Squall

Image Critiques Abstract Nature Critiques
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Critique Style Requested: Initial Reaction

Please share your immediate response to the image before reading the photographer’s intent (obscured text below) or other comments. The photographer seeks a genuinely unbiased first impression.

Questions to guide your feedback

I’m looking for both feedback/comments and suggestions for improvement, AND also your impression.
What do you think is the real scene? This is a single frame ICM.

Other Information

Please leave your feedback before viewing the blurred information below, once you have replied, click to reveal the text and see if your assessment aligns with the photographer. Remember, this if for their benefit to learn what your unbiased reaction is.

Image Description

I think most would agree that ICM’s, Intential camera movement, are basically random luck. I can’t argue that - just like Forest said, “you never know what you’re going to get.”

Having said that, at least for me, I’ve come to be able take certain techniques, under specific situations and make a quasi-repeatable result. I have numerous images now that the primary reaction I get is that of a “squal” over the ocean. This effect can be reproduced when you have a single highlight - in this case, a thin line where the sun breaks through on the horizon near sunset.

Anyway, it’s just fun, and for me keeps me engaged photography and the creative process.

Technical Details

D800E, 28-300mm @70mm, f/18 1/2s @iso 200. handheld, single ICM frame

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
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Not a clue shat the original was, Lon, except I think it was water. I do find it intriguing with the smooth billows forming the base image and the faint waterfall overlay. A cool image.

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I can’t reverse-engineer the image and I don’t really want to. All that matters is the result. Here I like your result. It’s pleasantly minimalist. The movement in two different directions creates a certain tension. Good one.

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Lon,

I’m guessing this was a sunset at the coast. The base structure is water, possible wave at the beach with cloudy skies revealing a small window of sunlight producing the overlaid warmer light waterfall. The overall image has a calm nature to it with the smallest hint of tumult.

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First impression is appreciating the blend of first, water that seems soothing because of its blue color, and cotton-like texture, and second the more energetic flow of gold from the heavens into the blue.
I have looked at this for 5 minutes now, and keep finding delight as my eyes explore the creation.

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Thank you @Dennis_Plank , @Youssef_Ismail , @Don_Peters and @Dick_Knudson for your responses and comments.

Youssef - you nailed it! Everything. Maybe one clue is that my recent post was from the same area… :slight_smile: Indeed, this was at the ocean during sunset; close to Asilomar State beach. A simply horizontal swipe with last second vertical movement.

I guess if you’ve photographed an area a hundred times… you start thinking and using different techniques.

I appreciate the responses!

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I see a strong, decisive movement in yellow and orange. This contrasts with the blue (water/sky?), which is not monotonous but vibrant.
I find it very beautiful. Simple and clear.