The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This is an image created in one of my local areas. When I captured the image, I wanted the lighting behind the tree to present itself as a promised destination, but I also wanted the organic structure of the tree trunks and branches to fill the frame as a grid, because I thought the opposition between the two was interesting. During the outing, and when I came back and went through the images, I did not think highly about the results, nor about this image. In fact, I was disappointed about the photographic outcome of the trip. Over the next months, however, this image kept coming back to me in my daily mind wandering. Now I have come to like it. Perhaps you have had this experience too? For some images, it takes time before they gain visual authority even to the photographer him- or herself, and sometimes one has to wait for it to present itself as meaningful.
Specific Feedback
All kinds of feedback and suggestions are welcome.
Technical Details
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: Sigma 50 mm f1.4
Capture: 1/100 sec. at f5.6, ISO 80
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Vision and Purpose:
Conceptual:
Emotional Impact and Mood:
Composition:
Balance and Visual Weight:
Depth and Dimension:
Color:
Lighting:
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Technical:
Hi Leo,
I have that happen all the time: looked cool in the field, had an idea, got home and thought, “meh.” A year or so later, I see what I can do with it, often totally unrelated to what I saw at the time of capture. Or sometimes just a different, simpler priority.
I would be curious to see this one in color, to be honest. I like the structure of the tree and the light behind, but I’m not sure I get that invitation to a sunnier “promised destination” vibe you mentioned. Would that be more palpable in color? Or with a slight crop off the top and right?
I’ll be curious what others say. Cool picture regardless, and the vault is always worth exploring.
ML
Its a chaotic mess, but in a good way. The level of detail and the high contrast make for an interesting image that can hold my attention as I seek out all the interesting detail. I like the subtle layering effect caused by the FG grasses that just jump up into the frame. I might darken the midtone patch in the ULC so that it might match the overall dark patches throughout.
I like this. Kinda messy in a good way. There’s certainly structure and composition involved. The only think I would do is darken the ULC to match the rest of the image. That light patch up there kinda draws the eye up there and out of the image.
I will echo the comments on the grand “messiness” of the image. I rather like it. The other suggestion to darken the top, left corner is also my thought.
I like the dark base, but wish there was just a bit more.
Hi Leo,
I quite like this as I think you have filled up the whole frame beautifully with all of those twisting arching limbs. The B&W conversion looks great and has a wonderful range of tones. I particularly like the luminosity of the BG light as it has this wonderful glow about it. From my own personal experiences I can relate to the occasional disappointment and wondering what did I see in that image. Sometimes an image just has to percolate a little to grow on you. Often times they have more staying power than a wow image with blazing colors. I for one am glad that you came back to this one!
