The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
My intention was to capture the mystery and magic found in a shaded shallow pool of water filled with decaying matter. Some shafts of light illuminated small parts of the image which felt like golden moments amongst the dark decay. The white foamy areas added a spiritual feeling whilst the dark murky depths created a sense of the unknown.
Specific Feedback
I loved the randomness and chaotic feel of this image but to other viewers is this too busy? is the dark inky area on the left side too distracting? Should I tone it down?
Technical Details
iPhone 13 pro
1/100 sec; f/2.8; ISO 200
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
It does have a lot going on, but there are a few things that help harmonize and organize the image - the strong diagonals accented by the little branch and supported by some of the icy edges, also the blue and yellow color scheme is appealing and helps calm things down a bit. The randomness of the other things below the surface and reflections give it an almost electric vibration or sense of energy. If you can bring up the exposure and/or blacks in the dark bit on the left without it looking murky and strange, I say give it a go. Are you editing completely within the photo app or are you using something else for this? I have not tried editing my phone’s pics outside of photos, but it can be done.
I like this, Diny. I thought ice when I first looked at it, instead of water, and it’s nice to mislead the viewers in abstracts, so that’s certainly a plus. The image does have a nice flow from the lower left to the upper right, which gives it a sense of unity. The dark blotch doesn’t bother me a bit, gut there’s a yellow leaf bit on the upper edge that does tend to pull my eye out of the frame.
What lovely decay. It’s not too busy for me. There are enough strong structural elements to tame the chaos. I love the swirly light bits. You could dodge that dark blob, as there appear to be details there that could be brought out (but just a little - it doesn’t bother me that much). The only other thing that catches my eye is that reddish, straight stick coming in from frame right. That is the most jarring thing in the frame for me. If you could harmonize the color with the more orange-y bits, I think it would be less obviously different from the other, warmer objects in the frame.
I use my phone all the time for scenes like this that I come across while out walking. I can’t resist a shallow pond or puddle with decaying things poking out of the water - your description of the feeling is wonderful.
This is wonderful! Interesting to me that my impression of the thumbnail was that this was going to be kinda busy. To my delight, the larger view is fantastic!
First, love the blue and goldish colors; the combo is just so pleasing. Is it busy? sure, but in a very good way. The long fern leave anchors the scene. The squigly lines of reflections add that very abstract component. And lastly the submerged decay tells a story. Beautiful!
I don’t think this has been mentioned, but what I also see, are streaks of light. Well, that’s my imagination, but in looking further, those “streaks” are the long, diagonal sticks beneath the surface. Being a bit lighter than the rest of the decay, they seem like streaks of light to me.
My only nitpick has been mentioned, and that’s the darker blob on the left. Oh, and the bit of yellow leaf up top. Both minor and maybe not so tough to deal with.
This is just a wonderful, natural abstract. Beautifully seen!
Hi Kristen,
Thank you for your comments. I edit most iPhone images in Snapseed. If I really am taken with an image, then i will import it into Photoshop to adjust contrast, clarity and do any cloning or spot healing of annoying distractions. With my pond images, I tend to leave most things in as all the bits tell the story of what’s happening in the pond.
Cheers
Diny
