The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I took the shot during a walk in late autumn. I like the fog hanging in the trees and the silence (peace) of the scene. This is what I wanted to preserve for myself in a picture.
Specific Feedback
I know, there is not really a subject in the picture but that was not important for me as I wanted the feeling preserved I had then. But I cannot stop thinking, maybe I could/should have done something different and can´t put my finger on it. Meaning I am not really “satisfied”. Maybe you can give me direction. Thank you!
Technical Details
ISO200, F4, 1/80s, 28mm (prime)
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:
Hi Ralf - I understand your misgivings about this shot. The thing I noticed first was the almost perfect split in the scene with those big trees. It makes it difficult to find a cohesive flow. The misty parts at the back and toward the right are the most interesting to me, and if I’d been there I might have walked forward and cut the left part of the scene away, leaving just the big trees and the far bank as my working area. Pointing the lens in different areas and trying different arrangements and framing can really yield good results when there isn’t an obvious focus point. Maybe standing up where that log or rock is and getting all of the end of the water between the banks would be a nice alternative if you ever visit again or if you have more scenes to work with. Moving there would probably get rid of the branches coming in from the top, too. The mist is very attractive as are the pockets of snow. The water course gives it a good sense of depth, too.
Hi Kristen, thank you. You are right with the “useless” left part and the branches from the top. I changed the pic to 5x4 ratio, that cut out the left part and Lightroom took care of the branches
I will certainly be there again and will try different angles, hopefully with fog.
You’re welcome. This is what makes NPN so special - the feedback and other eyes on your shots. Sometimes I look at one too long and can’t really “see” it anymore if you know what I mean.
This is an improvement to me. I wouldn’t call the left side useless, but at this angle it isn’t necessary. Maybe if you were in a different position further to the right it would, but i like the balance in this new version. The bright patches in the mid ground work well with this crop.
Showing your edited image side by side with the original image is a good idea. Viewers won’t have to scroll up and down to search for the edited image. While doing this, it is also helpful to edit the post’s title to indicate a revised image. Here’s what I suggest:
At the bottom of your post, click the pencil to edit the post. You are then taken to the edit mode of your entry. If you want the edited image to appear first, I suggest placing the cursor at the top before the original image. Otherwise, go to the line after the original image and upload the new image. Since you are in edit mode, you can add new text before/after the images to ensure viewers know the original and edited versions. You can also edit the post’s title and add something to indicate a reworked or newly edited image. For example, some people add (+ rework) after the post title. I hope this helps.
This is a lovely image, and I see it is your first post here so I extend a hearty welcome! The tonalities here are gorgeous and well suited to the subject. I can see why you want to record the scene – which you did very well! I don’t feel there is any problem with the first post but the new version is even better, and you did an excellent job of pruning the branches.
I look forward to more of your work, and your comments on other images!
This is a wonderful image! It has a dark and almost sinister vibe that is really well done. There is an obvious path to follow, but the way feels tangled, dark, and dangerous to me.
Normally I too try and simplify/clean an image, but for me the imperfection and complexity add to the mood. I actually prefer the original with those haunting darks on the left and the grasping/clutching branches on the right.
My only suggestion is to play with reducing the luminosity of the snow so it looks a bit old and dirty. I think that would add to the dark mood going on here.
Hi Ralf,
First off welcome to NPN! I think you will find it to be a welcoming community of like minded individuals. This is a great first post that is dripping with mood and I think the B&W conversion only reinforces that as do the slightly darker tones. I am probably going to muddy the waters for you a little, but I see an alternate crop that I like. I hope you do not mind, but here is a rework with what I was thinking. Usually I do not like intruding limbs, but like @John_Williams I think they add to the darker sinister mood here. I think the left side is a little heavy , but I would crop off a little less than you did. This is just my opinion of course. I hope to see more of your images as well as your thoughts on other photographer’s posts. This is very nicely done.
Gorgeous image. What’s interesting is that the rework seems to be a less balanced composition yet is a stronger composition. I think that’s because it’s balanced not around the central trees but the upper right light area is balanced against the lower left dark area. It’s a more complex composition. The white strips of snow are for me the main point of focus for me.
In the original image there is almost a 50/50 dark vs. light on the two sides of the image with the trees dead center dividing the halves. I like the concept. The left is heavy with mature trees, darkness and complexity while the right is heavy with bright, soft light and ,moody fog with immature trees. It’s like the two are Yin and Yang and are competing with each other and the viewers eye but in an interesting and a good way.
The bottom left corner is kind of void of anything interesting and the left side of the image is pretty dark so I would probably crop from the left side making the image more about that beautiful soft light on the right side of the image.
This is fairly similar to @Ed_Lowe crop but I thought removing the lower clump of snow allowed the eye to move over to the right clump of snow a little bit easier. I also removed more from the left side trying to move the clump of snow more to the edge of the frame and I also removed a small sliver from the right side of the image. I think you have something more workable than you think you do. It’s complexity is what I love about it and the black and white treatment is perfect for this type of scene.
Hi Ralf Welcome to the NPN. Great Great group of photographers, everyone contributing and commenting of the images. Being a B&W photographer, your image caught my eye. Really nice and the Tone has all the elements i like in this style of photography. I do like a tighter crop but they all work in my opinion. Great reflection and I feel you caught your vision. This image works perfect in B&W.
Thank you very much, Ed!
No, not at all, I appreciate your feedback and effort.
I´ve been on another forum before, the constructive feedback I got here for just one post is more then I got in 6 month before. I´m grateful and glad for being here. I will try my best
Ralf, I would have no doubts about the subject. It’s the scene itself, everything in it. They all work together imho to make a picture dripping with mood. I actually like the original comp the best.
I don’t have much to add to what’s already been said, but I wanted to add my 2 cents that I love the mood and black and white treatment. Nice image!
A little late to the party! But a warm welcome from me just the same.
I am really enjoying your first post. It’s quite outstanding. Some great comments above. The black and white processing has really made this image sing. I think somewhere in between your first post and the edited version would suit me. (I’m just finding the blacks a bit blocky and the whites a bit bright.)
