The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I was hiking by a stream in the Coconino National Forest in Arizona. I like the look of deciduous trees in winter but it can be hard to find a composition. This scene was on the other side of the stream. It grew on me as I looked at it.
Specific Feedback
All comments are welcome.
Technical Details
ISO 100, 143mm, f/11, 1/8th sec.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Hi @Don_Peters, I love the rich frenzied dance of trees and bare shrubs you have shared with us. The rich swirls of energy and the lovely accents of the orange leaves. Reminds me of a Jackson Pollock painting. Really well seen and processed.
Well, there are at least three of us! (And I suspect a whole bunch more, including Guy Tal.) It is very difficult to pull off a good composition in such a busy scene but you’ve done it here. It looks like there is some atmospheric depth – maybe a bit of fog – which separates the FG trees from a softer BG. It’s one of those magical forest vibes that makes me want to wander into the scene to see what else I might find. Well seen and presented – busy-ness at its best!
Hi Don,
Well there are four of us you enjoy understated woodland scenes. You did a masterful job of organizing all that chaos. This is one of those images where you need to slow down to enjoy and savor all those wonderful lines and shapes am loving the earthtones as well as those red leaves sprinkled about in the trees. Very nicely done!
So well seen! I love the composition and the processing. Those few leaves remaining on a few of the branches are like little Easter eggs to find while wandering around the image.
This is extraordinary, @Don_Peters. Such a chaotic scene likely would be invisible to most of us but you not only saw the potential, you perfectly composed and processed the image. I would love to see a large print on watercolor paper (on my wall!). Bravo, Don!
This is quite lovely, Don. I love the deep orange pops of color from those scattered leaves. The only thing I’d suggest is perhaps a crop off the right. It feels a bit unbalanced to me. Maybe a 5x7 ratio?
I agree, Bonnie. The main reason I seldom change aspect ratios is that I have modest exhibits periodically. I mat and frame the photos myself. I recycle the frames from photos that don’t sell. I can buy 18X24 inch frames easily and cheaply and I can order mats with a 12X18 opening easily. If I changed aspect ratios, it would become more difficult and more expensive to include a photo in an exhibit.
A secondary reason is that the 2X3 ratio derives (as I understand it) from a Leica engineer’s approximation of the golden ratio. I think the Greeks were onto something. I think it’s a pleasing ratio.
Like all the others, I appreciate you bringing this scene to us. What intrigues me most is the low contrast and saturation of all but the orange leaves. I expect that was an artistic choice you made; I enjoy the high key result.
Don: In this group that appreciates the difficulty of composing a scene like this you’re getting some well deserved kudos. Early in my photography journey I thought aspen grove shots and images like this were no big deal. Au contraire, they are incredibly difficult. This is just masterfully done from capture to processing. Most excellent. >=))>
Dick, Bill, thank you both. Thanks to all of you for the comments.
I’m glad you also find these hard, Bill. One reason is that it’s difficult to find a composition that isn’t wrecked by intervening branches or limbs. I spent two mornings in the last two weeks at this creek. The two shots I’ve posted are about all I have to show for it. But it’s fun.
One reason is that it’s difficult to find a composition that isn’t wrecked by intervening branches or limbs. I spent two mornings in the last two weeks at this creek. The two shots I’ve posted are about all I have to show for it. But it’s fun.