The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.
Self Critique
I think the composition works in this one but wonder if a standard B&W may have worked even better. Also may have tried an ND filter for the clouds
Creative direction
This was a fairly dull grey day. The IR filter has helped bring out contrast and I have maximised that in post but may be too much for some people?
Specific Feedback
Does the IR work, is the post processing too much?
Technical Details
Olympus Em1 converted to full spectrum + 9-18mm and 850nm IR filter
f5.6, 1/125s, ISO400
Processesd from RAW in DXO Photolab, Color efex and Silver efex.
Description
This was a random location find and a quick shot handheld between heavy rain showers. I need to return to give it more time!
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
I’m a sucker for anything B&W including IR. This is a very well composed and balanced image. I like the IR treatment as it adds so much mystery. For some reason when I look at this I think “Wizard of Oz.” I personally like the post processing quite a bit. A winner of an image, sir.
Excellent image! I particularly like the area around the barn. The barn, the white field in front of it, and those clouds make an incredible combination.
Top notch, excellent composition, but I feel the effect is a little overcooked, almost mimicing a too strong orton effect. Some of the clouds and ground are clipped in the highlights. I feel the sky could use a little noise reduction. Just my personal preferences at play here.
Hi Colin,
First off welcome to NPN and the Landscape Critiques forum. This is a striking first post. I like the juxtaposition of that character laden tree and the barn in the BG. I am really enjoying the textures of the grasses in the field. For the most part I do like the IR filter on the scene although I do find the area around the barn along with a couple of areas in the clouds to be a little bright; at least for my tastes. I hope you do not mind, but here is a rework with those areas toned down a little bit. I hope to see more of your images as well as your critiques on other photographer’s work. You have some beautiful images on your website. I particularly like Kilravock and Black Isle in your landscapes section.
Infrared images rarely suck me in, but this one sure does. Well done. The drama and composition are a great marriage here. I do like @Ed_Lowe’s tweaks too.
Thanks all for the kind comments and thank you @Ed_Lowe for the new edits, I do like them. Part of my thinking with IR is to replicate the old Kodak HIE Infrared film and this had halation, lots of grain and in the hands of masters like Sir Simon Marsden often had overexposed highlights. I love Simon’s work and always aim for that feel with my IR images but I agree it’s not subtle
Welcome, Colin! I love this image. The IR treatment works very well with it, and your composition simply couldn’t be any better. Amazing sky, wonderful subjects. I do find Ed’s version to be an improvement as I also thought some of the brightest areas were a touch too bright. Happy to have you here on NPN!
