Rocks and shrubs

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I think most viewers will find themselves looking at the rock in this scene that drew my attention. Why did it? I’m not sure. Maybe because it’s vaguely anthropomorphic. In any event, it appealed to me.

Specific Feedback

All comments are welcome.

Technical Details

ISO 2000, 50mm, f/8, 1/125th. Routine processing in Lightroom and Photoshop.


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That it is! Looks like a rock climber’s paradise! And lots of detail to keep my eye exploring. I like the composition, with the two rocks on the R and L making a nice frame so I can scramble up that draw. The lack of a strong sense of scale adds interest – the dead Yucca could be 10-15 ft tall?

Thanks for the comment, Diane. I suspect that the yucca is about 6-7 feet tall but I may well be wrong.

I like rocks so I found this place very appealing.

You found a nice composition to focus on. Lots of great detail to explore.

Don,

Excellent job isolating this tighter detail from the grander view.

While a main subject (anchor) isn’t really present, I think the central formations carry enough interest (the lighter “ninja turtle head” and another anthropomorphic shape.) And yes, I see any number of shapes that hold the viewer’s interests.

I also think this composition is well balanced - there are no distracting or out of balance elements.

Well seen and photographed

Michael, Lon, thank you both.

Hi Don,
There are lots of shapes, textures and details to savor and enjoy in this intimate landscape. and you did well to pull this section from the larger view. The lack of scale also works well for this scene and adds some interest IMO. I do have a question for you; why shoot at ISO 2000? I quite like this one.

Thanks, Ed. As for the ISO, I was shooting handheld here and it was overcast. I decided I wanted an aperture of f/8 due to depth-of-field considerations. I wanted to shoot at 1/125th to be on the safe side. That was probably faster than I really needed. But those two variables made me use ISO 2000.