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
Love the overall soft and warm feeling of the scene. I’m not sure which crop works best. There is slightly more details in the water at the front but I welcome feedback and criticism
Creative direction
I was wanting to convey a sense of calmness and wonder in this single moment of time
Specific Feedback
Aesthetic, conceptual and and emotional elements
Technical Details
Blended image wit long exposure using 6 stop ND and 5 additional shorter exposures to ensure full dynamic range. Manually blended in photoshop without luminosity masks.
Description
First light on flathead lake. I arrived 40 min before sunrise and waited for the best light
Iain, this is a lovely image. The colors and tones are really well handled. They’re impressive without being overdone.
I prefer the second, larger, crop. The features under the water are subtle, which fits with the overall approach, and they point in to the rest of the image, which works well.
I like the 2nd one more as well. The composition is more complex and the darkness makes it more mysterious. But most of all I like how the clouds turned out. They have such lovely color and light to them. I suppose they are more prominent in the first image. If you happened to crop any of the clouds I would add them back in. I don’t know if bringing in more light into the rocks would be a good idea.
Hi Iain and welcome to NPN! This is a beautiful sunrise image and I can almost feel like I’m standing there watching the sun come up over the mountains. Technically you also did a fine job with the blending and processing. Of the two images, I also prefer the second and for the same reasons as Will and Igor. The subtle details of the rocks under the water and a whole new layer of visual elements to the the photo. They make the image that little bit more complex without taking any attention away from the rising sun.
Thanks for the feed back. It’s much appreciated. I’m new to this. Looks like the larger photo is it. Thanks for that. I also struggle with print media choices. Perhaps metal for this one??
Iian. Welcome.! This sis afantasic image. I don’t have much to add that hasn’t been said already. I also prefer the second image. It gives more detail while adding mystery about what may lurk below the surface.
Hi Iain and welcome to NPN. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Very much liking the mood of the image, although I for one like the tighter crop more. There is not detail in the water below the rocks, but I wouldn’t think it really adds something of value.
I like the rocks closer to the lower edge as a foundation for the photograph. Just my two cents.
That’s a beautiful, serene image. I love the atmosphere, the stillness of the water with the blue tones really gives that quiet, melancholic feeling.
Personally, I prefer the first crop, I feel the proportions work better in it. Maybe something in between would give you both worlds - a little more on the bottom, while keeping the proportions.
Your blending looks nice, probably not an easy job… There seem to be slight halos on the left part of the right rock, probably an easy fix in PS.
Reality-wise, I assume you took the sun and the clouds at different times (meaning, 15 minutes or more apart)? Personally I do prefer a realistic depiction of the scene and time, but that is a personal choice.
Anyway, the result looks stunningly beatiful and serene.
First of all, Welcome to NPN! What a glorious first post!
I love both of them. With the first, I like the more narrow crop that really accentuates the serene, peacefulness of the moment. You’ve certainly accomplished your goal of creating a sense of “calmness and wonder”.
And actually the sense of “wonder” more pronounced in the 2nd crop. I love this one as well for that added space at the bottom, which adds a bit more mystery and intrigue to the image which still conveys the same emotions - but with the added element of the submerged and very subtle rocks below.
Beautifully captured. processed and presented. We look forward to more images and your participation on NPN! Welcome!
