Forest Abstract

Image Critiques
1

Forest Abstract
Forest Abstract2250×1800 800 KB

Critique Style: Initial Reaction

Please share your first response before reading the hidden notes below. The photographer is looking for an unbiased initial impression.

Feedback Focus: Artistic + Technical

Questions for Viewers

If you’re not tired of the Yosemite images yet, then hopefully not tired of the ICM’s… : I did spend quite a bit of time as the guys will attest, playing around with abstracts in an environment that I’m all to familiar with. It was a nice change to try some different things.

I have my distinct impressions about this one and hope to discover what you see and your reaction, so I’ve chosen a generic title and the “Initial Reaction” option. Thanks in advance!

About This Image

This is one of the more unique ICM outcomes of the trip. Funny, with the Weekly Challenge topic, “Under the Canopy” I thought this fit perfectly (although I’m not submitting to the Weekly as this isn’t really a natural subject befitting the challenge…)

What I see is quite literally a forest with some futuristic “canopy.” Maybe an animated “Avatar” forest, or a stretch… a forest visited by the Jetson’s… (most are probably to young to remember…). But the horizontal elments really cap off the verticals creating a sort of canopy. At least that’s what I see.

What say you?

There is one narrow vertical “cross-hatch” section on the left. It seems out of place, but too much for any kind of AI removal for me. Is this part a distraction?

Technical Details

Camera: NIKON Z 7_2
Lens: NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR
Focal length: 105mm
Shutter speed: 1/4s
Aperture: f/10
ISO: 31

2-image ICM in-camera multiple exposure using dark blending mode

Tripod/handheld: handheld
Focus method: manual
Filters: CPL
Technique: 2 ICM images combined in camera; First a vertical swipe at 1/4s followed by a horizontal swipe
Conditions: overcast

Processing notes: As with most abstracts, “fire at will!” in terms of color, saturation, etc. Sat/vibrance increased to tasted, but didn’t want to go neon. I did accentuate blues in the dark trunks for some color contrast.

2 Likes
2

Lon,

First impression is that it feels upside down. The few horizontal stripes give me a grounding sense but they are at the top.

Other than that it is an interesting abstract.

3

First impression: an upside down person-made structure, but it’s probably trees, and includes no “hand-of-man”. Whatever it is, I really like it.

4

I’m really enjoying these ICMs with the horizontal and vertical movements. My first thought, like the folks above, is that there was too much up top and not enough in the bottom half, but then I thought about this week’s Weekly Challenge, and forest canopy, i.e. looking up at more, came to mind as well.

I really love these by the way, and last night I saw something that resembled your Wall Matrix and thought, that’s why it feels so familiar. I’ll send it as private message.
ML
p.s. I thought canopy before reading your hidden text. It worked!

5

Another not-remotely-tired fan here! And this one does speak to me. I’m submerged in a lovely otherworldly pond looking up through an underwater fantasy forest at things floating on the surface, with maybe a few submerged. (Reality can take a hike here!) So for me it’s not upside down, but maybe a gradient burn from the bottom would be an idea.

I have no clue how you pull off things like this, but keep it up!!

6

Lon, I get the feeling of flying somethings sailing through a forest. The mix of horizontal and vertical movement is great as are the inviting green colors.

7

Thank you @Youssef_Ismail , @Jim_Gavin , @Marylynne_Diggs , @Diane_Miller and @Mark_Seaver for your comments and honest responses.

Interesting that I had not ever considered this appeared upside down or to think about flipping it. I think it goes to show how influenced we all our by our own experience of the moment and the reality of the scene before us. No excuse either because I’m the one who always say there are no rules! when it comes to abstract. So I think I’ll have to explore my mind and consider even more options, And to that,

Good idea Diane, thank you!

8

Hi Lon,
This is so cool!I certainly am not tired of the Yosemite images yet. This is the first ICM that I have seen so I will be going back to take a peek at the others. My first impression is that this was a scene taken just below the surface of a pond. I am quite taken with the color palette as well as the impressionistic mood created with the ICM. Beautifully done!.

1 Like
9

This is fun and well-executed (to my eye). The lighter (green) area on the right side adds depth to the scene, which is great. I, too, thought it was upside down, but I think one could have lots of fun with any orientation. Great palette, lots to explore.

I have to say that the only thing I don’t care for is the title. Something that reflects what you were thinking or feeling at the time would be more apropros, given the not-so-concrete nature of the image.

Well done!

10

Thank you for your comments Gary, much appreciated. Fair point on the title, can’t argue. I think maybe a quick explanation may help. When posting I knew I would chose the “Initial Reaction” option, for which the intent is to solicit first impressions. In that light, I tried to think of a non-descript title that wouldn’t influence ones impressions. And actually I shouldn’t have even used the word “Forest”. But anyway, I hope that explains the title.

Thanks again for taking the time to comment.

1 Like