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 liked the way the image balances the warm colors with the cool colors that it has an “otherworldly” feel to it. As a supporting actor I believe the tree guides the viewer through the image but it would be better if it had a bit more structure to it. Having said that I will also share that I am new to intimate/small scene landscape so I realize I have a lot to learn; however, that is my overall assessment of the image.
Creative direction
My goal was to create an “otherworldly” quality that has a balance of order and chaos. One that relies more on hue contrast than tonal contrast and is more of an uplifting image than a somber one.
Specific Feedback
I would like aesthetic feedback on the overall visual appeal of the image. Does the image convey an “otherworldly” quality that has a balance of order and chaos? Is it an uplifting image?
Technical Details
ISO 100, f/8.0, 1/10 sec
Canon RF 100-500 at 186mm
I played with creating a subtle Orton Effect in Photoshop but I liked the image without it so I only used Lightroom. In Lightroom I used the approach that David Kingham advocates relying on adjusting tones mainly with mid tone contrast utilizing the Tone Curve. I also adjusted the RGB channels using the Calibration panel.
Description
This scene caught my eye as it was in the shade during Golden Hour so I thought it would lend itself to my vision. I originally had some sky in the image but I realized that the sky detracted from the main subject, the balance of warm and cool colors so I cropped it out.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Hi, Bill - I like the skeleton of the tree also, weaving through the leaves. I don’t know how bright the leaf colour actually was, but I think a lot more saturation of each colour - if possible - would add some “pop” to this nice image. It seems a little flat as is., imo
Bill, this creates a definite mood and I think you did a fine job. There’s almost a pointillist effect.
I know what Sandy is saying but I’d leave the saturation as it is. I’d consider lightening the darkest tones a bit to deemphasize the structure of the branches. You might also want to increase the color contrast some. I did a quick revision to show you what I mean, but it’s your vision that matters and these things are all matters of taste.
Bill, very nice photo. I liked Sandy’s and Don’s observations and was intrigued. So I did the download and tried some adjustments in Lightroom. I found I could only do subtle adjustments with saturation, light/dark, clarity/texture before I felt it became off track. Based on that I would say any changes would be fine tuning colors and light/dark. I like the way the main tree and some of the support branches flow out through the leaves, and how the texture of the tree shows through. The coloring of the leaves have a nice soft feel to them. Lightening the darker tree tones could help the viewers eyes be more drawn to the tree. But, I think you have dialed in this image well.
Hi @Bill_Bomberry , This is quite a lovely image you have shared with us. I’m not sure I get “other worldly”, but I find your tonal presentation quite pleasing to the eye. I think it shows enough limb structure given your focus on the colors of the leaves. Well seen and processed.
Thank you for the input Sandy! I did try to increase the saturation and after that the luminance to add “pop” but it did not fit my personal style. I do appreciate hearing another perspective! - Bill
Thank you for the input @Don_Peters, @guy and @James_Bartek! After considering everyone’s input, I did try some changes in Photoshop. More specifically, I used a darks 2 luminosity mask to lighten the trunk. I also pushed the yellows a bit to red and the greens a bit to blue to increase the color contrast a tad. Part of the reason it is taking me a while to respond is I am not sure how far to take the changes, but it is definitely an improvement to head in that direction. Thanks again! Bill
I like this very much, gentle, understated low contrast autumnal colours over the entire frame with the branches and twigs providing the network from which they are all suspended, spreading out from the lower right corner. Its a quiet restful autumnal pastel.
Bill, You succeeded in balancing the warm and cool colors with a most natural result. I also would not change the saturation. The image has an almost painterly look, understated and effective with excellent composition created by the lines in the tree branches. Well done in every way.
