooms. Much appreciated.
Welcome to NPN. I really like this image because it’s a different take on dogwoods. Yosemite dogwoods are almost always photographed against the background of a moving Merced River. This puts them in a different light, literally. I think @Ed_Lowe’s version makes it still better. There’s something magical about all those bright shapes and that they seem to rise from the lower brightness to more scattered up above. His crop has removed that really dense white in the lrc.
Welcome to NPN! So glad to have you here and what a fantastic first post. Second, kudos to you for still shooting film! Myself and many others here shot large format for many years. I finally succomed and sold all my gear in 2015 as it was just getting too expensive (I did color and never developed my own, including any b&w.)
I’m also very familiar with Yosemite, but can easily say I’ve not found such glorious dogwood. I especially love the higher key and the “glow” that the blossoms are creating. For me, I love this as presented; any higher exposure on the blossoms I think would wash them out. Also, I appreciate the comp and layout as I do happen to like the inclusion of the black oak and glimpse of the granite walls. (Although Ed’s crop works beautifully well in completely filling the frame with dogwood!)
The only suggestion I have, rather than a crop, might be to slightly burn down the LRC - lower right corner, simply to keep the eye in the frame. But only a subtle adjust might be needed - don’t want to lose the overall effect you have produced.
Beautiful and again welcome! We look forward to more of your work and also in participating in the forums and galleries. Welcome!
Thank you for the feedback Igor. You touch on something that I do strive for in capturing images, seeing a subject in a different light or setting than its often portrayed. There are locations throughout the globe that have been well documented, such as Yosemite, and I do really try and capture images that do not necessarily say “Yosemite”. Those natural spaces can be incredibly inspiring creatively I find which is part of their allure but searching for something more rarely seen from those settings. Thanks again.
Thank you Lon. I’ll be honest, I essentially lucked out on the timing of the dogwood bloom. By far the most abundant bloom of dogwood I’ve ever witnessed in Yosemite. I think the backlighting and lens choice added to the feel of abundance, by design.
I appreciate the thought of toning down the LRC rather than cropping. I do see the benefit of the crop that Ed presented but also enjoy the balance that I think is added by including some of the ends of dogwood branches on the right side rather than completely filling the frame. Toning down that corner could effectively address the issue.
I understand the transition from large format. I made the change to digital for commercial architectural work out of necessity as a result of increasing cost and the movement of the industry but for my own personal work I have always appreciated seeing the world upside down and backwards. Working strictly in B&W made it easier and more affordable to bring development back in house which I did late last year. I’m still completely enthralled by the “magic” of a sheet of film exposed to light and brought to life in the chemistry.
Welcome to the NPN… This is a great place to be. Lots of great photographers and everyone here is to help each other with their images.
Looking at your images I would say you are off to a great start. B&W is my favorite style… You will see many different styles here on the NPN… I like your Tone in this image. The white flowers really shine. Really Nice. Again Welcome !!! Looking forward to seeing your work and sharing your ideas with all the Amazing Photographers…
