The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
On the third morning wandering around the El Capitan meadow really just looking on the ground after my previous post of the ferns, I found this fallen tree trunk that appeared to still have some frost on it with some leaves. As I approached I could see it was not frost but just sun bleached. I liked how the leaves had fallen on it, but the area to the right was bare so I added the yellow leaf to try and complete the colors of autumn found in the meadow.
Specific Feedback
Does the composition look contrived? It is ok if it does, just wondering.
Technical Details
Nikon D850, Nikon 105 mm f/2.8 Macro lens taken at f11, 1/6 sec, ISO 100. Processed in ACR and PS.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Youssef, the grouping of fallen leaves looks very good (and natural). The details in the leaves plus their textures and colors stand out well against the wood. I do wonder how toning down the blue reflections from the wood would look. As presented, this feels quietly cool, I expect that warming it would change that feeling.
I don’t think it looks contrived; it’s better with the leaf added in. The wood makes a lovely background; I can see what attracted you. The coolness is a delightful contrast to the autumn leaves. I do wish the very top was as sharp as the rest of the image.
It doesn’t look contrived at all. Nice gardening! (I’m not against a tiny bit of gardening to remove a stray twig or arrange a leaf. )
It’s a lovely little fall vignette. The wood feels a bit purple to me and I thought Mark had a good idea to warm it up, just to reduce the purple tone, but not make it warm. Or maybe select the purple tone and move it towards more blue.
Wonderful image, Youssef. The warm/cool contrast of bleached wood and fallen leaves works well. I never would have guessed that you added a leaf. This looks very naturally arranged. The textures in the wood and leaves are different, but don’t compete. There’s a lot here in this image of a small area in the forest to study and enjoy.
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