The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
For the past three years; during the first week in November; my brother and I plan a day trip to Trap Pond SP, DE. This gem of a state park has the northern most naturally occurring stand of bald cypress in the US. As a bonus it is only a two hour drive for us. Our timing was off this year due to the warm temps and lower rainfall totals, but we were able to find a few spots of some nice color with the vibrant orange cypress needles. This image was one of the last ones I captured as the sun was getting ready to drop below the treeline at our back.
Specific Feedback
I know the shoreline is close to the center of the frame, but it seemed to work for this scene; at least for me. I played around with a few crops, but none seemed to work for me. Any suggestions? I toned down the highlights on the trees. How do they look?
Technical Details
Nikon Z 7, Nikon 24-200 @ 200 mm, f 11 @ 1/13 sec, ISO 100, Kase magnetic CPL, cable release & tripod.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
I think you did a great job on this photo. I love the stark trunks contrasting with the vivid colors. The blurred reflection makes it all that much better and if you cropped any from the bottom I think would take away so much of this photo’s appeal. Well worth the trip.
Ed, marvelous reflections and colours!
The position of the shoreline is fine, IMO, in this case.
Initially, I thought this was a bit off-level, but it’s not.
The trunks are not straight and give the illusion of off-level.
Really nice fall image! I’m envious you are so close…
Oooh how I love bald cypress and had no idea there was any that far north. A lovely reflection with some of the vibrant red they turn. I think the tree needles look fine - rich and nuanced like they would be IRL, but I admit I’m having trouble with the evenness of the scene and the crop although I’m not sure there is a better solution. These kinds of landscapes can be so difficult. Have you messed with a square crop? Makes me want to go back to Texas and paddle around in these beauties again.
Hi Ed, Really awesome color in these fine trees, but I too am a bit stuck with the long foreground reflections not really doing much. Another vote for a square crop.
I have to disclose my innocence of the eastern U.S.; I didn’t’ realize cypress grew that far north! That’s beautiful color they are displaying, and I think the balance of trees works well. I’ll add to the votes for a crop off the bottom; I don’t think it adds much and you really want those trees to sing.
I, too, really enjoy this image. I love the colours and the ripples on the water are lovely, I feel they add a painterly look - I think I might have been tempted to try a longer exposure but I’m glad you didn’t as they add so much to this, for me.
I agree that it feels like it needs a crop, but it’s very difficult to know where. I think I would be tempted to emphasise one side or the other and I probably would agree with others that the bottom part of the reflection doesn’t add that much.
I’ve also been wondering if it could almost be two images, perhaps there is one with just a little of the reflection and perhaps there is a second more abstract image with only the reflection. But it’s difficult to know whether that would actually work without playing with it, and I don’t know if that would fit your vision.
Anyway, whatever you decide to do it’s a lovely image.
Hi Ed: I think this is a fantastic photograph. The colors of the trees and the reflection perfectly mirror each other. I agree with the suggestions to crop in some at the bottom. I have found with reflections that keeping your horizon line, in this case the shore line, in the middle of the frame and with an equal amount above and below it. There seems to be more below so I would crop up to equal the top portion. Other than that, it’s amazing!
I hope you don’t mind but I thought I’d have a play with it as well. I’ve used a bigger crop and focussed on the top half of your image. I’ve also brushed in a vignette and used a gradient to bring the exposure down a little on the reflections. It probably needs playing with a bit more, I don’t think it’s quite right as I’ve left it but hopefully you’ll see the idea.
The reflections themselves remind me of an image by Alex Noriega called Impressions (https://www.alexnoriega.com/favorites - about half way down). One of his tutorials talks through how he made this image.
