Mesquite Dunes before dusk

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
1

2025-05-21 18-21-12 (C,S3)-Edit.jpg
2025-05-21 18-21-12 (C,S3)-Edit.jpg2048Ă—1280 1.89 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Sun was setting, winds were blowing and the silence you experience here was in full effect! This is my 4th visit to Death Valley, which never disappoints. As I mature in my photographic journey, I find that I shoot exponentially fewer frames and sometimes none at all; I have returned to my love of simply exploring and being in nature!

Specific Feedback

Nothing specific as I tend to be a divergent creative.

Technical Details

Nikon Z9, 70-200 f2.8 glass. 1/500 @ f7.1, ISO 640, 115mm. Focus stacked in Helicon Focus. A little of this and a little of that in LR and PS.

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:
2

Bob: Great to have you posting again and what a marvelous image from one of my favorite places on the planet. Great tonal values and a marvelous comp. The bushes in the LRC are a nice complementary element and the light and shadow play is just right for my tastes. If forced to find a nit (and it would be <1 cent) I would make that tiny dark spot on the dune on the left side go away. Other than that I think this is wall hanging ready. >=))>

2 Likes
3

Hi Bob … Yes in B&W !!! I love the Tone you have in this image. The Sunlight really gave this a great vibe…Simple and yet complex. The BG is really amazing. I love the texture of the hills. Great Image !!!

1 Like
4

Thanks Bill!
As you can imagine, I have quite a few images from this trip in various stages of post, to include printing. I think at some point I’ll have to invest in a pro quality printer. Hard proofing via a lab is time consuming and sometimes results in me settling for “good enough” because I’m impatient.

5

The tonality of the dunes is wonderful, full of light and texture. To me, the mountains in the BG look a tad flat. You might try bringing the mid tones up a bit after masking out the dunes and the valley floor to create a little more drama.

Your composition is spot-on and showcases the dunes nicely. Well done, sir!
-P

1 Like