The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Why the title Evolution you ask? Well, while I was working on this image I got to thinking about the last time I used my wide angle 14-30 lens instead of the 24-200. Upon reflection I think I have only used it sparingly in the last couple of years as I seem to gravitate towards images where I am trying to extract a scene within a scene. This is the perfect example of that.
What originally caught my attention were the lovely muted autumn colors of the ferns and the bog grasses. I was trying to find something else to include and I settled on that silver birch clump along the edge of the woods. Looking back I wish I had captured some images of just the FG vegetation as I find them quite lovely. Maybe next time.
Specific Feedback
I am relatively happy with the image, but if you notice anything or have a suggestion please feel free to mention it. I originally shot this as a horizontal, but decided that I liked this crop better.
Technical Details
Nikon Z 7, Nikon 24-200 @ 130 mm, f 11 @ 0.4 sec, ISO 100, Kase magnetic CPL, cable release & tripod. I almost forgot; this is a four image stack for DOF.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Wow, is this ever an Eliot Porter image! I love it. I love the warm, fall look it has. I also prefer the horizontal to the square. However, I found the upper part of the image far more appealing than the forest floor. And I think the strong warm colors at the bottom detract the delicate beauty you have up top. Anyway, I tried to crop out some of the bottom and then desaturate some of the strong remaining yellows. The whole idea of the these fanthom white limbs peering out of this thick brush of lines is so beautiful, and so Porteresque. And those leaves suspended as though in space within all of that just makes it better. This is why I prefer the late fall over the period when there is just all that color everywhere. Great job.
Definitely a lot of Eliot Porter in this one. I really like the balance of the rich tapestry of ground cover plants in their autumn finery with the lichen covered trunks. For me the initial image is working very well for you. Well seen and processed.
Ed, I can see why this image attracted you. I much prefer the landscape orientation. The vertical seems a little truncated IMHO. My eye keeps following the gentle arch of the branch only to be abruptly cut off it seems. Well seen and captured.
Terrific take on this scene Ed. I was just watching one of Thomas Heaton’s videos about late fall and this is exactly the type of image he would capture in England/Scotland. I am much more enamored with the landscape version and I have to say that I really Like what @Igor_Doncov did with his rework. I am really drawn to the green yellow and red leaves that poke up through the horizontal branch on the right. They really do seem suspended in thin air. I might add just a smidgen back to the bottom of Igors but not much.
Ed, the quiet uniformity of color throughout this view is very inviting and speaks well of late fall. My favorite is your original that’s divided nicely into three areas; the ferns and grasses at the bottom, the main trunks in the upper left and the big arch to the right. For me, the three areas feel visually balanced. Although I might try burning in the arching.
