Holes

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
1

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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

Is the construction of the image well balanced? Is luminosity and WB good? Was the 30" shutter good or too long (I was trying to smooth the water to direct attention to the rock, and trying to bring out contrast in the boulders at water’s edge by blurring the surf)?

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

This is Gatklettur on the S coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland on Feb 11, 2019 at a moderately high tide. what you get there varies with the tide level. Image was made between snow squalls, and wind was significant, as usual in Iceland.

Many photos of Gatklettur fail to show the small hole on the right. Getting both the large hole and the smaller one fully depicted while also framing the background well through the U-shaped opening, left, requires careful camera placement. Keeping the sea stacks from intersecting the horizon necessitates satisfactory camera elevation. This is facing east. There are snow squalls on the horizon and a patch of sun on the distant snow covered shore.

Technical Details

Sony a7iii w/ Laowa 15mm f2 Zero-D, 30", with an ND and probably f/11 or f/8. ISO was 400.

Specific Feedback

How’s the concept of the image, does it tell a story of weather & erosion, does it have visual impact and how was the technique of capture and processing?

Critique Template

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:
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This is a captivating image featuring the stunning Gatklettur Arch Rock in Arnarstapi, that effectively highlights Iceland’s rugged coastline and dramatic natural features. Minor adjustments to sharpness and exposure could elevate the photo further. The misty water effect and striking contrast between snow and rock make this a memorable landscape shot.

Strengths:

  1. Composition: The central focus on the natural rock arch creates a compelling frame, drawing the viewer’s eye directly through the arch to the turbulent water and beyond.
  2. Long Exposure Effect: The use of long exposure creates a smooth, misty effect in the water, adding a surreal, ethereal quality that contrasts well with the rugged, textured rocks.
  3. Lighting and Mood: The subdued lighting and overcast sky enhance the cold, dramatic atmosphere of the scene, fitting for an Icelandic coastal environment.
  4. Color Contrast: The combination of snow-covered black rocks, turquoise water, and a dark sky offers a beautiful natural contrast, enhancing the visual impact.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Sharpness and Clarity: While the long exposure creates a misty effect in the water, it can sometimes detract from the sharpness in the rocks. Ensuring that the rock formations are crisp can add depth and clarity.
  2. Sky Exposure: The sky appears slightly blown out, potentially due to overcast conditions. Using a graduated neutral density filter or adjusting exposure in post-processing could help retain more detail in the sky.
  3. Foreground Detail: The bottom left of the frame has some foreground elements that feel slightly distracting. Cropping or removing some of these elements could create a cleaner look.
3

The new snow on the rocks lends a “wow” to the initial impression. Weathered Indeed!

4

Richard, this is very nicely weathered and wet, with the snow as a fine bonus. The seastack is set off well by the somewhat smoothed water. It’s interesting that a 30 s shutter didn’t totally smooth out the breaking surf.