The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Beautiful old growth forest in fall on Vancouver Island. Was really trying to make sense of the chaos of this area, and wanted to create a photograph that could include enough depth to portray how chaotic the forest is, but still be visually appealing and inviting.
Specific Feedback
Especially interested in the critique from Matt and Tim as part of the guest critique to get a sense of how a photo like this would do in their competition. But also excited to hear feedback from the NPN community. Any and all feedback is welcome, but especially interested as it relates to composition and processing.
Technical Details
2.0 sec, f13, ISO 100, 24mm on 24-105mm lens
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
This is a stunning and immersive forest scene, rich with texture and depth. The vibrant greens, intricate details of the moss-covered branches, and the delicate interplay of autumn leaves create a captivating composition. I’m quite fond of the leaves scattered in the ferns!
The arching, moss-covered branches naturally frame the scene and create a sense of depth, guiding the viewer’s eye deeper into the forest. The V-shape formed by the tree trunks helps anchor the composition.
The intricate moss, ferns, and fallen leaves add a dynamic, almost three-dimensional quality. The layering of elements in the foreground, midground, and background contributes to a deep sense of immersion.
The contrast between the dominant greens and the warm autumn yellows and oranges adds vibrancy without feeling oversaturated. The cooler greens keep the image feeling natural and lush, while the warm highlights add visual interest.
Some thoughts on perhaps making it slightly better:
While the twisting moss-covered trunks provide a great anchor, the eye wanders a bit through the frame without a single, clear point of emphasis. A slight adjustment in perspective or selective dodging/burning could help enhance the primary subject.
The golden light filtering through the trees on the right is lovely, but it slightly pulls the eye away from the central moss-covered trunks. A subtle darkening or local contrast adjustment might help keep the focus balanced. Same goes for the bright areas at the top center!
Excellent image!!! I was just talking with my neighbor about how the color green is so soothing to the eyes and this image shows that so well. One can look at this image and just rest. But not fall asleep. The specks of yellow scattered about on the green keeps you alert. I thought that a square format would work well with this image also but I’m not sure it’s an improvement.
What makes this image really sing is the tonal and color contrast. The dark brown trees in the foreground and beautiful light in the background create a strong sense of depth that draws the eye into the frame. Using the shape created by the trunks and limbs in the foreground was a fine compositional choice. I can imagine you moving your tripod into just the right place to capture that shape with some breathing room between the two trees. While photographers generally avoid putting the main subject in the middle of the frame as it can make the image static, I think it works here because the sense of depth contributes dynamism. It’s often said that forest scenes are very challenging because chaotic. I think the order that the photographer finds within the chaos is what makes these scenes intriguiing. The one problem I see with this image is that the horizontal limb with the beautiful green moss (or whatever) is clipped at the upper left. I keep wanting to see a bit more of it at the top.
I don’t need to spend too long looking at this to say that I like it and would more than likely send it to the second round of the competition straight away.
The triangular shape sends your eye around the image quite nicely and that base of fern and leaves is pretty wonderful. I love the sense of light and the lanky moss coated trunk in the background. Either side also has some original interest with the right showing a cluster of yellow leaves in wonderful light and the left show that young growth trunk.
If I were to suggest a few improvements, I think the top left corner is a little messy and pulls attention away from the flow of that compositional triangle. I’d crop in to tighten that up. I might tighten up the right edge slightly too. I’d also tone down the highlights at the top right and left corner, especially in those yellows.
If it would be possible, I’d also leave a little detail in the deep shadow in the trunk of the tree, still keeping it really dark, but just enough to prevent it looking like blocked up clipping. I’ve added a ‘crop’ and tweak here.
I really like the image though - a bold and satisfying composition. I hope you explored the right hand side trees too!
I find it so hard to bring order out of forest chaos Patrick. I have little to add to the above, but wanted to applaud how you’ve made the forest beauty sing.
