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
Does this image work for you?
I have some doubts about this image; in fact, I’m completely divided.
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
I’m completely sure what I like about this picture, and no, it’s not necessarily the rays of sunlight peeking through the clouds.
I like the overall composition, I like the greenish tone of the sky, I like the effect of the long exposure on the water; above all, I like the reflections in the water - those are the “signs” I see.
Despite all that…
I’m still divided.
Technical Details
Nikon D810
Nikon 70-200
2 exposures ( 1/80 for the Sky, 30 sec for the water) f11.
Specific Feedback
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Critique Template
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- Vision and Purpose:
- Conceptual:
- Emotional Impact and Mood:
- Composition:
- Balance and Visual Weight:
- Depth and Dimension:
- Color:
- Lighting:
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1 Like
Joao, a very soft, delicate image, which I take it is what you love so much about it. It is certainly what I love about it. I just don’t care for the aspect ratio and feel it would be stronger if cropped. There are a lot of horizontal elements to this image - particularly the cloud structure and bright areas running left to right across the sky but also the horizon light and the elliptical spot light on the water. In my view, the 2:3 aspect ratio fights against this and, additionally there is a lot of the bottom section of the frame that I don’t think adds much to what it is this image is about. I tried a 8.5:11 aspect ratio and feel it enhances this picture’s strengths but see for yourself if you agree.
1 Like
My impression is one of spirituality. Genesis. That sort of thing. For some reason I don’t like verticals that have strong horizon lines. I find the spotlight in the lower half more interesting than the clouds above. I find the subject to be a dark image with blotches of light. I would present it as such. A 50/50 composition doesn’t really bother me. Here is my idea but you could crop from the bottom if the half and half comp bothers you.
Thank you very much @Kerry_Gordon and @Igor_Doncov .
I’m beginning to see a pattern in the suggestions made…
As you know, your opinion is always welcome, recognized and appreciated.
1 Like
Hello Joao,
This is a wonderful photograph. I think most will see this and immediately associate the sunlight beams with the Divine. Even though I am a man of faith and find much spiritual comfort within the creation these sunbeams never had that association with me.
I like the composition as you presented it. I see this photo as depicting hope, solace, and a respite from ominous forces, because the light, representing truth, will always break through and vanquish falsehood. Your full 2:3 composition makes me feel like I can take a deep breath of relief due to its open vast vertical space.
You crafted it very well and I would not change a thing about it if it were mine.
My first impression was one of amazement at how many beams of light you captured here! Love the image. It does feel to me as if the water is not the same color temp as the sky. Typically, water renders the reflection slightly more saturated than the thing it reflects. Waves alter that a bit, but it still feels as if the water should be darker and slightly warmer than it is.
1 Like
My first impression when looking at this image was how unbalanced it was top to bottom. I believe that the clouds and the rays are more impactful that the water so I would crop just like @Kerry_Gordon did with his rework. I find that much more balanced. Those clouds and the beams of light they are creating are very powerful and beautiful at the same time. I love the colors. They are as soft and muted as the water and the clouds. I love what Kerry did and with that crop this image takes on a whole new appeal with better balance,
João, I’m a fan of crepuscular rays and you’ve got an excellent collection of them here. I find the mix of light and dark both in the water and the sky doing a fine job of pulling my eyes into the distance. You’ve got an interesting mix of attractive and somewhat threatening, but the glory of the day wins.
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. Much appreciated.
Late to the party, but I’ll chime in anyway. This is just lovely. I really like that tiny bright line that runs along the horizon to the left of center. It’s a small detail, but quite interesting. I’m with the croppers on this, and I prefer Kerry’s version, taking some off the bottom.
