Foreboding Skies + Edit

Image Critiques Landscape Critiques
1

Edit:

IMG_5166 (1) copyXNBXXB
IMG_5166 (1) copyXNBXXB1845×1236 1.07 MB

Original:

IMG_5166 (1) copyXNB.jpeg
IMG_5166 (1) copyXNB.jpeg2018×1447 1.92 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand
NZ has fabulous skies, often with amazing clouds and mist.

Specific Feedback

comments and suggestions for improvement most welcome

Technical Details

I phone 15 pro max
(The roads in NZ are often only 2-way and extremely narrow, with little/NO place to pull off, so quick i-phone images are often the best thing available. NO time to set exposures, etc with the A1)
Processing: Jpeg to Raw with Topaz, DxO Pure Raw 4, then PS/lightroom

Date Taken: 2025-04-04 17:05:39
Exposure Time: 1/1000 sec
F Number: f/1.8
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 80
Exposure Program: Normal
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

Focal Length: 35 mm

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

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  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
    [/wrap].
2

Hi Sandy,
This turned out rather nicely for a grab and go. The wide open expanse of the landscape matches up beautifully with that moody drama laden sky full of clouds. The placement of that solitary tree also works perfectly in this scene. I quite like this as is, but I also think a crop of some sky would work as well. I hope you share some other images from your trip with us.

3

It’s amazing what iPhones can do these days. I agree that cropping off some sky to make this more panoramic might work as well. Looking forward to more images from NZ.

4

Thanks, Ed- more landscape coming, but check out my Avian stuff too. :slight_smile:

5

Will do Sandy.

6

Bold and dramatic Sandy. I really like that one dominate tree; it make a big difference IMHO.

This looks quite rotated to me, and the yellows at the skyline seem quite hot. Here’s a version playing with those two things.

IMG_5166 (1) copyXNB
IMG_5166 (1) copyXNB1827×1218 243 KB

7

Looks great, Ed! I really appreciate this; landscape is my weakest area, and I’m trying hard to improve. I totally missed the leveling!
It was sunset, though, so I wanted to retain some of the yellows in the sky.

8

The edit looks great Sandy!