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
The vehicle tracks leading to the mountains were interesting to me. The cloud shapes are okay. The sun coming in from the right side helps to define the grasses. The RAW image is not very colorful so I tried a monochrome version.
Creative direction
Perhaps a feeling of discovery such as the early settlers felt as they came over a rise and saw the Rocky Mountains after traveling through the plains for many days.
Specific Feedback
All feedback is welcome for this novice. I want to learn and my ego is pretty tough so go for it.
Technical Details
Fujifilm GFX 100s, GF 45-100mm lens @ 45mm, f/16 @ 1/13, ISO 125, tripod mounted. This was the first frame in a 5-shot bracket for HDR processing.
Description
I suppose this may be a project as I continue to return to this site for different looks. This was the third try and there will be more. This is one of the better high points east of Fort Collins, Colorado and there are some interesting mountain features visible from it.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
It’s an interesting shot, Fred. I like the color version. Having the horizon in the center of the shot bothers me some. I have no particular suggestions for this one. I think you could get a lot of variations with different light and a different sky.
There were a lot of variations throughout the event. I may be posting one of those later. Thank you for your comments. I appreciate getting opinions from everyone as it helps me learn.
I really like the story in this image and as for which crop I prefer, I would have to say - something between the two. To me, this image is about the tracks leading in to the image and because of that, I think that it would be better if they were a bit brighter (rather than being darker than the rest of the image). I hope you don’t mind but I took the liberty taking the image into photoshop to do a few quick edits.
Lightened the center part of the image while also darkening the edges.
Added a bit of warmth using a “Photo Filter” layer.
A bit of a curves adjustment to boast the contrast a bit as well as to shift the colours a bit more.
A “Selective Color” adjustment layer to change the greens of the grasses to be more yellow - to play off the warm/cool blue/yellow colour contrast between the sky and the land.
I don’t mind at all. Your processing helps me to see alternative ideas for treatment of the image. Thank you for your time and expertise. My experience working with this sort of imagery is very limited at this point. I appreciate any sort of help from the incredible databank of experience to be found here. The crop is ±3:2 in your version. Very interesting.
I think going to b&w was a good idea. For me the tracks are the main point of interest, especially the tracks trailing off into the distance. I would therefore not crop them off at the bottom. I also worked on this a bit. I thought the grass should be brighter and more contrasty. The distant mountains should be darkest. And the sky should be bright and dark. I’m not real happy with the dark cloud in the center. It needs more thought and more work. Overall I like the concept behind this image and fine it moving. The task as I see it is to convey these feelings to the viewer.
Hi Fred … B&W works perfect for this image… The Lines and Tone really drew my eyes in to the image. The vignette is a nice idea … The depth of this image is really nice. Simple and right to the point. Really nice Fred !!!
Hi Fred,
This is hard to choose which version I like better; the B&W or color. After toggling back and forth a couple of times I am leaning towards the B&W as it has this wonderful nostalgic mood to it. The tracks lead the eye beautifully into the scene towards the mountains and that amazing cloud. My personal preference would be a little more breathing room above the cloud as well as including all of the tracks; something like @Igor_Doncov’s rework. Very nicely done. Good luck with your project.
Thank you for your sample images and comments. Your observations are very informative. This project may take some time as I digest all the wonderful comments and suggestions. Unfortunately, the cloud did not fade as the evening progressed. We will be back there again soon, however.
Thank you for your opinions and good wishes. All points of view are valid and I shall have to assimilate as many as possible before finishing the image. I have a long way to go yet.
Your panoramic black and white is a homerun! That sky is beautiful, and the leading lines created by the vehicle tracks push my eye through the frame and to the sky. Luminosity of the grasses is also outstanding. Love this one, Fred!
