Painted Hills #2, May 2025

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

Another from our Oregon trip in May. Of all the images I made from the Painted Hills, I’m liking these ones with a more layered look. I have some that are just the lovely, curved gullies, but they aren’t exciting me as much as the ones with layers of hills. I like the subtle colors from the plants in this one, also - the plants are so small and so far away they give just a hint of color to the hills.

Specific Feedback

I’m fairly happy with this, but critique is always welcome. Like my last post, I don’t think of this as an abstract per se, but I do understand that someone who hasn’t seen the Painted Hills might not have a feeling for the scale, etc.

Technical Details

On a tripod, no polarizer. Processed in ACR & PS; mostly targeted burning/dodging to slightly increase contrast.


Critique Template

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2 Likes

I know this not an abstract, Bonnie, but it sure is surreal looking. I love it! The high key processing works really well here, and I love the layers running in different directions.

Another fine image from the Painted Hills!
-P

1 Like

Yes!! Lovely and an unusual presentation from there. The miniature plants are a wonderful touch – a similar effect that I sometimes get from aerial shots in desert regions. I love the two layers with patterning that suggests cloud shadows. Very cool!!

Hi Bonnie,
This is a lovely intimate landscape with a multitude of intersecting diagonal lines. I also quite like the subdued color palette; particularly those muted warm tones towards the top of the frame. No suggestions from me other than print this large and find some wallspace.

1 Like

Thanks, @Preston_Birdwell, @Diane_Miller, and @Ed_Lowe.

Yes, they do look like the plant textures/colors on your photos taken from your plane.

I wasn’t thinking of printing this, but now that you mention it, I just may!

Nicely created, Bonnie! I love that area and this represents it in a creative and yes, even abstract way. Love the overlapping shapes within this image. Very nice.

Thanks, @brenda_tharp.