The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I have become a great believer that photography is not necessarily about recording what I saw but rather about expressing what I felt. This has a lot to do with what David duChemin is on about when he speaks of the central importance of creating a sense of “mood” – the emotional hook that gives our photographs life and meaning. What I have tried to share in this image is how I felt on wandering into this small wilderness clearing in the quiet of the early morning light. It felt, not like a vaulted cathedral but more like the interior space of Le Corbusier’s Ronchamp Chapel, of which he said, “Light alone can already create the effect of enclosed space”. And so it was for me in that moment of discovery, all about the light – numinous and intimate. I wanted to accentuate that light, especially through playing with the luminosity and colour in post so that the leaves come to seem almost transparent. Despite the subtleness of the light there is also the muscularity of the mother tree in the way she acts as an axis mundi connecting the heaven and the earth. Being there brought on a feeling of awe but also of connectedness and safety – a sacred space.
Specific Feedback
There are a number of things about this image that only became apparent after I downloaded it and began to work with it in post. I like, for example, the hint of a path that seems to lead to a numinous source; the small curving birch just to the right of the mother tree’s trunk; and the diagonals coming down from the upper left and right corners that juxtapose quietude with dynamism. Finally, there was the delightful discovery of the two leaves that seem to be caressing the right side of the mother tree’s trunk. All of these elements, I hope, contribute to the mood of this image in a way that leaves it open for the interpretation of the reader based on their own experiences. I’d love to hear your thoughts or feelings about this picture and any suggestions you may have to offer for improvement.
Technical Details
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
I know what you mean about a sacred space, although that term has some baggage, I’m not sure what else I’d use. Awe maybe. Or humility in the face of a place that doesn’t need humans. Something like that. This conveys that feeling quite well - the way you’ve included other tree branches that reach across diagonally to the main trunk shows the forest as a single entity, something I often feel myself. The inclusion of the roots completes this circular give and take of organisms during their individual lifetimes.
In terms of processing, I wonder if it is a bit too light here, but that’s just me. Often with heavy canopy the shade is intense even in full sun. I wouldn’t want it to be full dark, but possibly creating more of that forest floor feeling would benefit the mood. Worth playing with I think. Fabulous find and composition. I’m so glad you wandered where we are not needed.
@Kris_Smith - Thanks, Kristen, for taking the time to share your thoughts and feelings around this image. I do resonate with your insights and appreciate your sharing. In the immortal words of Leonard Cohen, “You want it darker?” I have posted a revised version, which does feel a little more mysterious and enclosed, which I think gets a little closer to the mood I’m trying for. Is this in line with your thinking around darkening?
Your rework does bring out the feeling of a more of an intimate space, one with soaring walls and colorful windows. The solidity of the main tree offers protection and support.
I had to look up Le Corbusier’s Chapel - wow, what an interesting structure.
I think you’ve captured that “sacred space-ness” of this small clearing quite well. The composition is very cohesive and keeps the focus on the mother tree which leads the upwards to the heavens. Wonderful work.
Oh, wow! I’m a lover of trees and forests so this image really resonates with me and your title is spot on. The re-worked version is awesome – feels much more powerful and intense (in a good way) and really emphasizes that tree without diminishing its surroundings. I think you should be very happy with this!
The revised version is definitely superior. There is greater sense of depth, even in the light. The original is perhaps closer to what it looked in the natural world. The original is also closer to how Ben does his forest scenes in terms of light.
I just like how the tree trunk goes from a bulbous bottom to the narrower top. And it’s not done by looking straight up with a pattern of leaves at the top. So in that sense it does have that sense of classiccal columns you see in western architecture. Good architecture just mimics nature really.
The revised image nailed it perfectly for me Kerry. The slight darkening of the surrounding forest; without sacrificing that beautiful light; gives the main tree even more of a presence. I get the feeling that the tree is standing watch over this safe place in the forest where a visitor could sit and relax from the cares of the world. Beautifully done!
@Bonnie_Lampley, @Youssef_Ismail, @Tom_Nevesely, @Igor_Doncov, @Ed_Lowe - thank you all for taking the time to take a look and share your thoughts and feelings. It is so much appreciated. And a special thanks to @Kris_Smith for encouraging me to take the image a bit further and a bit darker so that for me, it feels complete.
