The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.
Self Critique
Composition is okay. River S-shape is okay. Should there be more detail in the shadowed canyon wall on the left? Is the foreground too prominent?
Creative direction
Aim is to present the rugged wilderness feeling of the river. Would it be okay to find an emotional twinge in the image?
Specific Feedback
All areas are open to discussion. Mostly wondering if anyone feels any sort of emotional reaction.
Technical Details
Canon R6 Mark II, RF 24-105 @ 24mm, f/8 @ 1/640, ISO 100, EC -3.33 to hold highlights. Handheld after long hike so needed high shutter speed due to shakes. Processed in Dx0 PL9, ACR, Photoshop CC.
Description
We were told it was a ±2.25-mile round trip out to this overlook. It seemed a bit longer to my 82-year-old body. The Canon FF body turned out to be a better option against the MF Fujifilm setup due to the roughness of the hike. Part of the trail had been flooded as well.
I was tempted to add clouds in the final image but managed to avoid it. I felt this one was better in color as the monochromatic version turns a bit flat without the green hues in the foreground.
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 Fred,
This is a grand view for sure and kudos on completing the 2.25 mile hike at 82 years young. When I turned 75 I sold my D800 and all my lenses as it was just getting to heavy to haul around. I went with the Z7 and assorted lenses and trimmed about half the weight. The S curve with the river works quite well, but IMO if you cropped about half of the FG I think it would be a little more prominent and make it lower in the frame. As far as those shadows go I think you could darken them a bit as they look to light to me. I hope you do not mind, but here is a rework with what I was thinking. There looks to be a bit of haloing along the top of the left ridge you might want to fix. Just my opinion of course. Nicely done. BTW, the light on that bush and those FG rocks is quite nice.
It was a good view and worth the effort in the end. Thank you for the encouragement. I will go back and work on this image more. I see the halo as well.
The light was moving fast and disappeared very quickly. I shot another frame after stepping just to the right from this position. The light was gone by then. I have attached it for your inspection and comparison to the first posted image.
Photographic equipment weight is definitely becoming an issue along with worsening tremors. I may not get many more chances to visit sites such as this one.
This canyon is handsomely rugged and I think your image portrays that quite nicely. I agree with Ed re: a crop from the bottom and feel that his suggested crop offers an improvement. The second image you posted certainly stands on its own and without the original for comparison, I’d say it’s just fine but I do find myself quite partial to the original composition. Those sunlit rocks in the FG grab my attention and then my eyes follow the river through the frame. The shaded side of the cliff looks perfect to me. Just enough detail without being too bright and low in contrast.
Thank you for your comments on these images. I tend to agree with the suggested crop of the first image as well. I also favor the first image but others seem to like the second. It’s always hard for me to predict how different images will be received.
