The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Another image from our last fall trip to Blackwater Falls SP, WV. The vibrant red of the maple on the Blackwater Canyon wall is what originally caught my eye in this scene. Additionally I also liked the soft muted tones of the autumn foliage on the other trees as I thought they provided a nice contrast to the maple. Anymore, I have to say that I also really enjoy fall colors just a little past peak; as it gives the viewer a nice glimpse into the surrounding woodland; just as much as the lush bold colors at their peak.
Specific Feedback
Just curious if the crop works for everyone as it is hard striking the right balance with where to crop off the trees. Also wondering if I should desaturate the red a little.
Technical Details
Nikon Z 7, Nikon Z 24-200 @ 200 mm, f 11 @ 1/5 sec, ISO 100, Kase magnetic CPL, cable release & tripod.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Hi @Ed_Lowe, You have shared another fine image of late autumn color here. I really like how the bare trees show their structure to contrast with the last tufts of color. No faults from me!
Hello @Ed Lowe! I, too, like the combination of colorful trees against the “bones” of trees that have lost their leaves. It provides a striking contrast that gives a feeling of more depth as well as the transition from fall to winter. I like the square crop, which keeps my eyes in the scene. I think that the red is fine. I do suggest adding some overall contrast and perhaps tweaking the oranges so they’re a little more visible and not quite so subtle. That, of course, reflects my own taste. Overall, you captured a beautiful, quintessential autumn scene!
The mix of attractive trunks and fall color works very well Ed! I really like that one red guy; he provides a very nice focus for the image.
I hear you about where to cut off an image like this, but I think the crop works fine. The saturation, too, looks good to me. I tried hard to find some nits, but am coming up empty.
I really like the section of mountainside you’ve picked here Ed. A nice section of various colors mixed with the textures of the bare tree trunks. The red tree is a nice focal point and center of attention. Beautiful shot. Would you mind posting the original so we can comment on the crop?
Many thanks everyone @guy, @Susanna_Euston, @John_Williams, @Jim_Erhardt and @Michael_Lowe for your thoughts on this image; always appreciated! Here is a rework incorporating Susanna’s suggestion of bringing up the oranges a little and my brother’s interest in seeing the image before the crop.
This sure feels like what late Fall should feel and look like, Ed. The colors are pretty much where I like them, although I think @Susanna_Euston has a good point with the oranges. They feel a little past their prime and a slight bump in contrast and/or saturation could help a little but I wouldn’t do much. You want to keep the vibrancy down as this is fall but slightly past prime so muted works well here. The red is just right for me as it already stands out in the scene. This scene shows lots of tree structure that is only visible when the trees have lost some of their leaves and this is a good representation of just past peak with winter headed our way.
You mentioned the crop. I like the crop you’ve chosen quite a lot. But since you asked I went ahead and played with cropping the right and left sides to produce a portrait. Although I love all of the bare branches on the right side of the image it feels like their are two images in one here. The right side is mostly void of trees with all of their leaves and the colors are all very soft greens and oranges. The left side of the image contains most of the punch with all the trees still mostly holding their leaves and it’s very vibrant. So I decided to crop a smidge on the left and a lot on the right to better balance the image with the red tree in the middle of the scene although I’m not sure this is the intent you had so take it for what it’s worth. And…I believe I still prefer your original crop.
Ed, this is a lovely fall scene. I too like the mix of some well colored trees and the many trunks showing. Your rework add well to both parts, with the vertical crop adding emphasis to the “verticality” of the trunks
Thanks so much for your thoughts @David_Haynes, @Mark_Seaver and @Susanna_Euston ; always appreciated.
David : Thanks for taking the time to do a rework; I like where you were going with it. I always like options.
