The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I often joke with Ed that I could never be a large format film photographer. The slow, contemplative process involved would end up with too many sheets of film in the landfill. I do try to treat most every shot I take as if it was my last sheet of Velvia left. But sometimes events take over and I turn to spray and pray. We were packing up to head home after a, cloudy, flat, not very fruitful day at Trap Pond State Park, DE, when the sun started to break through the clouds behind us and started spot lighting different sections of trees. I would focus on one area ,but by the time I got set up, the light was gone to another area. That repeated itselftilk I got lucky with this shot and one other.
Specific Feedback
Any and all feedback is welcome.
Technical Details
Antique Nikon D200, 100mm, 1/10 sec @ f/16, ISO 100
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Vision and Purpose:
Conceptual:
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Composition:
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Color:
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The trouble with quick photographs in my opinion is that they are usually obvious, cliche works. And I think the audience recognizes this when they look at it. That’s because the mind has not been given enough time to settle down and see beyond the first tier of awareness. But as you say even with landscapes there is change and unless you capture it quickly it’s gone. This is usually due to light. Sunlight is so special and adds so much to an image that it’s worth going for a quick shot just for that reason.
I liked the contrast in this fading light almost immediately when I opened the larger version. I don’t know if the shadows were opened up here to show more detail but I think darker shadows would make the point better. I am looking at this image at night with poor lighting in a room so my take may be different tomorrow morning.
Mike, this is a great, late fall, view. The trees and their reflections make an intriquing, somewhat stark “fence” across the frame as the subtle colors add warmth. In the shadow area, I like how the lighter parts of the trunks and their reflections stand out, so I’m wondering how a touch of mid-tone dodging would look.
The light here is wonderful, and for what is basically a grab shot, I think you did a grand job. I prefer the more open shadows of the OP, but @Igor_Doncov’s version is nice, too. I do think the compositional balance would be better served by cropping from the right to eliminate the small tree on the far right, but that’s just a thought.
The color looks great, and I really like the understated but effective reflections.
Hi Mike,
I have to say that your spray and pray technique worked beautifully for capturing this fleeting moment in time. The warm evening light is simply flat out gorgeous and works well with the various shadows throughout the scene. It did get a little hectic towards the end didn’t it. As far as suggestions I could see just a touch more contrast, but that is more personal choice and not a nit as I am quite liking this as is. Beautifully done!
Gorgeous light is what makes this image sing, Michael. The lit trees in the foreground contrasting against those unlit trees on the background hillside really bring this image alive. The colors in the trees and the reflection in the water are sumptuous. I love that the trees are mostly bare offering up beautiful structure and highlighted limbs.
I might remove the bright spot in the water along the bottom of the frame. It appears to be almost a bluish color just right of center. Beautifully captured for just a quick grab and go. Your camera is holding up nicely for being an “Antique”.
Well that worked out very well! I love the richness this has. The color is deep yet subtle, and there is a very nice mix of light; quite beautiful.
One thought, although I’ll fully admit it may be in a wrong direction, is that since the trees taper from left to right you might play with adjusting the light likewise. Here’s a rough stab just for tossing ideas around:
I keep coming back to this one to see what others suggest, and the more I look at it, the more I like your original, Michael. I was thinking about a slight crop off the right, but I think John’s point that we have a tapering toward the right actually gives this image some dynamism. The brighter tree to the right pulls us, but the brighter ones to the left and that patch of lovely green pull us back and we go through again.
Really nice work in your last minute spray and pray. Glad you stuck it out a little longer. It’s more satisfying than being somewhere for 3 hours and realizing the best shot was your first. I’ve had that happen too!
ML
Man, this is quite nice especially for a “spray and pray”! The light and contrast is beautiful. I think I prefer Igor’s slightly more contrasty version as it seems like the highlights have a little more pop. I keep going back and forth on the tapering of the trees. Part of me likes it but the OCD side can’t hack it. I think that’s more on me than it is the image’s fault, though. All in all, I dig this one and am happy you got a smattering of light to work with.
