late day at Monument Valley

Image Critiques Landscape Critiques
1

DSC_2108-bw.jpeg
DSC_2108-bw.jpeg3960×2640 2.05 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

In Monument alley for sunset, when I found this butte in light and shadow. The background butte was dark in complete cloud shadow. There was some dead wood so I added it to the foreground to give some depth, maybe. I did get a sunset too, but the color was not very good.

Specific Feedback

I’m open to any comments. I converted this B&W so comments on the conversion is welcome. I’m unsure about the composition and the crop. Thanks

Technical Details

Nikon Z5
Shutter: 1/2500. F/7.1 ISO: 1200
Lense: 24mm
Converted raw to black & white using Luminar Neo.

Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
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1 Like
2

John Ford comes to mind. Perhaps a scene from The Searchers. Love this image. It’s a classic. I might darken the left faace of the large midden by just a tad to bring out more texture.

1 Like
3

I like this one, Jim. It’s nicely balanced. The wood in the foreground added depth.

I’m not so sure about the clouds. The upper part of the sky seems to have too much contrast for my taste. But that’s just taste.

Good work.

4

I love the depth created by the lights and the shadows. Nice shot.

Maybe it seems that the clouds are a little bit artifact, but maybe it’s a jpeg issue. But I say this just to find something to improve at all costs :wink:

5

Thanks for the advice I’ll play with that to see the affect. will be. We stayed at Goulding’s Hotel were the buildings used for Fort Apache are still standing and you can walk them.

1 Like
6

I will check the editing history to see what it to over process the sky.

Thanks for the Hit.

7

I will look to see what I did to the skies. they seem toe an issue and when I edit photo I loss my way. thanks appreciate thee advise.

8

Hi @Jim_McNaughton, Really fine image you have shared with us! I agree with Igor that bringing down the intensity of the highlight on the left side of the closer mitten would help it sing just a bit more. Well done.

9

Welcome to Landscape Jim, and what a timeless classic to lead off with! I agree with @Igor_Doncov that this has a classic, old-western feel to it.

I think the composition is very good and wouldn’t change it. I like the way the wood anchors the scene, and the bits of vegetation fill in the gaps with interest nicely. I also find the image moves from bright foreground, to mid-tone on the near midden to full shadow on the distant one. I too vote for helping that effect by reducing the contrast on the closer one.