The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This is Lower South Falls on Silver Creek in Oregon. We were here in early June when everything was quite green. I’m a sucker for long exposure waterfalls, so I chose that approach for this image.
Specific Feedback
A couple of the Fern fronds are blurred from the wind created by the waterfall. Do you find this diestracting? I considered trying to remove the tree just to the left of center, but in the end I decided it is just part of what’s there and would change it too much to remove it. I did several compositions here but like this the best mostly because of the way the tree branch intersects the water, giving a sense of depth.
Technical Details
Nikon D850
Sigma Art 14-24mm f/2.8
ISO 64, f/10, 1/6th sec, 14mm
I believe I used a CP filter on this image. I have a Wonderpana filter system for this lens. It’s front element is quite bulbous, and makes for a very large 186mm filter!
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
I don’t mind the waving ferns at all. As a matter of fact, I’ve photographed similar scenes to deliberately include ferns so I get them with a lot of blurred motion. Folks who prefer everything crisp could take a couple of images and blend them later. The two trees are what they are. We’ve probably all had our share of this kind of thing in the way, but other than bringing a chain saw, what can you do? It is part of the reality of the situation and so I don’t mind them being there. If we push the erase tool too far we’ll probably warp our sense of nature eventually.
That lens is wide isn’t it? There’s as sense of things falling outward in parts of the photo and inward in others. That fern in the LRC for example…I like the way it points to the water. The far tree in the ULC points away, not sure if it really leans or it’s distorted from the lens. Could be that stepping back farther and not using quite such a wide focal length would be better for this scene; as is it has a sense of unreality and fantasy that harmonizes pretty well.
As often happens to me with a cranked CPL, the foliage looks a tad lifeless due to the lack of sheen. Adding some texture or working with the color tools to increase luminosity could help. Sometimes adding a generous S-curve to the green color by masking works, too. A little zip there could add a lot of life to such a vibrant scene.
Thanks for all this @Kris_Smith . I should have another look at this and use the liquify filter or warp to fix the edges a bit. This trail is super steep and tight right here so I was limited on where I could stand to get this shot. I will also try the things you’ve suggested to compensate for the use of the CPL. The super green and wet (it was rainy) foliage combined with a bright white sky really made the leaves appear too shiny without the filter, but I see your points. Thanks for taking the time for this detailed critique!
