The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Lately I’ve decided to to work on improving the written stories that accompany my images. Mainly to set the scene for the viewer and give them a fuller experience. Though they’re not at a level I’d like ultimately like them to be here is the story to accompany this image:
In all of 2024, my camera saw little use - just six outings in total, four of which brought me back to this same spot in Kananaskis. Something about it kept calling me back, a quiet pull that promised stillness and light.
On this morning, I arrived before sunrise, the air cool and silent, with just the faintest glow touching the horizon. The mountain stood tall, its peaks painted gold by the first rays of sun, perfectly reflected in the motionless water below.
I set up my tripod in the damp grass, careful not to disturb the serenity of the moment. Everything was in harmony—the light, the reflections, the stillness. I framed the shot, and clicked the shutter.
Specific Feedback
I’m quite happy with this image but I have a nagging feeling that something isn’t quite right or that something could be a bit better though try as I might I can’t come up with anything. What am I missing?
Technical Details
Canon 5Div with the 90mm TS-E lens
1/60 sec at f/11, ISO-100
Tilt applied to keep everything in focus
Tripod
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
What a beautiful scene! I love the reeds in the water because they break up the reflection - it’s not so static. The overall mood feels dark to me though, even with that glorious light on the mountain. The intense darkness of those pointy, sharp conifers stands between us and the glory of the coming day.
I thought maybe bringing up the darks would be interesting to see. Like this (chose Darks 2 in the TK9 panel and did a simple levels adjustment).
It’s easy to see why you kept coming back to this spot, @Tom_Nevesely. I would too! This comes across as a highly refined composition. At first glance, not so much but the more I study it, the more I notice details like the tip of the reflected peak coming close to - but not touching - the grasses in the water. I love how the warm light is just reaching into the trees below the mountain while the ones closer to the lake are cooler and still in shadow. I also think your processing is spot on. I understand @Bonnie_Lampley POV but I prefer the more natural, darker shadows. Excellent work!
Hi tom,
This is lovely; I can see why you return to this location. I can tell that you took your time composing this as I like the fact that none of the reeds in the FG are merging with the reflection of the peaks. I also like the balance of warm and cool tones in the image. My only suggestion would be to drop the cyan in the sky just a touch. Beautifully done!
Tom: Makes me want to go there! Beautiful scene and like @Bret_Edge and @Ed_Lowe I appreciate the careful positioning of the elements. I do like the direction @Bonnie_Lampley took but the original works great for me as is. As for the storytelling, I do think that is a fine complement to a fine image and certainly increases interest. Top notch shot all around. >=))>
Bonnie, your suggestion to lighten the really dark areas is interesting. It changes the feel of the photo completely but I can’t say don’t like it. I’ll give it some more thought and time.
Ed, good call on the cyan in the sky. I agree it’s a bit too strong and I will tone it done a smidge.
@Tom_Nevesely, yes, my edit changed the mood for sure. It all depends on the mood you want to have for this. I do like the richness of the trees color in your original.
