Sentinel Juniper

Image Critiques Landscape Critiques
1

The Juniper Tree final, np, nc.jpg
The Juniper Tree final, np, nc.jpg1337×2003 2.82 MB

DSC_6449 (1).jpg
DSC_6449 (1).jpg2064×1263 2.42 MB

Critique Style Requested: Initial Reaction

Please share your immediate response to the image before reading the photographer’s intent (obscured text below) or other comments. The photographer seeks a genuinely unbiased first impression.

Questions to guide your feedback

I wonder if I made the first image of the tree a little too cluttered. Is it confusing having the tree and the rocks in the background?

What is your initial thought/feeling upon seeing this photo

Other Information

Please leave your feedback before viewing the blurred information below, once you have replied, click to reveal the text and see if your assessment aligns with the photographer. Remember, this if for their benefit to learn what your unbiased reaction is.

Image Description

Took these both at Garden of the God’s in Colorado this last December. Wish I had time to focus stack the second image but it was a last minute decision to try to shoot the sunset and it went by pretty quick.

Technical Details

1st
ISO 320, handheld at 1/50 s, 30 mm, f 11

2nd
ISO 640, handheld 1/8 s, 64 mm, f 6

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:
2

I don’t think so! The tree grabs my eye first (and is clearly the subject), the BG and surroundings provide context.

I’m by no means a landscape photography expert, but this comp works for me!

3

Hi Bryant,
The first image is not too cluttered IMHO. The juniper has a lot of character and is the star of the show, while the BG is the supporting cast so to speak. I am also enjoying the earth tones in the scene. My only suggestion would be to clone out that rock intruding along the left edge of the frame as it does catch my eye. I hope you do not mind, but here is a rework with what I was thinking. I hope to see more of your images as well as your critiques of others. Both images are very nicely done!

The Juniper Tree final, np, nc
The Juniper Tree final, np, nc1337×2003 1.07 MB

1 Like
4

Thanks for the feedback and your suggestion! I just decided to crop in the left side a little more and it looks better for sure!

5

Wonderful colors here Bryant. I think including the rocks gives the image a place and more meaning. You have a nice subject in that foreground juniper. Very charismatic and I love the root system. @Ed_Lowe caught the one thing that immediately grabs the eye and that is the rock poking in from the left side.
The colors seem about right and not overly saturated. There is a lot of contrast but nothing wrong with that. Nice post Bryant. Looking forward to seeing more of your work and hearing what you think about others.

6

Both are great photos. The second is my favorite. I am awed by the balance in composition. The expanse of the beautifully colored sky on left perfectly balances the tall mass of the red rock on the right. Well done.