Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Vision and Purpose:
Conceptual:
Emotional Impact and Mood:
Composition:
Balance and Visual Weight:
Depth and Dimension:
Color:
Lighting:
Processing:
Technical:
I think the vertical works better as a composition.
In that version, my eye goes from the peak at the bottom left, through the clouds, to the moon.
In the horizontal version, I don’t find the same flow. Also in that version, the tree is large compared to the size of the moon, so its not clear what the subject is.
That’s a tough call between the two. I like the amount of land in the vertical, I think it’s a better balance. On the other hand, the moon “feels” farther out of the scene. In the horizontal, the moon “feels” more a part of the image to me (even though I know it’s the same distance from the top). In the end, I’d choose depending on which fits the wall space best.
Very nice photograph Mark. I prefer the vertical as in the horizontal the tree in the foreground does not really add any value to the image… especially since you titled the photograph “Half Moon at Sunset”. To me, your intent is to draw the viewer to the moon. In the horizontal, my eye is first drawn to the tree in the foreground.
I like both compositions, but I am tending to favor the horizontal one as well. The weight of the silhouetted tree against the bright moon seem to balance out and work for me. The colors are wonderful as well.
Hi Mark,
I usually tend to favor horizontals, but in this case I find myself drawn the vertical version of this scene. For my personal tastes it has just the right amount of land mass along the bottom edge and the moon is more of the star without the tree. I am also enjoying those amazing clouds along with the combination of warm and cool tones in the sky. Very nicely done.
Mark: The vertical for me for sure. For whatever reason I tend to see vertical comps better than horizontal. I’m also in agreement with @stephen_rauch regarding the tree. It seems to be more of photo bomber than a strong complement and the hint of softness in it bugs me a tiny bit. As for the light and clouds, what a marvelous scene superbly captured. >=))>
I definitely prefer the vertical of the two options. The conifer tree in the foreground bothers me a bit as it is so large and dark and out of focus that it becomes a dominant element which distracts from the fabulous colors and textures of the sky. If it had been smaller or more integrated into the treeline it might have seemed more harmonious to me.
This is an easy one for me. Vertical all the way. Better balance with the landscape going all the way across the bottom. The horizontal version feels cut off just a little bit and also the tree feels a bit out of focus and as others have said it certainly competes for the viewers attention a little too much. The colors are just gorgeous in both.
Vertical for me. The simpler composition without the tree is better imho. The landscape fills the bottom of the frame versus the horizontal with the empty space on the right.
