The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
We were on the Olympic Peninsula early last week and most of the time we were there the water was obscured by fog and mist. I found the half-visible sea stacks interesting and went through a lot of memory trying to get the foreground waves (that weren’t super impressive) where I thought they contributed well to the image. I hesitated trying to get too low a perspective as the sneaker waves in the area have claimed at least two people this year and the camera gear of one of our camera club members.
Specific Feedback
Not normally indulging in this genre, I’m curious as to whether this has any appeal, whether there’s too much gray space at the top and anything else you see that might be profitably changed either in processing or in the field.
Technical Details
Sony A7Riv, FE 70-200 f/4 macro @ 70 mm, hand held, f/8, 1/2000, iso 1250. Processed in LR & PS CC. Pretty much adjusting white balance, straightening, cropping and a linear gradient on the water with some dehaze in LR.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Hmmmmmm, not sure about this one…
The misted-over stacks and bit of waves are cool. More of the waves and less sky might be better - but nothing is worth getting dragged out to sea, or drowning your gear.
As @Lon_Overacker used to say - if you’re going to include something make sure it’s well included. Or to that effect. I feel the wave looks very marginal, as though it was mistakenly included. Would like to see a curl from top to bottom rather than cut off.
Looks like you had very difficult conditions for photography.
Not withstanding the conditions… I’m in agreement about the foreground wave. It doesn’t just feel cut off - it is! But again, it sure sounds like you were lucky to get this!
I love the sea stacks peeking through the fog. That, combined with what looks like a pretty angry ocean, this just has such a daunting and stormy mood.
In thinking about it, perhaps including a full wave might have totally changed the mood and subject matter - taking away from the fog-laden rocks.
With that, the only thing I might suggest is a good crop off the top - As much as 50% of the fog. Having less fog doesn’t take away the overwhelming presence of the fog. The story, mood and drama are still there. I think maybe if there was a full wave, the amount of fog up top would work. But as presented I like it with less fog up top.
Thanks for the inputs @SandyR-B@Igor_Doncov@Lon_Overacker. I can see where cutting off the wave is an issue. I was trying to get the feel of being at sea and tried to exclude the foam runout on the beach-obviously not successfully. Lon: I like your idea of removing part of the fog. I’ll have to go back and look at other frames of this scene to see if I have a better foreground to work with. If not, I like going there, so there will be other opportunities.
I’ve had similar conditions at Bandon, and have found it very tricky to capture just how cool it is in person. Your image keeps the perspective of just how large the stacks are; well done on that. I do agree though, that more of the wave and less of the empty fog would be worth playing with. A pano crop works pretty well here.
But again, it sure sounds like you were lucky to get this!