Petrified

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
1

jm-visuals_patterns_petrified shell.jpg
jm-visuals_patterns_petrified shell.jpg2000×1334 1.52 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I took this image at Shete Boka National Park which is located at the island of Curacao. It is the rough part of the island and in some places, the ground consists of sedimentary skeletal remains of corals. The wind was blowing heavily which created an atmosphere that was loud and very silent at the same time. I somehow felt like I was walking on the moon.

Technical Details

F/6.3
1/250
ISO-100
300mm

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
2

I like the abstract pattern of the coral skeleton. You may want to crop out the OOF areas and tweak down the highlights slightly. Otherwise, a nice look at a brain coral skeleton that is rich in detail and texture…Jim

1 Like
3

This is fascinating Jana. Great textures and details in the coral. Very nice.

1 Like
4

Hi Jana,
Delicious textures in this image and what a find. Your description of the scene as you found it, and the conditions you describe heighten the sensual experience to one where I can nearly feel that I am there with you.
I took the liberty of playing with your image and had great fun.

I cloned out the white bits in the centre and cropped more to a 16x9

I also made a B+W version which I think works very well

jm-visuals_patterns_petrified shell copy 3
jm-visuals_patterns_petrified shell copy 31795×1010 1.31 MB

The crop in this version particularly gets rid of some of the blurry elements at the top left of the original.

This is a super image and thank you for sharing it.

1 Like
5

Thank you Jim. This is so helpful because I tend to have these OOF problems again and again. I’ve been already watching some You Tube videos on focusing techniques but do you maybe have an advise how I can focus such abstracts better? I would actually prefer the whole image to be sharp rather than cropping it.

6

Dewi, you are absolutely right. This works quite well in black and white!

1 Like
7

I forgot to mention,. For front to back sharpness you could focus stack using a tripod for stability.

1 Like
8

Very intriguing image! The re-post is excellent- well done!

9

Jana, great detail and the B&W is perfect for this image. Your description of the island describes a geological treasure and a wonderful place for macro work.

10

Jana, this looks great. It feels like a maze that I wouldn’t want to have to navigate. Since you were using a long lens, you probably couldn’t get the full frame sharp in a single shot, but a 3 or 4 shot focus stack would do the trick nicely.

1 Like