Oxalis in the Redwoods

Image Critiques Flora Critiques
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Bandon South -54099-ARW-Edit-2.jpg
Bandon South -54099-ARW-Edit-2.jpg2048×2048 1.56 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

In the redwoods along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy north of the Prairie Creek visitor center. Stopping to just commune with the big trees and try to figure out a way to capture the feel photographically. The Oxalis coming out of the bed of needles accumulated through the ages felt like one aspect of it.

Specific Feedback

I deliberately kept the bed of needles dark because to me, that’s part of the atmosphere. I did lighten up the Oxalis leaves a bit and I’m particularly interested in how people feel about that balance.

I’m also interested in whether any of the mood of the place comes across.

Technical Details

The original was fairly dark, so I brought up the blacks and shadows and overall exposure in LR to a reasonable level. Some fine tuning and burning of brighter needles, removal of a few other bright spots in PS and some final touch-up on the Oxalis in LR.

image
image402×775 69.6 KB

Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
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Such delicate beauties down there among the giants. I remember noticing it all around when I visited the Redwoods in northern California. A similar species grows here and seems to like Hemlocks. I understand where you’re coming from in terms of showing the limited light down there, but I feel it’s a touch too intense. That’s just me… I like the contrasts between the colors and the shapes quite a lot. the spiky nature of the needles/fronds shows well against the softer curves of the wood sorrel. Those water drops are a nice touch however they got there.

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Dennis: Having been there fairly recently I think you captured the needles just right. The density and randomness of them tells it’s own tale. I like your contrast and the color intensity. I think you isolated just the right amount of oxalis. Well seen and very nicely captured. >=))>