The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This image is from a short evening stroll in the woods behind my home. The light was particularly nice that evening and I am hoping the viewer can immerse themselves and soak up the peaceful vibe and solitude that I felt.
Specific Feedback
Just wondering how folks feel about the branch hanging down in front of that main tree. There was no getting around it so I just decided to incorporate it into the scene. Anything else you notice please feel free to mention it.
Technical Details
Nikon Z 7, Nikon 24-200 @ 81 mm, f 16 @ 4 secs, ISO 100, Kase magnetic CPL, cable release & tripod.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Ed, just the kind of image Iike so much. The composition, the colors and that light in the background, A little nit for me is that black leave on the foreground tree .
Ed, I like the branch. The mix of light and dark greens is attractive and effective. It’s an appealing shot.
I’m not quite comfortable with the color where the sunlight is hitting the tree trunk. Maybe darkening the bright patch on the left side of the tree might help, and/or muting the yellows a bit.
That really does fit the “peaceful vibe” you describe Ed. It’s a lovely study of green.
I’m not really a fan of one big, bold, trunk in the foreground, so I actually prefer the sweeping branch and am glad you couldn’t get a composition without it.
The light kissing the tree is curious given how bright the rest of the scene is. I like it, and wonder about changing the brightness of parts of the image to kind of ride the idea of directional light. Easier to show than describe. As always, YMMV:
This is gorgeous Ed! I most certainly get a peaceful vibe, if not just peace and quiet! A nice place to place a hammock and rest for a bit. And to have these woods behind the house… I’m jealous! So beautiful. Are those big trees Hemlock? Just a wild guess.
Honestly, I think the hanging branch makes the image. You did very well to incorporate the dark branch contrasted against the beautifully lit trunk.
This is wonderful as presented. These minor suggestions to me are just the tiny things, “to make the image the best that it can be.”
I went ahead and worked it a little to see if indeed this could be even better. I did a slight crop all the way around, but mostly to exclude the larger bright bg patch on upper left edge. I then clone/stamped that dark leaf that was mentioned and then lastly masked out the brightest area on the left edge of the upper trunk. That light is gorgeous, but as also previously mentioned, I just tried to matche the brightness level with the rest of the softly lit trunk. Other than that, the colors/saturation, temperature, contrast… the processing is outstanding!
Beautiful image Ed! I love the awesome light on that tree truck as it really makes it pop against all of the green. With regards to that branch, I actually like it, and I think it adds another layer to the image. To me it almost looks like the tree trunks are playing hide and seek and I find the image fun and joyful.
Many thanks everyone @Ben_van_der_Sande, @Don_Peters, @John_Williams, @Lon_Overacker and @Tom_Nevesely for your thoughtful C&C; always appreciated. I am glad everyone enjoyed the image. I liked that one branch, but I was curious how others felt about it. I am glad that I went back to the house for the camera that particular day because that branch has been knocked down by a toppled tree sometime in the past year. @Ben_van_der_Sande : Good catch on that leaf shadow. I will be sure to clone it out. @John_Williams and @Lon_Overacker : Thanks guys for taking the time to do a rework with your thoughts; both look great!
That kiss of warm light on the top of the foreground trunk is gorgeous! I don’t mind the branch hanging down at all. In fact, that’s what initially drew me into the image. It’s like a green veil, and once you get past it there’s a lot more to study and enjoy. Lovely image!
Beautiful, Ed. I love the branch. It makes the shot IMHO. That and the nice low angle evening light. I like @Lon_Overacker rework. It hits the sweet spot. Quite often during spring and summer I will drive up Rt. 222 towards the dam and try to get a shot similar to this. THere’s usually some nice light on the trees lining the road up there. Who knew all I had to do was drive out to your house.
Ed, the kiss of sun on the trunk and the bright clean greens of the leaves sing “late spring” to me, a lovely time of the year for a walk in the woods. This invites that stroll very nicely.
Thanks guys @Bret_Edge, @Michael_Lowe and @Mark_Seaver for leaving your thoughts on the image; glad everyone enjoyed it. @Bret_Edge : I like the green veil analogy. @Michael_Lowe : This was taken on 7/16 so come on oput although that branch is no longer there due to a falling tree taking it out. The redbud is starting to come out. We will have to head on over to Susquehanna SP for their redbuds soon. @Mark_Seaver : Good guess; this was captured on 7/16.
