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
I like the composition. Am having trouble with what to do in post.
Creative direction
I’m looking for a natural/nuanced/pastoral look.
Specific Feedback
Do you think I nailed the natural/nuanced/pastoral look?
Would you have done something differently?
Technical Details
Nikon full frame mirrorless
24-70 mm lens set to around 30 mm
f/16, 1/25 sec, ISO 100
(Nothing unusual)
Description
I took this image this morning at the Cosumnes River Preserve, located a few miles south of Elk Grove, California. The sun was just burning away a light fog.
Stopped by Peet’s Coffee for a medium coffee in a large cup (less spillage while driving) and a peach berry scone before heading to the preserve.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Franz, I also like the composition. The soft, misty look of the original is very appealing.
I think you should stay closer to the original. Here’s a variation with a few possible changes. I got rid of several distractions, warmed the shot up a little and increased the brightness around the log in the shadows. I also boosted the midtone contrast slightly.
It’s your shot and your vision. Ignore this if it doesn’t take the image in the direction you wanted.
Hi Franz - This is a lovely photo of a classic Central Valley scene. If you want nuance and a pastoral feel, I’m with Don that the raw file fits that bill better. I can see that you’d want to highlight that gnarled snag, but the increases in saturation and contrast give it too much prominence in the scene, IMO. The scene becomes about that snag and it’s gnarly-ness, which to me introduces an ominous feeling. The cool toning adds to that feeling.
I like Don’s ideas, although maybe not warm it up so much (so as to keep some of that blueness that you saw).
Beautiful scene you found here! the moody mist is very compelling, and the bit of red compliments the gray well. If you’re going for an etheral look, Bonnie’s idea works well.
A really mesmerizing scene!
Welcome to Landscape Franz! What a great scene, and I love the mood you captured. That fallen tree really ties the scene nicely.
Fantastic treatments from @Don_Peters, and @Bonnie_Lampley took it up even another notch. I really can’t add; copy that and you’ve got a lovely winner!
Good to have you here Franz! This is the kind of post that can go in all different directions and you’ve already received some very good input and redo’s from @Bonnie_Lampley and @Don_Peters. You’ve asked for direction in how you can make this more nuanced. I looked up Nuanced in the dictionary and this is what we get…having or characterized by subtle and often appealingly complex qualities, aspects, or distinctions (as in character or tone). So, with that being said, I would stick very closely to what the raw image gave you because it is naturally quite subtle already. I can also see how you’d want to make that fallen snag a big part of the image but doing so negates the rest of this image and draws too much attention to it in my opinion. For me, the downed tree is a visual treat but I also am draw to the entire scene because of the beautiful canopies of the trees and their reflections. I love what Bonnie and Dan did with their respective reworks. You might also try a black and white version but don’t go crazy with the contrast. This is a beautifully captured and composed scene with the classic fog of the central valley. Nicely done, Franz!
Really beautiful scene, Franz. the image is just great. The mood is top notch. I think the second image is a little too contrasty and the light on the gnarly log is a little too unnatural IMHO. I was gonna mention a little edge patrol for some intruding elements but I see you took care of those, but you missed the yellow pedestrian sign on the right. I think @Bonnie_Lampley caught it. I really like @Bonnie_Lampley and @Don_Peters interpretations.
I goes I’ll go against the grain here (what? what a surprise?). I’ll go with the second version. Although the original is beautiful and natural we see so many fog pictures that they begin to look alike. The second version, although not natural, begins to show a vision, an interpretation. Just my dos centavos.
Hi Franz,
First off welcome to the Landscape Critiques. This is a lovely image with wonderful atmospherics. The fog has graced this scene with a peaceful vibe that is very inviting IMO and the diagonal of the riverbank also quite works well. I do think that @Bonnie_Lampley rework with the small tweaks has elevated an already beautiful image another notch. I think that one has the most natural look that you were striving for. Beautifully done!
Very observant. I often apply a bit too much “digital makeup” to the image right after I transfer it to my computer, only to throttle back after I leave it alone for a while. Makes me think I should insert a “pause” into my workflow before sharing an image with others. Good point.
One of the things I noticed is that which version of an image I like on a particular day - more pastel/nuanced or more snappy - depends on which side of the bed I got up on that morning. [My girfriend goes through the same routine with the makeup and clothes she wears on a particular day.]
Perhaps a “perfectly crafted” image is more of an illusion than a reality.
You might also consider the role that “newness” plays in decision making. The mind and spirit is rejuvenated by the new. When you see similar things an apathy slowly starts to grow and anything different is refreshing. That may be why your girlfriend changes her makeup.
