The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
The snowpack in our mountains is behind so far this season. It’s either been to warm, or dry, or both. Last week was an exception, and the Cascades had a pretty good dumping to begin the week. A couple friends and I were able to spend a couple of nights on Mt. Hood enjoying the the new snow.
This image was taken the first evening we arrived as the sun was hitting near the horizon.
Specific Feedback
I wanted to include the tree’s shadow, but also didn’t want too much empty space. Does this work for you?
The light was pretty dim, and I’ve tried to keep that feel. Is it too dark overall?
I liked those trees in the background, but cropping higher included bright gaps from the sun. I chose this balance. Are they enough to not feel cut off? Also, I left them dark to not distract too much from the show below. Is that working?
Technical Details
NIKON Z 7II
NIKKOR Z 24-200 f/4-6.3 VR at 59.0 mm
1/400 sec. at f/16.0 and ISO 800
Handheld
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Vision and Purpose:
Conceptual:
Emotional Impact and Mood:
Composition:
Balance and Visual Weight:
Depth and Dimension:
Color:
Lighting:
Processing:
Technical:
John: “Oh, my!” or something even stronger than that came out of my mouth when this opened. I’m 110% in agreement with @Michael_Lowe in that this is just marvelous. Superbly crafted image. >=))>
This is quite simply a fantastic image. I love the colors, the cool foreground and the lovely sky color reflecting off the snow. I like the shadow too, and I think not having all of the shadow is fine. It reminds us the tree is growing. I also don’t have any issue with the background tree line. It’s there, it makes sense, it’s not important, and it doesn’t draw the eyes. It reminds us this little specimen is part of a larger community, but right now, it’s the star of this show.
Beautiful light and color temperature contrast. The in-focus shadow details in the snow are exquisite. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for snow.
I have to wonder, how big is this tree/how deep is the snow? From your title, and the description of a low snowpack, I guess it’s a sapling in a foot or two of snow, but it as could well be the tip of a 15’ tree in 14’ of snow.
Out of curiousity (not a suggestion for the photo), how would one visually suggest a smaller or bigger tree?
Hi John,
This intimate landscape is absolutely gorgeous; especially the large version! The light is stunning and I love all the textures and details within the frame; so much to savor here. If this was the first image from the trip I am salivating to see what else you managed to capture. Yes this works for me, no it is not to dark, the trees do not feel cut off to me and yes the darkness up top works for me. As far as suggestions, I got nothing.
Very fine image. The light is particularly amazing. I started to play with the image and in the process changed its feel somehow. Unintentionally. Anyhow the only thing of value I think is to bring out some detail in those dark woods perhaps. You be the judge. BTW, I love the pinkness in the snow.
John, this is beautiful. The warm light spotlights that small tree very well, with its shadow adding interest to the lower frame. I do like @Igor_Doncov’s bringing up the background tree a bit, as I wasn’t sure if that was trees or a rock ridge up there.
I agree with all the appreciative thoughts of others that the this photograph stimulated.
What captivates me most is the gently graduated interplay of warm light and cool shadows.
Now that is some fresh snow. The colors of it are just gorgeous. A little bit of purple/pink/blue and the lovely warm spot on top of the tree. This little guy looks like he was buried and decided to pop his head up to witness that beautiful evening setting sun glow. I like the darkness. It tells me the time of day this was shot. I don’t really care for images that are brought up to look like daylight when it’s not. The shadow of the tree is really nice and I wouldn’t change a thing. The subtle shading in the snow tells me it’s not completely flat and that there are contours which add to the image. I wouldn’t change a single thing about this one, John. Wish I with you guys on this trip. Glad you finally got some snow.
Thanks Cathy! I think there was likely four or five feet of snow, so I would guess this guy is six or seven feet tall?? I’m not sure how to best suggest the size of the tree. Hopefully the background trees give a hint that it is a sapling.
@Igor_Doncov I played with that and decided on the darker version, but having sat with the image awhile I think I prefer yours. My phone shows images brighter in the shadows than my calibrated monitor does, and when I saw my original image there I started to lean towards opening that background a little more. Thanks for the edit.
