The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This image is from our trip in October 2024 to Blackwater Falls SP, WV. Mike and I kept our eyes on the weather reports trying to time a rain event with peak foliage. As it turned out we were a little past peak, but the colors were still quite vibrant and beautiful. I had parked the GMC and we made the short hike to Pendelton Point and were greeted with this amazing view. I have several favorite locations in this lovely state park and this just happens to be one of them.
Specific Feedback
I cropped a little from the left side to get rid of a few dead trees. I have been going back and forth about a small crop from the top to get rid of that small area of sky towards the ULC. I am curious how others feel about that area. I have also gone back and forth several times thinking there was a slight color cast in the clouds, but now I can not really tell. Any ideas?
Technical Details
Nikon Z 7, Nikon 24-200 @ 200 mm, f 11 @ 1/6 sec, ISO 100, Kase magnetic CPL, cable release & tripod.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
This is a real keeper and wall hanger, Ed. great composition with the criss crossing ridge lines. The rock outcropping makes a great focal point and the colors are fantastic. Yes I would definitely crop some from the top maybe down to 4:3. I don’t see any color cast in clouds. I bumped every color up to 100% and a couple showed up. Mainly green, but most was in the trees behind the clouds.
Oh my goodness, @Ed_Lowe, you had some prime conditions and you used them to their maximum potential. The composition is simple but effective, and the color palette - and texture - in the forest is remarkable. Those clouds are quite literally the icing.
Ed, this is gorgeous. The focal point of the rock outcropping is perfect, along with the colours. I’d either crop a bit from the bottom, or add more canvas at the top for more of that marvelous fleeting mist.
Magical!
A true kaleidoscope of autumn colour! I love this shot – from the fantastic colours to the layers of triangles, to the atmosphere created by those clouds. The rocky outcrop is a perfect focal point, and I think I see a face in it too.
For me the crop feels right, and I would leave it as is. Also, I like the squarish aspect ratio, and I think it suits the scene perfectly. I don’t see a colour cast in the clouds – at least not here on my work monitor.
Fantastic composition. I particularly notices the two rock outcroppings and where they are placed in the frame. They form a wonderful diagonal from LR to UL which is counter to the diagonals set up by the nearest ridge line, the middle ridge line, and the flow of the clouds. It keeps the eye engaged and moving throughout the frame. Coupled with the kaleidoscope of color and its just a winning image.
That’s just an amazing color palate Ed, and the clouds add just the right touch of atmosphere. While I wouldn’t argue with a crop off the bottom, I think this is fine as is. This is one of those images that work fine in multiple aspect ratios.
This looks great, Ed. It’s an amazing collection of fall colors, spiced up nicely by the rocky outcrop. I like your corner-to-corner use of the front ridge, but can see other crops worth trying. I think the clouds look fine, there may be a hint of green coming through from the trees behind.
Yes, I would suggest using that mist more in the composition. I know that those reds at the bottom are attractive but I would crop some of the bottom as well. That brings out the rock more prominently.
Many thanks everyone @Michael_Lowe, @Bret_Edge, @SandyR-B, @Tom_Nevesely, @Youssef_Ismail, @John_Williams, @Mark_Seaver and @Igor_Doncov for your thoughtful C&C as it is always appreciated. It was a wonderful day of shooting some lovely fall color and atmospherics. @Igor_Doncov : Thanks for taking the time to do a rework. That also looks good and gives me another option.
Here is a rework with some fog/mist added in that bit of bright sky along the top edge. I decide to try that first instead of a crop. I am going to make a print of this and I think I am going to start there and see where it goes. Thanks again everyone!
