The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic / Expressive
About This Image
This is another image from my ongoing project “Out of the Sea”, portraying the Azores with their volcanic origin and abundant vegetation. It shows a fleeting moment at Lagoa Azul, a crater lake near Sete Cidades on the island of Sao Miguel.
I really like the concept of this image. As you mentioned the spot of light had to be a fleeting moment, and it is great that you were ready for it. For my taste, the image feels a little low contrast to me. I’d like to see more detail in the mountains, and the image be a little brighter overall without losing the sense the fog gives you. This is purely a personal preference of course so disregard if it takes the image a direction different than you intended. I did a little work on it as an option to consider.
This is a lovely image, Peter. I really love the color palette and the fog. Jonathan’s reinterpretation is also interesting, but since this is part of a series, I think part of the processing has to be dictated by how the image fits that series. In any image where the fog is a significant element there are so many ways to go with it and the dappled light in this one adds to that versatility. You could probably make a hundred equally beautiful and different images from this one frame.
This is flat out gorgeous, Peter. I love the color palette, and while I like how Jonathans version brings out the color contrasts, I think I prefer the more muted original. As Dennis noted, that’s for you to decide as you dial in various characteristics of the series.
For me, the dappled light is interesting, but even more captivating is the still portion in the middle of the scene, the darker green where, I assume, depth makes the water more still. I especially appreciate how the water surface has its own shapes and tonal variations, much as the ridge behind it does, and how the fog and clarity emphasize those differences.
I hope you will share the project when it is complete.
ML
Hi Peter,
I’m leaning towards your original image. If the “light” becomes too strong it looks out of place with the rest of the photo. I also agree with Marylynne, that the darker green has interesting movement that really adds to the image.
Overall a beautiful image!
Alice
The lighting in the middle makes this so unique. I like the quiet feel to the shot. To me your landscape shots are interesting as the two I have seen don’t rely on eye trail, but on the whole scene taken in at once. Personally I enjoy the revision with the greater contrast and more visual on the mountain. Obviously there is a split on this. Either way, a great shot.
