Rawboned + Repost

Repost

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I’ve been reviewing a lot of my Alaska images from 2017 and overlooked this one earlier because of what I thought was a poorly exposed capture. However my processing skills and vast improvements in LR and ACR are making more images usable. Even though this was taken on the last day of August I thought because of the wind, cold and light drizzle that it was a harbinger of the winter to come. What might this look like even a few weeks later? >=))>

Specific Feedback

Do you feel that the FG needs a color/brightness/contrast boost?

Technical Details

Sony A77II
Sony 70-400 G @ 90mm
ISO 200, 1/800 @ 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:

Hi Bill,
This certainly brings back memories of our trip to Alaska many years ago. :smiley: It definitely makes me want to head back sometime. This is quite nice as is, but I could also see a little boost in the FG contrast. That is more of a personal preference and not a criticism. Was this is Denali?

Yes, in the Polychrome pass area. >=))>>

I would have guessed this to be in the Brooks Range off the road that goes to Prudhoe Bay. I agree that a bit more contrast would have been nice. I would try go make that bit of sunlight stand out more, even if it didn’t in real life.

After noting @Ed_Lowe and @Igor_Doncov comments I’ve tried to boost the FG contrast. Better?>=))>

That lonely little strip of light is somehow the star below that dramatic sky and soaring peaks. I love it! While I think your version with a bit more contrast is quite nice if this was mine, I’d be tempted to really push the processing for great drama. It would be interesting to see a version with a darker foreground, more contrasty sky with the dark clouds really dark and a touch of creative dodging/burning on the slopes below the mountains. Like I said, nothing at all wrong with your version; just suggesting another option if you’re interested.

Bill, the extra contrast is a good improvement on a very interesting scene. I agree with Bret that more contrast in the clouds would be good. Plus, I think that some dodging of the tundra in the first ridge would add more depth the to view.