Thanks @Igor_Doncov, @Dennis_Plank, @Bill_Fach, and @Mark_Seaver. I changed the crop on both and raised the exposure (which I had actually reduced in post) on the second image. I think these are better. I’m not sure they are going on my website any time soon, but I wanted to see what they could be and this helped a lot.
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I took several images of this Joshua tree in various light while camping at JTNP the night of the eclipse. I really liked this shadow in warm light, but I don’t know that it translates as an interesting image. As a result, I’m sharing another, totally different one of the same tree, at sunset, moon rising well before the eclipse would begin.
Specific Feedback
As always, I’m interested in any feedback that helps me improve these images or grow as a photographer. In particular, I’m wondering the following:
Does the shadow image have any appeal or is it just too snap-shotty?
Does the moonrise at sunset image have enough detail in the moon, given its size? I was struggling with the whole moon photography thing as I am not typically into night sky work.
Any suggestions for cropping or processing to improve your pick of the two?
Technical Details
Canon 5D IV with 24-105mm at 24mm
JT and Shadow: ISO 250, f/16, 1/200sec
JT with Moonrise Sunset ISO 320, f/9, 1/4sec
I prefer the earlier image, Marylynne. I really like the way the Joshua tree dominates the frame and then my eye picks up the shadow which leads to the crack or gully which leads to another in the background formation.
They’re very different. I like the first one because it reduces the composition to basic shapes. The shadows play an important part in creating shapes as it almost always does in the desert. To me this is not so much an image of a tree as it is of these shapes and tones. In my opinion there is too much sky.
Marylynne, the first post is a fine JTNP image, showing off the Joshua Tree (and it’s shadow) well while including the rocks. The lightly cloudy sky adds some pleasantness to the feeling. In #2 you’ve got some nice color in the sky while showing the land clearly. Something similar to #1 with with moon and the clouds would be a fine, restful view.
Marylynne: I quite like the first and think you made great use of the direct light and the shadow. If igor hadn’t have mentioned it I don’t know that I would have noticed the sky but cropping away about 150 pixels makes this a stronger comp for me. I also like that the sky isn’t featureless blue.
For the second image my immediate first impression was, “Underexposed”. I know this is an evening scene and it may have been your intention to render it dark but boosting the exposure a full stop makes the scene more pleasing to the eye for me and brings out the soft color palette of the sky without losing the presence of the moon.
I’ve never visited Joshua Tree so your images have bumped up my desire to get there. >=))>
