Nature's Sculpture Garden

Image Critiques Landscape Critiques
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Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia is a sculpture garden created by the ocean’s saltwater affect on coastal trees over many years. Once the many trees succumbed to nature’s power, they have created a sculptural exhibition in numerous shapers and positions . This image was made in mid-day, hence the black and white conversion. How does the image work for you in terms of exposure, composition, and aesthetics ? What suggestions might you have for improved editing?

Specific Feedback

See above.

Technical Details

Nikon D750, with 6 stop ND filter. processed as smart object after a few initial edits in LR Classic.
Used linear profile.

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2

Larry, there’s much to like about this image!

I like how the tree is framed and the very clean setting that makes it really stand out. Overall, the processing looks good to me with the exception of the top of the frame which IMO is over-darkened.

I would love to see this in color too!

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Jim, Thanks for your visit and comment on the dark sky. Here is the color image along with a remake of the B&W. Thanks. Larry

1 Like
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Larry, thanks for posting the rework! IMO, it’s much improved with a more natural sky.

I love color photography, but the B&W version better draws the eye to the shape and texture of the tree and the pattern of the clouds, without the distraction of color. It exemplifies elegance through simplicity.

BTW, I think you may enjoy this link: Fine Art Photography of Simplicity | Gensetsu

5

I saw this a few days ago and wondered why it didn’t have any comments, but didn’t have time to leave my own. Now that you’ve posted the color version, the move to B&W was an excellent artistic choice. The color is nice but the B&W gets down to the images essence IMHO. I’m the contrarian, I actually prefer the darker sky.

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Thanks, Michael. I am still undecided about the dark or lighter sky. Time will tell.
Your and @Jim_Erhardt 's responses have me evaluating this.

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Hi Larry. Beautiful Image !!! My goal this year is to make it down to Jekyll Island to photograph the Driftwood Forest. For my next Image/Music video.
You captured this perfectly and kept it in Black and White. Outstanding…

8

Thanks Gill. If you go, Driftwood Beach has three parking areas. Going north right after the villas, the first comes up. You want the third - the last one which is a strip of parking on the left side of the road. There is a short -5 minute walk to the beach. Either go for dawn shots, meaning you have to get there by 6-6:30 AM in the dark or go for B&Ws in mid day. I used a 6 stop ND filter with a mid-range lens. . Thanks for the compliment on the image. Jekyll Island is a state park, so there is a $10 parking fee required as you enter.