The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic + Technical
About This Image
This image was taken early one morning on Madeline Island, WI, where a lagoon meets Lake Superior. I wanted to capture the serenity of this moment and the promise of a peaceful day of reflection.
Feedback Requested
I am quite happy with the composition but a little on the fence about the balance of enough detail in the shadows/reflections without it becoming a focal point. In the reflections, I was working towards making these areas more of a discovery “reward” for the viewer who might linger a while.
Kari, it’s a lovely scene. The composition works well and the tones all seem appropriate. I like the subtle colors in the distance. As for your concern about how much detail there is in the shadows and reflections, it seems fine to me.
There are a few distractions you may or may not want to change: (1) The bright leaves in the upper right, (2) a bright spot near the bottom, and (3) the sun reflected on the water. These aren’t wrong; they just draw the eye to places where you don’t want the viewer’s attention to go.
Hi Kari! This is a beautiful image. I love your composition. The mirror-like reflection, and how the water just becomes the sky without even noticing the horizon is excellent. I agree with Don’s very minor suggestions - they will make this beautiful image just a bit better. Well done!
This is indeed quite a lovely image. The sunburst is effective, yet almost subtle and certainly not overbearing. Well done!
I would say that you accomplished your goal! The beautiful morning sky, the backlit leaves are noticed right away - and beautiful even without the reflection. Yet, starting at the inlet (and the sun’s bright reflection, which I actually like and would not remove), the eye does flow down the lagoon and the deeper reflections. Yeah, there is a bright spot there and perhaps some cleanup of some (barely) visible intruding elements, but overall, yes, I tended to linger in the image the way you have framed, photographed and processed this.
I do think the shadows detail is a little lost in the LLC, lower left corner, but in this case, I think it’s appropriate and not an issue for me.
This is a beautiful image of a wonderful moment in time and you most definitely captured the peaceful vibe presented to you. This has a stillness and calm that I find very inviting. The sunstar is lovely and I love the diagonal placement of the inlet as it draws me into the scene towards that distant landmass. I also think the soft subtle lighting in the scene is perfect for the mood you were going for. I could see just a touch more detail in the shadows on the left side, but not much. I think the three small suggestions from @Don_Peters about the bright spots would make this wonderful image even better. Very nicely done.
What a lovely and peaceful photo. I think you accomplished what you set out to do. I like how the backlit leaves on top and in the URC help frame the photo. I also like the idea of keeping the shadows dark, adds to the serenity and calm. The two bright spots on the water already mentioned by @Don_Peters do catch the eye and compete with the sun burst. Minor cloning can fix those.
Kari, it is a lovely, peaceful moment. The calmness of the water adds a lot to that sense. I would dodge slightly the darks along the left side, but recognize that it’s challenging to not get them too bright. The three brighter green leaves in the upper right do stand out, either a quick clone or some burning-in would let them fit better with the trees behind.
Hi Kari - I think you’ve received some great ideas about this lovely image. I was just up in Bayfield doing some paddling along in Superior near the Apostles. How cool. It wasn’t a ‘photography’ trip for me so I didn’t do anything like this, but it’s nice to see another Wisconsinite around. I’ve been down to Oconomowoc once, but I mainly stay up north since I’m near Tomahawk. What a lovely state we have to explore. Hope to see more of it through your photos!
