The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic + Technical
About This Image
Cobble Beach sits just below Yaquina Head at Newport on the Oregon Coast. Constant wave action smooths and polishes the black basalt stones. During high tides and storms, the moving stones create a distinctive, almost musical sound which I love. The round stones make for very difficult walking, though. The last time I visited, I climbed all the way down the long staircase leading to the beach and upon arriving decided that it would not be smart for me to try it now. One more thing I’m not able to do anymore.
Feedback Requested
It was so unusual to see the gold rock on the all black stones. I wanted to isolate it and emphasize the uniqueness. Any comments on cropping, positioning, processing? Or anything at all.
A very cool find, Chris. I like the composition, but if there were a real sea of the black stones, I could see an even looser composition where it stands out is a sea of black, though there’s probably only so far you could go without getting your feet in the frame. Other than that i really like what you’ve done with this.
Great find! I can see how exciting this would be to come across this scene - and I’m guessing in a sea of glossy black stones. Kinda like, a “needle in a haystack.”
Although I haven’t been, nor experienced, I can almost hear or sense that sound and conditions at this beach. There are some sounds, like even walking on firm, wet sand that one remembers and can bring you there even by viewing an image such as this.
Personal preference as these can be quite subjective. I could see the blue/gray and glossy tones of the rocks adjusted more towards true gray and/or black. Don’t get me wrong, I think this is wonderful as presented. An alternative might be turn down the highlights, darken the midtones and actually desaturate the blue tones.
The crop looks good and is right around that Rule of Thirds thing, which in this case works well to give the impression the gold stone is indeed in a sea of black rocks. The only thing I might suggest would be to clone or use a transformation to get rid of the black URC. I wouldn’t crop any more on the right. Not a huge deal though.
I love this, Chris. Shapes, textures and colors all combine beautifully. The gold nugget stands in stark contrast to the dross. But I also love how this “dross” gleams without glare. I think you got the composition spot on, as the focus might have suffered if you’d pulled back further, without stacking, and it’s rewarding to study each stone close up.
Chris-this is perfect just the way it is. I wouldn’t do anything to change it. The color contrast between that one rock that breaks up the pattern of those smooth blue/gray rocks works so well. Really nice how that lone gold colored rock is shaped like a heart. I have also walked over those rocks along that beach, and yes, it is very difficult. Looking at your photo and reading your description makes me remember how my ankles felt after doing that.
