In the flow

Image Critiques Landscape Critiques
1

leafStreamStack.jpeg
leafStreamStack.jpeg1250×1000 1.34 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Something a little different to what I’ve posted before. When I found this small scene I liked the movement of the water from right to left and the ability to position the frame so that the water crosses in a diagonal, although I’ve tried to avoid making this too literal.

Specific Feedback

As I say, this is something a little different for me so I’m just interested in general feedback. I’m aware the image isn’t sharp edge to edge and curious as to whether that bothers anyone. But as I say, mostly just interested in your general thoughts.

Technical Details

GFX 50s II
150mm adapted Mamiya 645 lens
CPL
ND filter
Focus stack

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:
1 Like
2

Dom, this is a very inviting fall scene with the warmth of the fallen leaves set against the chilly motion of the small stream. The leaves at the top are nicely sharp with the drops a good extra. I also like the spot of green fern. The blurred water helps the visual transition to the slightly soft leaves in the lower right. Personally, I’m a detail nut so I would have used the stack to get edge to edge sharpness. While that makes processing the stack a bit more complex, you can use the frame with sharpness on both sides of the water to best show the stream without out stacking artifacts.

3

Thanks Mark. I did use a focus stack via a mask but unfortunately I managed to miss that bottom right corner, especially the lighter brown leaf. Annoying but just one of those things I guess… be more careful next time. (I was using an adapted mamiya lens and struggling with the minimum focus distance. Hoping for a Fuji 100-200 for Christmas, if the elves can manage it)

I’ve been trying to decide how detrimental that is to the image, I’ve tried darkening that corner a little and as you say I think the blurred water helps.

4

Hi @DomMcKenzie , What a lovely small scene you have shared with us. I don’t find the softness of some of the leaves to be a problem at all. The movement of the water contribute to the soft feel and the transition from sharp to slightly soft looks very natural to my eye. A fine image.

5

Hi Guy, thanks very much - I’m pleased you like the image.