The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I was looking at reflections in a pond . This one made me reach for the camera.
Specific Feedback
In general I’m pretty content with this one but I’m wondering if some local adjustments in tone or contrast may be needed. Any other feedback would also be welcome.
Technical Details
ISO 1250, 85mm, f/8, 1/400th sec.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
This is really nice, Don. I like the way there is so much detail that it disguises the subject and it takes a bit to see the trees. For that reason, I don’t think I’d increase contrast here. I think you’d lose a bit of the mystery.
I can see why Bonnie suggests more contrast but I think this one is as contrasty as it’s going to get. Because this is a reflection, I was working with a fairly small range of tones. I could only stretch the histogram so far before the darks started looking pretty awful.
Don, I think this works well as it is. I agree with Dennis that any more contrast would decrease the interest and mystery - which is good, because you have apparently maxed out your contrast ability!
Excellent image!
Dear Don, thanks for sharing this image. The zigzags created by the reflections of trunks or branches lead my eyes from the bottom upwards and back again. These zigzags are multiple, generating a slight sense of disorientation, which I think works well with this subject. In terms of contrast, I think it is fine as it is, precisely because it is a reflection with a restricted dynamic range. I have one suggestion, however, to add contrast: Perhaps you could use a linear gradient filter at the lower third of the image (where the tonal contrast is already highest) and decrease the black point slightly. That might add contrast in a manner that respects the integrity of the image.
Leo, thanks for the suggestion. I did what you suggested, although I used a radial gradient. That change prompted me to make several others. The result is posted above. I think the revision is better but most people probably won’t see much difference.
I spent a lot of time going back and forth between the original and the repost, Don and I think I prefer the original. The repost has a softer overall feel, but there’s a bit of a jarring note in those two darker branch sections in the upper left that for me doesn’t quite fit. The original has a bit darker feel, but I don’t mind that. For my taste it adds just the bit of spice to make the image more interesting.
Another wonderful reflection! There are wonderful lines, shapes and squiggles here! I’ll take a crossbreed – the OP with about half the upper corner darkening.
I prefer your rework. Your lightening of the upper corners did the trick to bring more attention to the main tree trunks, which in turn gives this better balance. Nice!
