Shady Wood Across the River

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Just a quiet and contemplative moment along the Merced River in Yosemite on an Autumn day.

Specific Feedback

Are yellows and greens over-saturated, fine as is, ot not enough. I struggled a bit to get this right.

Full disclosure: I added bit of canvas to the top to give that fern sword some breathing room.

Technical Details

Nikon D-7100
Nikkor 18-140 @ 70mm
1/2s @ f16, ISO 320


Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
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1 Like

What a gorgeous scene and perfect reflection! The saturation feels just right to me. Western Maple in autumn is as yellow as it gets – almost fluorescent. And the green of the ferns feels like the right mix between too warm and too cool. I love the gesture of the ferns reaching toward the reflection!

Hi Preston,
The quiet contemplative mood you were describing fits this image beautifully. I could see myself sitting down along the edge of the river and just soaking in my surroundings. The saturation is just fine for my tastes as is that bit of canvas along the top. Lots of nice details to savor in the larger version. Very nicely done; no suggestions from me.

A fine image here Preston! I think you nailed the processing on this, very literal and not over-saturated/processed. Contemplative, relaxed, and fall in the Sierra foothills are expressed in this image. As I looked at it longer, I appreciated that the reflection/water is not centered vertically which for my eye complements vs competes with the main subject of the ferns, leaves, and rocky bank. Very nicely seen and done!

Preston: Frame filling fantastic. Everywhere one looks there is something else delightful. A large print would keep me mesmerized for hours. Most excellent. >=))>

Preston, somehow, I missed this post. It’s a great look at this shoreline scene that is mirrored beautifully by the river. I like the clarity and brightness of the reflection. I’d say that the greens and yellows look fine.

Hi, Preston - lots of wonderful areas for the eyes to explore here. Sweet reflection and perfect saturation. Excellent EP!

Preston,

Beautiful and peaceful scene. The reflection is perfect. Congrats on the EP!

The EP is a nice surprise! I wasn’t expecting that at all. Thank you!

Thanks everyone for your comments! They are always helpful and appreciated!
-P

Preston,

Love this! Outstanding, intimate Merced River scenic. Really appreciate how you isolated this composition from the broader scene. The balance between the shore and reflection is just right - and also the light balance between the two seems perfect.

No nits or suggestions. Just makes me want to be there…