Funks Grove: Between fall and spring.

Image Critiques Project Critiques
1

Project Images

Gallery Overview

Image 1
Image 12400×1258 2.51 MB

Image 2
Image 21120×1680 1.45 MB

Image 3
Image 34752×3417 2.42 MB

Image 4
Image 41620×1080 1.35 MB

Image 5
Image 51000×1500 1.12 MB

Image 6
Image 62000×3000 2.2 MB

Image 7
Image 71500×1000 1.01 MB

Image 8
Image 81740×1160 2.11 MB

Individual Images

Image 1
Image 12400×1258 2.51 MB

Image 1
A pattern of falling limbs.

Image 2
Image 21120×1680 1.45 MB

Image 2
In this image I like how the foreground tree framed the background one.

Image 3
Image 34752×3417 2.42 MB

Image 3
The snow adds contrast. I had to shoot this from my car due to not being able to walk.

Image 4
Image 41620×1080 1.35 MB

Image 4
An example of other limbs blocking the subject. Did not want to remove it.

Image 5
Image 51000×1500 1.12 MB

Image 5
“Widow maker” fallen tree being supported by another.

Image 6
Image 62000×3000 2.2 MB

Image 6
Close up of the widow maker.

Image 7
Image 71500×1000 1.01 MB

Image 7
Fog as a different look to the Grove.

Image 8
Image 81740×1160 2.11 MB

Image 8
The end of the widow maker as it has fallen and taken the supporting tree with it.

Project Description

Photographing the bare and fallen trees in Funks Grove a 600-acre natural forest area in central Illinois.

Self Critique

It is challenging to find subjects which can be isolated in a single image due to the thick trees in the Grove. I and looking for suggestions on how I can isolate a single fallen tree stump for example. I have used a range on Canon lenses from wide angle to telephoto.
Also due to health problems I am limited to how well I can walk through the area due to the cluttered forest floor. I hope to be able to return to this project by the end of February 25.

Creative Direction

I am searching for ways to focus on individual trees, stumps and fallen limbs without all of the thickness of the trees in the image. Not all, but some. I have mostly shot or converted into black and white. I do like the increased contrast snow adds.

Specific Feedback

Is this project worth continuing? Should I use color, black and white or a combination depending on which mode works best for an individual image?

Intent of the project

Gallery Exhibition

2

John, first question, absolutely worth continuing! I suppose many of us have their favorite local forest or park, and by returning time and time again during different seasons, times of day and conditions, you’re sure to compile a good set of compelling images.

As I’m sure you know, chaotic forests are the most difficult to find good compositions. Images 1,5 &6 work well in isolating the subject and/or creating “order from chaos.”

Regarding b&w vs. color - as it relates to a “Project,” I think there’s something to be said about being consistent. Image #3, while looking great in color with the snow creating contrrast as you point out, doesn’t fit as well simply because the color simply creates a different response than the rest of the images (even #7 which is also in color, but much less contrasty and is not really about color.

B&W works well of course to showcase contrast, shapes, design, etc. etc. Images #4 and #6 work perfectly. I like #7 with the fog as there is great mood created.

Image #2 is quite chaotic, but once I noticed the repeating tree shapes and framing, it became more clear (Not sure I would have figured it out if you hadn’t described it.)

IMHO, if you’re going to do this in b&w, I would stick with it. Although obviously I have never been there, I would say a case could be made for going color too. I say that because I think there are several images , mostly #2, where it appears there is late (early) light fallin on the trunk. With B&W that gets a little lost because it’s just about tones and contrast. Color adds a whole 'nuther dimension and actually might help reduce the chaos (simply by accentuating warm light, for example.)

I know you titled this “Between Fall and Spring”… which basically means winter? :slight_smile: Another good title I think would be “Widowmakers”. But then that really constrains things in terms of subject matter.

Overall, I like how you “see” your forest and you did a good job capturing and putting this “Project” together.

3

Lon,
Thank you for taking the time to review my project. You have made some good points. I hope I will be able to use some this year. I have actually bought a Mamiya RB67 to use as soon as I am able to walk in the Grove again. Probably focus on using black & white.

thanks again,
John Tobias

| Lon Overacker Valued Contributor
February 22 |

  • | - |

John Tobias:

Is this project worth continuing? Should I use color, black and white or a combination depending on which mode works best for an individual image?

John, first question, absolutely worth continuing! I suppose many of us have their favorite local forest or park, and by returning time and time again during different seasons, times of day and conditions, you’re sure to compile a good set of compelling images.

As I’m sure you know, chaotic forests are the most difficult to find good compositions. Images 1,5 &6 work well in isolating the subject and/or creating “order from chaos.”

Regarding b&w vs. color - as it relates to a “Project,” I think there’s something to be said about being consistent. Image #3, while looking great in color with the snow creating contrrast as you point out, doesn’t fit as well simply because the color simply creates a different response than the rest of the images (even #7 which is also in color, but much less contrasty and is not really about color.

B&W works well of course to showcase contrast, shapes, design, etc. etc. Images #4 and #6 work perfectly. I like #7 with the fog as there is great mood created.

Image #2 is quite chaotic, but once I noticed the repeating tree shapes and framing, it became more clear (Not sure I would have figured it out if you hadn’t described it.)

IMHO, if you’re going to do this in b&w, I would stick with it. Although obviously I have never been there, I would say a case could be made for going color too. I say that because I think there are several images , mostly #2, where it appears there is late (early) light fallin on the trunk. With B&W that gets a little lost because it’s just about tones and contrast. Color adds a whole 'nuther dimension and actually might help reduce the chaos (simply by accentuating warm light, for example.)

I know you titled this “Between Fall and Spring”… which basically means winter? :slight_smile:Another good title I think would be “Widowmakers”. But then that really constrains things in terms of subject matter.

Overall, I like how you “see” your forest and you did a good job capturing and putting this “Project” together.