Smoke Under the Mountains (redo)

Image Critiques Landscape Critiques
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20250225_204436.jpg
20250225_204436.jpg3237Ă—1290 1.19 MB

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

This is a very iconic spot to go shoot so it can be hard at times to add any creativity to the shots one might get there. I think, or hoped I accomplished this by taking it as a panorama, and hopefully in part due to the more unique circumstances that were given at the time. I think the framing and composition worked well. I toned down the color since the last time I had shared this photo as well as eliminating an unnatural line I created in the fog the first time I edited it, so I hope it looks natural but am open to any input.

Creative direction

I hoped with this shot that I would be able to capture something here that was at least somewhat unique and could rouse feelings of awe and quiet peace in those who view it. This shot is a panorama as well so I hope it adds a somewhat different feel to it than what is normally presented at this sight.

Specific Feedback

Does this photo present a somewhat unique view of this iconic place?
Does the mist and coloring appear natural?
Is there anything I could have done better technically or creatively?

Technical Details

Nikon z7ii
Iso 110
115mm panorama
F11
1/3s

Description

I took this image last October at sunrise in Grand Teton National Park. It was starting to get pretty smoky as there were forest fires starting up near the area around that time. It made for a red light to be cast upon the mountains though which provided the color that the sky seemingly lacked more so. It is a more iconic place, but me being me and always wanting to do something for myself in my own way I was happy to get this shot that I’ve wanted to capture since I picked up a camera.

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Hi @bryant - thanks for posting!

Obviously, this place is iconic for a reason - it’s a beautiful scene.
You certainly had some idyllic conditions that most would be envious of!
It looks pretty darn natural to me.
The composition feels nicely balanced as well.
A few things come to mind - the tip of the barn is awfully close to the mountain horizon, drawing a lot of attention to that spot. Maybe not a bad thing but it does create some tension. Same goes for the trees on the right. I try to create separation when I can but I’m sure that’s no easy feat here.

As far your question about it being a unique take on this place - I googled “Mormon Row Panorama” and switched to Photo view and will probably answer your question. =)
It’s not easy to re-interpret classic scenes by incorporating the same subjects - so my advice would be if you’re going to revisit these classic locations see if you can photograph them in a way that is completely different altogether.

Great image!

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Thanks for the input Matt! That very much makes sense about the uniqueness aspect haha. You’re very right there. And I probably could have given it a bit more separation between the barn, trees, and mountain by moving to the right a bit perhaps. I’ll definitely have to pay more attention to that in the future. Thanks again!

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It’s one of those things that I always notice after I get home… lol!

5

I totally feel that lol

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