Monolith and Dwarf Juniper Sunrise

[Jon_Norris]

Critique Style Requested: In-depth

The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.

Self Critique

Light, tones and colors are good. I think that framing could potentially be improved possibly by shifting the composition away from balancing the two subjects - maybe by shifting the composition so that the juniper is further to the right (but I wanted to include the rounded edge of the granite that the tree is growing out of.

Creative direction

I aim to achieve a peaceful, calming feeling with my images of Joshua Tree.

Specific Feedback

I’m looking for specific feedback on composition and reinforcing the emotion that my images evoke.

Technical Details

Canon R with 16-35mm @ 18mm, ISO 100, 0.4 sec at f/10, single exposure, post-processed in Lightroom. Set white and black point, then added some clarity and de-haze to bring out cloud detail. Used a sky mask selection to bring out the colors a little.

Description

This location is probably the ‘cliche’ shot in Joshua Tree National Park. I wanted to create something a little different by shooting at sunrise and getting some color and clouds in the background (not easy in JT). I setup and framed my composition before the end of nautical twilight (by pushing up the ISO) and then took test shots to confirm my composition. I then crossed my fingers and waited for the sunrise and was pleased to get the color and clouds that I was looking for.

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[Matt_Payne]

Hey @Jon_Norris - welcome back

I’ve seen lots of renditions of this particular scene, but not this exact comp, so you’ve got that going for you! =)

A couple of things that come to mind:

I would have liked to have seen the bottom edge provide a tad more room for the tree trunk to rest on.

I also am thinking the sky feels a bit bright, especially above the rock there - it almost looks like the clouds are clipping in the highlights, but I am not totally sure.

Either way, I think the scene is quite pleasing, I like the soft pastel tones a lot!

[Michael_Lowe]

Jon, I really like the pastel colors, mood and composition. I think it was a smart move including the rounded boulder. My only small critique is that thew image seems a little too bright fora sunrise image, especially the sky.

[SandyR-B (Sandy Richards-Brown)]

Jon, this is really nice. I don’t know if it’s possible to move the tree a little off-center. to the left. I’m not a landscape person, but I do prefer Michaels’s version with a bit darker sky.
Sharp, clear, and a fine image.