Leonard Preserve

Critique Style Requested: Initial Reaction

Please share your immediate response to the image before reading the photographer’s intent (obscured text below) or other comments. The photographer seeks a genuinely unbiased first impression.

Questions to guide your feedback

Is there a good mix between the foliage and reflections, or should the image concentrate more on the reflections alone?

Other Information

Please leave your feedback before viewing the blurred information below, once you have replied, click to reveal the text and see if your assessment aligns with the photographer. Remember, this if for their benefit to learn what your unbiased reaction is.

Image Description

This image was taken along a small creek running through Leonard Nature Preserve in Michigan. I was originally struck by the overwhelming sense of green when I came upon the location.

Technical Details

Canon EOS 5D Mark III with EF70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM lens

70mm, ISO 100, f/11, 1/20 sec

Processed using LR Classic


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:

Initial Reaction Requested: Clever interpretation of the topic. I love how the reflection turns a surface that would normally read blue or grey into ever more green. This photograph falls into the category of makes you look harder, which I really appreciate.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:

Thanks Margaret - that was my initial reaction when I came upon the scene. I was actually following some wild turkeys and they led me to the spot - way off the beaten path!

Terrance, this is an outstanding view, with its peaceful reflection. The fallen log makes an interesting counter point to all of the leaves. I do think it would benefit from doing something about the bright blue bit along the right edge…crop, clone, or burn-in.

Terrance: I perceive a sense of stillness in this scene and can imagine the locusts, crickets and frogs serenading the area. I agree with Mark about dealing with the blue spot on the right edge but otherwise this works well for me. Nicely seen and captured. >=))>

Mark - thanks to you and Bill for the comments. Until you pointed it out I didn’t really see the small blue patches - I agree they are kind of distracting. Thanks!

Bill - thanks to you and Mark for the comments. Until you pointed it out I didn’t really see the small blue patches - I agree they are kind of distracting. Thanks!