Critique Style Requested: In-depth
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 am happy with the capture of the various colors of young Spring leaves, and the texture of the trees showing through the still-sparse foliage. The reflections were the first thing that grabbed my eye, and I am satisfied that they seem present but not prominent. Could more be done with the reflections? Lighting was flat, and the spotlighting effect was all through processing; I expect you can nudge me toward a few improvements in that.
Creative direction
Happy if it simply conveys a restful scene to you.
Specific Feedback
Technical - Was cropped - sides and top.
- Is degree of texture in keeping with a restful scene?
Technical Details
Canon R5 1/125, f/9, ISO 250, EF100-400@100mm
Tripod. Processed in PShop, mostly for luminosity and contrast. Topaz Sharpen AI helped a lot.
Description
I went to the old Weyerhaeuser campus in Federal Way, WA to find spring leaves emerging on trees. This was the first scene that caught my eye. One exposure only.
This is my kind of scene, Dick! I really enjoy this one. Your question about the texture I assume is about the water and is an interesting one. I get what you are saying. I think if the “waves” were harsh/turbulent it may present an issue. But this image makes me think of sitting on the side of the pond as the ripples lap up where the pond meets the land. Calming for sure! I like it quite a bit and keeps it leaning toward realistic instead of dreamy.
I do think the reflection could use a touch of dodging to make them a bit more prominent. I darkened the extreme highlights in the trees just bit, and brought up the luminosity of the handful of small trees on the right edge of the stand, trying to match them a little more with the luminosity of the trees on the left side. I also burned down the edges just a touch.
Really strong image, love it!
Very thoughtful improvements. Thank you. I was wondering about trees’ texture also.
Hi Dick,
that’s a really beautiful scene. I can well understand why the trees caught your attention.
When I first viewed your image I thought I was an autumn scene because of the yellow colors. But then I read your description where you mentioned “young spring leaves”.
I also like the adjustments made by @David_Wallace. These focus the attention a little more on the beautiful trees.
Additionally, I would do some burning at the shoreline:
I just darkened the highlights and desaturated the reds slightly. The change is not dramatic, but the bright spots are somewhat distracting from the beautiful trees.
Here is Davids version so you can switch back and forth:
I wonder how the image would look if you included more of the reflection. I can imagine the reflection of the yellow/green tree tops looking cool.
Or maybe a shot only with the reflection?
Your picture definitely makes you want to go out and take photos. I could spend some time photographing such scenes. Well done!
Dick,
Wonderful scene. It is a great candidate for the Orton Effect. I have applied a light Orton layer to your image.
I am learning about the power of the Orton Effect. Thanks
