The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
The light was beautiful that morning. I remember thinking when I saw the image later on that you can’t recreate natural light in post processing to look like as good as the real thing. i think I just brought up the shadows just a bit and that’s about it.
I call this my Jack Dykinga image. Jack, it seems to me, likes to create images within images using the subjects as frame. I never really liked this approach very much but here i’m using it. And I knew when I composed this that I was making a Dykinga image.
Specific Feedback
What do you think of this type of composition? Too formulaic?
Technical Details
GFX50R, 32-64mm, f/11
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Hi @Igor_Doncov, The composition of this would have been fine, but for the cutting off of the base of the left side cactus. Certainly not the boldest composition but the side lighting is just lovely and the background is beautiful. One step or a adjustment of the zoom from being quite nice.
To show one but not the other leaves the base-less one feeling ungrounded and the composition less stable. The repetition of the obvious V forms bring the balance to the composition.
Why yes, yes he does. I’ve noticed Marc Adamus has used subjects to frame subjects not infrequently over the years too.
My guess is this is strongly related to personal preference. For me, it’s like some spices; I like it when used occasionally but wouldn’t want it at every meal. Here, I think it works just fine and I’m enjoying your use of it. My only “wish” would be that it wasn’t quite so tight where that small ocotillo branch almost touches the cactus at the top right edge; not much to be done about that though.
I can see why you enjoyed the light, and totally agree that nothing beats the real thing.
Hi Igor,
The light in this desert landscape is flat out gorgeous; so soft and inviting. I also like the way you used the two cacti? to frame the one in the middle and you definitely succeeded in creating an image within an image. My only suggestion would have been to go a little wider as I find myself wanting to see all of both cacti on the right and left edges. Just my opinion of course.
Jack Dykinga is one of three photographers you can blame for my interest in photography. I saw his work at an exhibition in 1999 and a few days later bought my first camera. This image is classic Dykinga, and I mean that with the utmost respect. Perfectly composed, perfectly processed, perfect light. It even has a bit of warm/cool contrast going on between the foreground rocks and sunlight background. Absolutely love it!
I really love this one Igor. I think the framing is well done and the placement of the Saguaro cactus is perfect. I even like the smaller occatillo cactus along the right side of the image frame where normally I would consider it a distraction. The foreground rocks in shadow have quite a bit of magenta in them but I am in the process of trying to calibrate a brand new monitor so that could be entirely incorrect.
The light is lovely and I really like the small rocks in the bottom right corner catching that sidelight.
There is one tiny little branch coming in from the top just right of center that could be cloned if you want to do edge patrol but wouldn’t be noticed by many. The only other thing I can see is that the upper left corner where the branch touches the side and then comes back into the frame is a little bothersome to me. I generally don’t like thing that go out of the corner of the frame. Maybe it’s tension. I’m not sure but I’ve never liked it much. Do you have even a smidgen more room on the left side that you can add back in? Also, the curved branch at the top left draws the eye but what can you do. It feels like I’m pulling teeth to come up with suggestions for you. These are very, very minor nits that nobody else has mentioned so I may be getting too into the weed here. I always love your desert scenes this time of the year. This is a great one, Igor.
I’ve noticed Marc Adamus has used subjects to frame subjects not infrequently over the years too.