The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Early evening light in Stout Grove of redwoods located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods.
Specific Feedback
Open to all feedback
Technical Details
Linhoff 4x5 with 180mm lens #8 Yellow & Circular Polarizer
TMX 100
N Development
F22 1/3 @ 52"
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Vision and Purpose:
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Emotional Impact and Mood:
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Stunning!!! I love the way the group of slender trees is framed between the larger ones, and the light is incredible! The tonalities are perfect. I do sort of wonder if the diffuse bright area might be toned down just a bit, though. But completely artist’s choice. In any case, this would make an awesome floor-to-ceiling print for a huge, open room!
Man, this is a stellar composition! Tones are fantastic, b&w conversion is perfect. The disc of light at the top feels a little too strong and my eye keeps going directly to it. I don’t know if it was that strong naturally or if you’ve enhanced it but I’d be partial to a version where it’s toned down a bit.
Hi Chipper,
This is a flat out gorgeous viewpoint! I am loving the way you framed this with the smaller grove of redwoods centered and flanked by the two larger ones on the sides and the tones are perfect for my personal tastes. The light is also quite nice, but I could see it toned down just a touch in that center cluster of trees. My only real suggestion would be to remove those OOF branches intruding along both the right and left edges as they catch my eye somewhat. I hope you do not mind, but here is a rework with what I was thinking. Just my opinion of course. Very nicely done. Perfect title BTW.
@Bill_Fach Since my first visit as a teenager this section of the planet has been one of my favorite places as well, though visited far too few times. Part of the beauty of the place in my opinion, it is not necessarily readily accessible in terms of airports, etc. For many it is a long haul, even when you live in CA.
@Diane_Miller Definitely going to try toning down the sunburst as it was noted a couple of times, part of the evolution and yes, large scale print would be phenomenal. Just need to find the right patron, HAHA!
@Bret_Edge You mentioned the B&W conversion, this is actually captured on B&W 4x5 film, so no converting involved. I’m glad you are being drawn visually to the light burst as that is certainly part of the intent in the image, but going to try some toning down options to allow the eye to work around to other areas of the image. Thank you.
@Ed_Lowe Appreciate the feedback and certainly open to the rework. I see the intrigue in removing the branches and foliage that overlays the trees that border the L and R sides and I think it visually produces something a bit more architectural on some levels, with the pair of bordering trees serving as columns of entry into a sacred grouping of trees. I also enjoy the softening effect the foliage provides on those trees to bring the eye through them a bit more. I truly see both options and also struggle with the idea of drastically altering the natural scene with photoshop. Working in a hybrid system of film capture and scanning to digitize and then digital process and print I do try and stay “true” to the traditions of film. Not to say a random branch or leaf doesn’t get removed but typically not on that scale of removal. I will probably dive into the file to see how cleanly items can be removed or possibly keep some elements that I feel provide some softening frame of the strength of the edge trees.
I’m late to the comments here, but I just wanted to say how much I like this image. Forest photography is so difficult, and this is really a standout example.
