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Does this press any buttons?
Does it work?
How does it work; through graphics or through the latent images?
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Image Description
Here I am again, with this series of reflections and trees that are not trees, but look like trees—or is it the other way around?
Technical Details
Nikon Z7ii
Nikon Z 24-120
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Vision and Purpose:
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Well, I’m not sure if this is a double exposure using 2 or more frames of if this is a reflection. In any case, it’s quite the abstract image and it certainly teases my brain a little. These are the type of images that I stare at for quite a while trying to figure out what it actually is. There looks to be trees casting shadows across some drowned leaves and twigs under water. I love the tonal range in this and the golds from the leaves. The orange leaf and the pine cone in the URC are nice additions and not a distraction. I do find the right side of the frame to be lacking some interest mostly because there are not very many branches criss crossing that portion of the frame but I still think the image works. It’s both chaotic and and organized at the same time. Hard to pull that off but this image does that. That 2 images from your new kit, Joao. Keep them coming.
OK, I just unlocked the blurred portion and I can’t believe this is not trees. You’ll have to explain. Well done!
Joáo, this is an intriguing abstract. Like David, I find it hard to tell if it’s a composite or a single reflection. Again like David, I find the open area near the upper right corner less interesting. I think that some burning-in of the lighter regions in that area would improve its visual balance with the rest of the frame.
I’ve grown to love this image. I went through several phases when looking at different times. This reminds me of Eliot Porter’s approach to intimate images. I thought a b&w approach would be interesting because it would make it even more ambiguous. By going through this exercise I came to better appreciate and understand the color version.
Hi Joao,
This image is very intriguing and a bit of a mind bender. It works for me as I find myself wondering, is this a reflection or a composite? There are lots of details and textures to savor with the fallen leaves and twigs. I too find the right side just a little bright and would think about darkening it slightly to balance a little better with the left side. I could also see a crop from that side working as well. Either way, very nicely done.
I’m really enjoying immersing myself in this fine image, letting my eyes wander around and taking it all in. I’m thinking reflection all the way. I’m not quite sold on the two different color leaves on the right, but that’s just me.
My initial reaction is how enjoyable it is to explore complexity in a photograph. This one takes a bit of time to absorb and appreciate, and I think viewing it at its full size is essential to do that. (Thanks for posting it that large, it really frustrates me when a photo is posted so small that it detracts from what makes an image special.)
My second impression is the fascinating contrast between reality and the reflection of reality.
I would like to thank everyone for their kind comments and suggestions.
First, an explanation. The photograph is in fact a simple reflection of trees in a puddle with leaves from the same tree.
Usually, in this type of image, I take several exposures, with or without a polariser; I focus on different places (reflections or the surface of the water) and in editing I mix various elements.
In this case, I used the coloured leaves on the right side of the exposure with the polariser, but it was too obvious and strange. I chose to use that extra colour but masked the reflections on top.
@David_Haynes , this is like Matisse’s pipe, which turned out to be “This is not a Pipe” @Igor_Doncov I appreciate the effort and clarification. Always appreciated. @John_Williams I’m glad you liked the reflection of reality…
Joao, I like the feel of foliage you added to the reflected trunks and branches which provide an interesting structure for me. There is a sense of transition that involves me deeply.
