The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I found this small scene in a pond in a woodland. I was drawn to the red leaf among the debris. I think it looks like a hand is gently cradling the leaf, hence the name….maybe somewhat appropriate for Valentine’s Day.
Moments after this image was taken a dog jumped into the pond destroying the composition. I guess that’s the circle of life
Specific Feedback
As ever, I’m interested in what you feel about this image and how successful (or not) it is. The water is very dark which is intentional to hide some of the debris, but is it too much? I have added some clarity and texture to the leaf to emphasise it, do you think this is overdone?
Technical Details
GFX 50S II
150mm Mamiya lens
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Very nice, Dom. You might take a look at a tighter crop. To me, that larger stick on the left feels out of place in the composition so, if you can crop to eliminate it (or get rid of it other ways) I think it would work better for my taste.
Well seen. And I do see the “cradling” and I really like how well the leaf is framed.
The darkness of the water doesn’t bother me, in fact it looks quite natural. I would agree with Dennis on perhaps a better crop, mostly to eliminate the bare end of the larger stick. But somewhat problematic as cropping that out completely really makes the leaf cramped. Perhaps a crop with some creative cloning; but may not be something you’re in to.
For me, the color of the leaf seems off. Now clearly I’ve not experienced all the leaves and fall colors out there, but the color seems somewhat off to me. Not by much mind you, but wanted to mention. I tried to adjust, but I think the RAW file wouuld be needed to do that. Of course you had the birds eye view, so you know best on what you saw at the time.
Overall, I think the framing of the leaf, the dark bg water all come together quite nicely. I would call this abstract by any stretch, but a good eye to see and capture this.
I’ve not really had much opportunity to work on this image much more but I think the twig will be ok if darkened down a bit more.
The colour of the leaf is as it was, I don’t know what type of tree it’s from but the colour is genuine. I’ve attached a quick crop of it almost unedited from the raw (just raised the exposure a bit). I’ve probably added a little bit of saturation, luminance and clarity in the edit I guess.
I’m never sure how to categorise these small scenes to be honest. I didn’t think it fit well in any others and I couldn’t see any guidance. I also don’t think it matters greatly tbh.
