The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
In Biblical times there were three major feasts held in Jerusalem each year requiring the presence of the entire nation. Because Jerusalem was on high ground the pilgrims would often sing from a group of 14 Psalms (121-134) called the Songs of Ascents as they trekked up the hills. When revisiting my Alaska images from 2017 and reprocessing them I came across this scene and in one frame I spotted this lone hiker and immediately thought of the opening of the series:
I lift up my eyes to the hills, From where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. - Psalm 121:1 >=))>
Specific Feedback
Processed in DxO Pure Raw and Photoshop. In the original the hiker was almost invisible since his jacket was really a dark gray or blue so I took artistic license for the purpose of making him noticeable to pair with this verse and changed the color. In your opinion is that an OK thing to do?
Technical Details
Sony A77II
Sony 70-400 G @ 180mm
ISO 200, 1/400 @ f8
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:
Bill, this has a fine, quietly inviting feeling, where the hiker helps put the viewer in the scene. While it might change mood, I wonder how it would look with a bit more “pop” in the tundra covered slopes.
Hi Bill,
The soft subtle light in this scene is simply outstanding! I am also very much enjoying the gentle curves of the landscape. I am sure you will get varying opinions, but I have no problem with changing the color of the hiker’s jacket as you were up front about it. This is making me think about scanning some of my 35 mm slides from our trip to Alaska many years ago. Keep them coming.
No worries from me, though I always appreciate when photographers disclose atypical processing.
I think the near slope’s diagonal transected by the diagonals in the background are my favorite part, and I could even see cropping out that bottom strip. I also really enjoy how the clarity fades in the distance.
I love the lighting and the subdued color palette. I have no problem with changing the color of the jacket. We’re not doing photo journalism. Now I don’t think I’d put a hiker in the scene, but he was already there. If the hiker wasn’t so close to the bottom, I would think about cropping off the road.
Terrific depth to this image with great clarity in the foreground fading to stormy, and moody haze and clouds in the far background. I also love the contrast from the smooth, gently rolling hill with a curve on the right and the angular and course mountains in the back ground. The colors seem about right to me and the light is beautiful.
Changing the color of the jacket doesn’t bother me a bit but thanks for disclosing that tidbit. The person in the scene gives great scale to the mountains as well. Terrific shot, Bill!
