The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This image is from my recent Yosemite Fall colors trip. I have never been to Yosemite during Fall colors and it didn’t disappoint. There were lots of colors but I was late and most of the colors were either peak or beyond peak. Maybe three days earlier would have been ideal. But there were still a few trees that were hanging on to some green leaves like the tree in this image. What caught my attention was the way this tree looked like it was moving even though it obviously wasn’t. It looked like a hula dancer doing it’s thing. Do you see it too?
Specific Feedback
I found it tough to photograph in Yosemite because the forests are thick and cluttered so getting clean compositions was very challenging. This was one of the cleaner comps I was able to come up with but there’s still some clutter on the forest floor, particularly the log that at the base of the tree and angling out the LLC. Is that a problem for the composition? I hate having things pointing to or exiting directly into a corner. Anything else I missed?
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Wow, Dave. This is exceptional. High five on this one. People shoot trees in the fall all the time but when you see something special you immediately recognize it. Why is that? I can analyze and explain it after the fact but it was an immediate recognition as soon as I saw this. Now for the analysis. First there the difference in tones and color between the dark and the distinct yellow patches. But the most attractive thing is the curvaceous trunk and the overlapping leaves that match the curve of the trunks. It’s also important that they sparingly overlap the trunk leaving it mostly exposed and not losing its form. The foliage on the right is further back and that gives a sense of depth while still remaining part of the whole. For me personally, I like the patch of blue coming through. It just makes it real. I actually like the clutter on the bottom left but would probably drop its highlights just a tad. But that’s really really being picky. I usually don’t sweat those types of things any longer. Great job. The processing is excellent as always.
David, I think this is wonderful. The graceful black oak’s curves do provide a sense of movement. I like the overlapping leaves, which look like dogwood. The fallen log at the bottom does not bother me at all. I also like that the background is soft texture-wise and that spot of granite wall is a nice touch of coolness.
Photographing trees in Yosemite can certainly be challenging as I can personally attest. You met the challenge quite well here and you were rewarded with a great image. Well done!
-P
I totally understand the points you made. I find photographing Yosemite extremely challenging for the reasons you mentioned. I think this is a wonderful photo with a great composition. The log at the bottom doesn’t bother me at all. Good eye for creating this composition!
I absolutely love this image, David! That tree, with its curvy trunk sure has a lot of character and the pattern of yellow leaves all around it bring this composition together perfectly. And no, that log doesn’t bother me one bit.
What an incredible find! The curves of that tree are so graceful and beautiful, especially surrounded by those lovely colors. I did notice the log in the LLC and like you, it would usually bother me but for some reason, in this image, it doesn’t. I think it’s something other photographers might notice but the general viewing public would be so caught up in all the other wonderful elements that they wouldn’t see it at all. Outstanding work!
Not much more to say than what has already been said above. I like the layering of the dogwood leaves in front of the trunk and then its own leaves behind it. It gives the impression of the trunk trying to hide as it wiggles its little dance. I too do not mind the forest floor elements. The trees of Yosemite are always a challenge and you did well with this one.
Delightful curves and colors! Not only is the dancer’s body swaying, but also the arms are in motion like those of a hula dancer.
I see a natural history story in this image – as a forester, I wondered how an oak could develop such a curved trunk. I also wondered about the story of the cut tree’s very old stump at the base of the oak. I can’t figure out how the tree was cut inside the National Park, but I bet when the oak was a sapling it had to weave itself around the now-cut tree in order to find light to grow.
David, the mix of the curvaceous trunk and all of its colorful leaves really does feel like it’s dancing. You’ve done a fine job of separating this tree from the forest behind.
Sweet! Cool looking tree. In addition to what others have said, I really like the “depth” to the image. Leaves in front of the tree, followed by the tree and then the leaves behind the tree. The log doesn’t bother me. Now if I was judging it as an entry in a photo contest and was looking for something to nit pick and separate it from the pack, maybe, but as a print to hang on a wall, no!
