B&W version
Line Sketch
Critique Style Requested: Initial Reaction
Please share your immediate response to the image before reading the photographer’s intent (obscured text below) or other comments. The photographer seeks a genuinely unbiased first impression.
Questions to guide your feedback
I did not have to venture far to make this abstract of a windfall of locust leaves on our driveway. Keeping them outside the house is our annual challenge. The color image is the main one, but then I added the B&W version to see if the impact would be better without color. The highlights on the white leaves on top may be real close to blown out, but I was trying to achieve B&W contrast. The sketch in the third version was an afterthought to try out Steve Dell’s line sketch in Tony Kuyper’s TK9. What is your impression of the aesthetic value of the image? What changes do you suggest?
Other Information
Please leave your feedback before viewing the blurred information below, once you have replied, click to reveal the text and see if your assessment aligns with the photographer. Remember, this if for their benefit to learn what your unbiased reaction is.
Image Description
See above
Technical Details
Fugifilm z100v hand held.
Specific Feedback
See above.
I also wonder if the image is just too chaotic.
Not too chaotic at all, Larry. My favorite is the line sketch version. It does simplify things quite a bit while retaining the random feel of the image. The color doesn’t work very well for my taste and the B&W falls somewhere in the middle of those. I think just bringing up the shadows in the B&W to reduce the impact of the dark gravel might have a similar impact to the outline version.
Larry, apologies for the delayed critique response. If you hadn’t mentioned the specific location, I would have guessed this was near the bank of lake. I don’t find the scene too chaotic but I do have a preference for the black and white version over the color version. The line sketch looks interesting but I like how the grasses stand out more in the middle image. I like Dennis’ suggestion of easing back on the contrast and shadows in that one.
I would also recommend a slight crop in to eliminate the bright leaf in the ULC. In fact it might cool to see several different versions cropping in closer to the center section. I think you did a good job spotting this composition. There is a potential here for a nice image with repeating patterns, lines, and texture.
Thanks, Dennis. Sorry it took me so long to respond. I fully agree with you and have lowered the shadows on the B&W image. I too really like the line sketch. Thanks for your valuable input.
Yes, Alfredo, I prefer the B&W. I also really like the line sketch. Truth be told there is not any grass in the image as it is in the middle of my driveway. Thanks for catching the leaf in the ULC. It is now eliminated. Thanks for your input.
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