Side winder

Image Critiques Flora Critiques
1

Ugh. The white balance was really bugging me, so I made a change -

Kristen_SmithJanuary 31, 2026_1013057
Kristen_SmithJanuary 31, 2026_10130572500×1563 1.36 MB

Kristen_SmithJanuary 31, 2026_1013057.jpg
Kristen_SmithJanuary 31, 2026_1013057.jpg2500×1563 1.39 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

It’s been so cold for so long that you can snowshoe right out into bogs, ponds, lakes and rivers. I really need to do more of that before it turns. This is a bit of … some lovely plant curving in the snow and sun. I followed a game trail (deer) out onto the pond and basically stayed in the more shaded areas as the blue bird sky on the rest of the bog was a bit much. I have plans and machinations for more pond walking soon. I think I’ll even head up to Superior as it’s been cold enough to freeze some of it.

Anyway…this little curl of stem caught my attention and I was glad to have the medium tele mounted and ready to go. The shadows and sparkly snow are such an appealing addition to the main attraction - I slightly lightened and desaturated the snow, but not too much as I like the contrast.

Specific Feedback

Ok, so I know the ISO is high. I thought it was on 500 not 800 and well, there it is. Other than that, thoughts for future outings or processing ideas are welcome. I was looking to balance the idea of spring revival and winter slumber at the same time.

Technical Details

Handheld

Screenshot 2026-01-31 at 6.10.13 PM
Screenshot 2026-01-31 at 6.10.13 PM586×286 71.7 KB

Lr for all processing including a bit of a crop to eliminate harsher shadows at the top. Some masking to even out the dynamic range and work with wb and calibration panels to massage the colors into something approaching real life. Some texture, clarity and sharpening added.

Critique Template

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Vision and Purpose:
Conceptual:
Emotional Impact and Mood:
Composition:
Balance and Visual Weight:
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2

A minimalistic image that still tells a story, Kristen. Nicely seen and photographed.

3

Your processing is perfect in my opinion, Kris. Just the right amount of blue in the snow with that lovely warmth on the plant leaves. This is a gorgeous image and I have no suggestions for improvement.

4

All said above – a lovely little gem! It looks like it is celebrating its defiance of winter. The color correction is a very nice touch. I hope you can take advantage of the cold and get some awesome images! (I’ll just sit here in my sandals and enjoy them from a distance…)

5

I really love how you zeroed in on this graceful little plant that anyone else might have overlooked. I also really like the large amount of negative space, which increases the emotional impact of the image. I’m not sure if it’s the fault of my screen, but the snow seems to be completely white, with no texture, so the plant seems to arise out of a blank white area with some blue streaks. If that was your intention, then it was achieved. If not, maybe you can tone down the highlights and bring back some of the texture so that it looks like it’s sticking out of the snow. Overall, though, it’s a good reminder that there’s still life out there even in the depths of bleak winter.

6

Nice!I like the color balance in your repost, with more warms in the snow. I agree with Canan that there could be just a tiny bit more detail, or perhaps a hint more contrast, in the snow behind the main character, but it’s a matter of intent.

Thanks for sharing your cold crystalline snow. Here in central British Columbia, where I expected to experience real winter, it’s been above freezing everyday for weeks and the snow pack is icy and sad.