The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic / Expressive
About This Image
The subject here is an area of reeds on the shoreline of a small lake in northwest Washington. I spent a fall morning working various compositions of reeds and reflections at differing focal lengths. It was a very enjoyable few hours.
Feedback Requested
I’d appreciate feedback on the composition as well as the overall mood or feeling that the image elicits.
Wow, what a terrific reflection and abstract. As you might attest, we see a lot of reflections (I love 'em too) which means it takes something a bit different and special to stand out. And this one does! I love the almost chaotic nature of the relected reeds and how the dark reflections go in all different directions, angles, etc. Combined with the blue and white reflections from the sky, this one really stands out. The two broader dark bands in the ULC initially seem out of place and heavy, but yet they really add a positive element to the overall scene.
The only nit or suggestion I have is dealing with the tip of the reflected reed at the bottom center of the frame. Probably just me, but that breach just creates a little tension. Sure, most of the other breach the edge like along the top - and those are fine because it’s clear how you chose to frame it. That lone, little one at the bottom, I wish had some space between the edge, OR had a thicker reflection… Anyway, minor and picky point. It may or may not bother anyone.
I thought I might show what I’m referring to. I cloned the very tip of the reflection, then also “stretched” the canvas a few pixels. Pretty picky, I know. But with something this good, I had to find something… A fantastic reflection abstract!
First off, great eye for spotting the potential in this intimate scene. You have a lot of diagonal motion here with the channels of blues and whites caused by what I am guessing is the wind. I also think the blues and whites compliment each other perfectly and I love the fact that the reeds are straight and their reflections are abstract squiggly lines. For my own personal tastes I find this to be a serene peaceful image. My only suggestion would be a small crop from the left side as it is a little empty in relationship to the rest of the scene. I also think that places more of an emphasis on all of those fantastic looking reeds. I hope you do not mind, but here is a rework with what I was thinking. This is just my opinion of course. Beautifully done.
First, I really admire your vision - not easy. I can see Lon’s suggestion - reasonable. Now, how about trying moving the Blue Calibration slider to see what happens - and while you are at it, try playing with the Red slider too! This is very nice as presented!
Thanks everyone for your feedback. @Lon_Overacker and @Ed_Lowe your edits do indeed improve the composition; I will have to do better with my viewfinder.
