The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Clambering around a less-visited area of Alabama Hills, I came across this small window, which was about 2 feet across in size and located in a hump just a couple of feet tall. As formulaic as this shot is, I couldn’t resist sitting down and shooting it, partly because I’m fairly sure 99 percent of shooters who come to Alabama Hills have never found this small gem.
Specific Feedback
The obvious problem is depth of field. The obvious solution would have been to focus stack it. Would be interested in knowing if others feel the old-school, soft focus foreground – given today’s technology – is a distraction that dooms the image. Also, choosing to not do a composite, I exposed for the bright mountain and snow, which seriously underexposed the foreground so had to brighten it. Not sure it looks real as a result!
Technical Details
Nikon Z6II, F14, 1/500th, ISO 250.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
James, I suspect you’re correct on this point for sure. I use to kick around that area a lot years ago and I’ve never seen this location or a photo of it before. To me, that’s most of the reason for being out and about is enjoying the discoveries such as this neat find.
Technically, I think you’re talking yourself into possibly a return visit for a focus stacking process. As I only shoot transparency film I rarely do any focus stacks but do a lot of pano shots.
Anyway, the only thought on this image was to maybe crop out that tiny slice of the landmass and the eastern sierras in the right side of the image. It is kind of an eye draw for me.
A really neat find here…
This looks good, James. The brightness and sharpness of the foreground rocks fits the rest of the scene well and is not distracting. My one thought is to place the window a bit lower in the frame.
Thanks Mark – a novelty shot, but worthy nonetheless! Somehow I think that if I went back, both the window and Whitney will still be there for a composite treatment.
Thanks Mark. It’s a novelty shot but perhaps worthy nonetheless. Somehow I think that if I go back to shoot a composite, both the window and Whitney will be there.
Thanks Paul. As popular as this area is with photographers, I always get rewarded wandering off the beaten path – plus the landscape changes wonderfully with the seasons and time of day. We are fortunate to have it so accessible.
A very nice find! I don’t mind the focal plane needing to miss the FG as the limitation is obvious. I think the “flawed” FG is grabbing too much attention, though. I think lowering its exposure and contrast might work well. I would reduce the saturation on the sky a bit, too.
