Summer of Color

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

What do you see here and what is your reaction?

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

If this wasn’t mine, I would have no idea! When I can remember, I have found this technique to produce some pretty cool results. Going beyond a standard ICM with various movements, one can combine multiple shots in-camera using the multiple exposure feature. At least with the Nikon you can also select the blending mode. In this case, I used the dark blending mode.

This was captured last summer up on Sonora Pass here in CA. On the side of the road was a nice patch of Fireweed - something I’ve not seen much of in the Sierra. The surround greens, leaves and some rock combine for some interesting results when put in motion. A vertical and then diagonal ICM exposure combined in camera. I have several of these from different and unsuspecting scenes that I’ll be sharing as well.

I’m not sure if this is anything more than fun. I will be curious to learn folks reactions.

Technical Details

Nikon Z7ii, 28-400mm @79mm, f/25 .4s ISO 40.
2-image in-camera ICM multiple exposure

Specific Feedback

Of course colors and processing. The good news is that there is complete leeway on processing given the very abstract nature of this. Your initial and final impression much appreciated!


Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
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  • Composition:
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  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
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I love this - but I had no idea what it was, other than some form of greenery. The colour palette is excellent and the implied motion very appealing.
Nice work!

Looks like reeds in a pond with some diagonal and vertical camera movement. If it is not a composite, I am not sure how you managed to achieve this. In any event, it is a beautiful abstract.

Just read your explanation. Now, I understand. I’ve tried that method but have not achieved as wonderful a result. I might attempt it again. Thanks for posting this.

You asked what we saw here. My first reaction was “That’s an interesting image.” After looking at it for five minutes or so, I still find it interesting, but I still have no bloody idea what it is!
Okay, Lon. I read your description. Interesting technique and one that Sony hasn’t seen fit to put in its cameras yet.

After hearing how you did it, I still like it.

Thank you @Sandy_Richards-Brown, @Jim_Gavin and @Dennis_Plank

Thanks Jim. Admittedly, ICMs, Multiple exposures, etc., all of these of course have that “random luck” component and much of this is simply trial and error. But one can also learn and adjust. In fact it was just after this image of the fireweed was captured, I turned the camera to the broader mountain, granite and evergreen landscape. I’ll be posting, but I found results fascinating. Keep trying!

Most of the time, the successful ICM’s are often simply just about patterns, shapes and also resulting color combos. Haven’t quite figured out how to make these have any meaning… :slight_smile:

Thanks for looking and for the comments!

ICM, multiple exposure is something I haven’t tried. Time to play.

I liked the image straight away. Maybe its because I had no idea what it was;. just relying on the shape and colours.

It is a wonderful abstract.