Critique Style: Standard
The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic + Technical
About This Image
Still digging up ICM’s from our Yosemite trip in May! This is actually just a crop and BW conversion of an image I posted earlier. Rather than hide the text, I’ve already given my own impression away with the title. If you see something different, please feel free to share.
I know it’s the heat of summer… maybe this will cool you off a bit.
Feedback Requested
All comments, impressions, feedback & suggestions are welcome. I struggled most with the title!
As always, any comments or suggestions on processing are welcome! I think this could go in a few directions - more contrast, or higher-key.
What do you think! Do you get a sense of being lost in a snow storm in the forest?
Thank you!
Technical Details
Camera: NIKON Z 7_2
Lens: NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR
Focal length: 69mm
Shutter speed: 1/4s
Aperture: f/13
ISO: 31
Single frame ICM
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This is wonderful, Lon. I definitely get a snowstorm among the birches kind of feeling. I know that’s not the kind of tree the scene presented, but to me, they read that way in this abstract.
I love it as presented, but since you asked, I decided to go a little more high key with it and see how that would change the mood. To me, it makes it both more wintry and more airy. Not sure why those two things seem contradictory to me, but they do, so it creates a different kind of tension than the original. I tried super high key, and that was interesting too, but maybe not as printable.
Thanks for the invitation to play with it.
ML
I like this one. I could see a little more global contrast and a little more midtone contrast.
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A wonderful image with the Giacometti trees, but what I love most about it is that the snow/rain creates what looks like a unique and very engaging filter overlay. @Marylynne_Diggs has an interesting twist. Lots to play with here!
Glad I read your description, Lon. I was going with sandstone rotated 90 degrees! I do like what you did and can get the sense of a snowstorm out of it. I also like both @Marylynne_Diggs and @Don_Peters interpretations of the scene. This is one that could go lots of ways so stick it in that play folder for a really cold winter day.
Thank you @Marylynne_Diggs , @Don_Peters , @Diane_Miller and @Dennis_Plank for your comments and suggestions.
I really like both ideas from Marylynne and Don’s revisions. Marylynne, I really like higher key approach. It actually moves the mood/reaction from a storm to a “white out” impression. Don’s version has less of that stormy impression, but the textures are increased and still illicit windy or motion patterns. Both work beautifully - Thank you!
Dennis, I can see the impression of sandstone when rotated; I think because the horizontal lines no longer come across as trees. And I think you’re right - lots of options here. Great idea with the Play folder! Thanks!
Lon, I have one of my more serious critiques here. First and foremost, you need to print this and hang it somewhere. It’s gorgeous as presented. As @Don_Peters mentioned a little more global contrast wouldn’t hurt it, but I’m not sure it makes it better just different. Love what you did here, and monochrome was definitely the way to go. Great work.
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I’m totally loving this ICM variation series. This image is fantastic. Love the contrast here.
