The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This is an infrared image taken with an 830nm Conv Nikon D750 a few days ago at Entiat Lake Washington. Working the scene was not complicated. I shot several versions from 75 to 100mm’s and settled for this one at 85mm. It was a little hazy so a strong, high contrast IR out of the camera wasn’t really an option. It was a calm, beautiful 75 degree day and I had a great time. I worked it pretty hard in Photoshop, NIK Silver and Color Efex programs and applied sharpening and noise reduction in Topaz AI. After all that it still seemed pretty boring so I added a composite sky (“use the force Luke” came to mind) and gave it a moderate Selenium tint in Silver Efex. The sky is not infrared so I guess I have created a kind of Photographic Frankenstein…haha. The soft, dreamy look is from the Classic Soft Focus filter in NIK Color Efex. Definitely an example of Photo Art rather than a real photograph IMO but regardless I’m happy with it.
Specific Feedback
General impression, opinions or suggestions.
Technical Details
Nikon D750 converted to 830nm Infrared
Sigma 70-200mm f2.8
85mm@ f7.1
1/40 sec
ISO 160
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
I’m no fan of IR but that’s a beautiful image. The contrast and reflections are fantastic. I also like that it’s a very subtle (?) image. My only C&C is that the reflected sky on the water might be a touch too bright.
The title revealed the secret, but I didn’t recognize your image immediately as an IR image. Maybe because you replaced the sky? Anyway, I like the result.
I agree with @Mark_Orchard about the reflection. And I’d like to see a version with a bit more contrast in the landscape. The sky is strongly pulling my eye now, while the landscape is meant to be the main subject , I suppose.
Wonderful!! Dreamy, mystic and intriguing! I wouldn’t have thought the sky was replaced, as I’m used to IRs from a sensor that lets in a little color and I don’t get black skies – and especially not when there are clouds. An interesting idea to maybe go a bit darker with the reflection but other than that, no suggestions! It is a gorgeous image!
Superb job of replacing the sky. To the point where the sky is the star of the show. It works beautifully with the hills and the trees. I actually like IR photography and the unique images it creates…otherworldly most times but unique nonetheless. I think the exposure of the reflection is just about right. It’s darker than the sky which reflections always are and I don’t think I’d want it any darker. I just love the light in the middle of the image and the Selenium tint is gorgeous. Yep, photo art for sure but I love everything about it. Thanks for sharing this.
Getting late to the party, but I wanted to say that for me this is a splendid image! Dark, moody, mysterious. The sky is playing a big role, but the overall scene is very well balanced with the coast, the trees, the reflection (yes, maybe the reflected sky is a touch too bright compared to the sky itself - but it works in this dreamlike world). But it is not a reassuring vision… Reminds me of the visions of Frodo Baggins when he was wearing the Ring…
