Softly

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

Beaver Dam Pond in Acadia NP is one of those locations that most people just drive right by and that is just fine with me. The prior day was warm and followed up by a very cold night so we were hoping for some mist and we were not disappointed as this was one of several keepers from that productive morning of photography. The mist was ephemeral and constantly changing as it glided across the calm water; giving us different glimpses of autumn color. I always find these types of images to be so relaxing and calming; my moment of zen if you will. The hour we spent capturing numerous scenes seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye.

Specific Feedback

This is actually a slight rework; with suggestions provided by NPN members; of an image I posted a while back. I am including this image along with some others of a show I am having in a local art gallery so if you notice anything please feel free to mention it.

Technical Details

Nikon D800, Nikon 80-200 @ 200 mm, f 16 @ 1/5 sec, ISO 100, cable release & tripod


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3 Likes

Sweet image - I love the mist, trees, and colourful foliage.
This feels a bit bottom-heavy to me; I wonder how a bit more at the top , including some space above the trees, would look?
Really nice, muted image!

1 Like

Ed, this is lovely with its mix of white trunks and colored leaves. That it’s clearly a reflection adds well to the sense of peace and quiet…I can hear a loon calling in the distance…

2 Likes

Gorgeous!! And peaceful indeed! I haven’t gone back to look at the previous link to see how it evolved, but for me, I would soften the two trunks that almost touch the top of the frame, to give them a similar separation as the others have. 50% opacity cloning might do the trick nicely – maybe in Darken Mode. Then possibly, if you have it, show (or manufacture) a little more canvas there, as @SandyR-B suggests. This is a totally wonderful image!!

Best wishes for the show!! Do we get to see some of your other entries!

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Ed, lovely etherial feel to this scene. Might you be able to bring up the background a bit allowing the viewer to get a better glimpse of the subject?

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Beautiful soft pastels and misty water in this one Ed. Excellent. Good luck on your gallery exhibition.

Oh yeah, I went to your website and you have an extraordinary collection of images. I saw this one in you Zen and Impressions Galleries. Your display will be incredible no matter what. Nice body of work.

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I agree with Sandy that it’s a bit bottom heavy. That’s due to the stronger yellows and oranges. Maybe crop just above the orange or desaturating the colors to the levels of the upper half.

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Beautiful image Ed. I love how the riding mist has muted the fall colors and imparted a nice, soft, ethereal feel to the image. I tried applying a few of @Diane_Miller suggestions. Plus I got rid of the small white trunk creeping in dead in the middle. I might have cropped too much. Don’t feel it needs any canvas at the top with the trunks muted.
:metal:

2 Likes

Yes, that’s what I was thinking! Nice touch at the bottom edge, too. Absolutely gorgeous capture!

1 Like

This is very good.
I would have inverted the image and eliminated the small white reflex right in the middle of the border…

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Hi Ed, This immediately caught my eye. I really like the muted colors, white veil, and impressionistic effect. You visited during some super magical conditions.

I really don’t have any criticisms but generally find the 2x3 vert aspect ratio a bit long for my taste and wonder if you’ve ever considered a 4x5 ratio or if you used it during this outing.

2 Likes

Sorry for the late reply in getting back to everyone @SandyR-B, @Mark_Seaver, @Diane_Miller, @Jmill59, @Ed_Williams, @Igor_Doncov, @Michael_Lowe, @joaoquintela and @Matt_Lancaster. Thank you for your thoughtful C&C; always appreciated. The print turned out beautifully and I quite like the end result. It looks great hanging on the wall.
@Diane_Miller: Thanks for asking. You can view the 12 images I selected for the show on my website www.edlowephotography.com in the gallery “Moments of Zen”.

1 Like

Love your website.