The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I have a couple more images of autumn colored trees, but I thought I would switch gears and go with this B&W for a change of pace. While hiking a trail; looking for bluebells in Susquehanna SP; I found this tenacious tree surviving in some rocks close to the shore along the Susquehanna River. I am always amazed how a tree or bush can manage to get a foothold in a tiny niche and continue to survive. For the sake of honesty I could not get a clear shot of this so I did have to remove several branches poking in from the edges.
Specific Feedback
I thought this image told a story of survival or is that just me. Does the B&W conversion work? Anything else you notice please feel free to mention it.
Technical Details
Nikon D800, Nikon 80-200 @ 135 mm, f 22 @ 1.6 sec, ISO 64, cable release & tripod.
Critique Template
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This is stunning and the B&W works so well here. I love the visual contrast between the thin spindly tree and the think and dark tree trunk (and rocks) in the water. The only thing I would possibly wish for would be for a little bit more space at the top.
“Tenacious” is a great title for this. Ed. I think the B&W treatment works well, and I like how you were able to have nice detail in the main trunk of the tree. The contrast looks good to my eye.
I do agree with @Tom_Nevesely regarding the need for a little more space at the top. Also, you might consider cloning out the piece of stump sticking up on the right.
Aside from those two suggestions, I like flow of the water and the graceful shape of the tree.
-P
Ed, this does a fine job of showing off how tenacious nature can be. Since it was a spring walk, I wonder if this is somewhat high water and if the tree sits on a small island for much of the year. B&W seems very fitting, plus I assume that there was very little color to begin with. My one thought is to move the tree to the left, so it’s not so centered.
Yep, the black and white works really well on this image, Ed. As @Mark_Seaver mentioned, I doubt there was much color to begin with so why not make it more bold with the B&W treatment. The stump and the dark water flowing through and around it and behind the little tree adds immeasurably to the image.
I suppose I’d like a little more room at the top of the image but that woiuld be nit picing for sure. I think I would like the stump and tree moved slightly to the left but not much as I really enjoy the water to the left of the stump and I wouldn’t want to lose any of that. I suppose you could add more canvas to the right side of the image which would essentially move the tree and stump to the left but only if you have it. Again, nit picky.
Very effective use of BW to convey tenacity. To be a bit contrary, I think the centered composition works … sure it makes a photo look static, but the stasis of this tree on its turf is what you are conveying. Also am OK with the tight fit at the top: I like the bit of tension, and more room means more water … the water at the top is not part of the story; in fact you might consider a graduated darkening of the bright, bland water at the top.
I love black and white and this is a good one for sure! I love the long exposure too. I agree with the folks who said a little more room at the top and to move the tree to the left a little bit. I wonder how it might have looked to move your position to the right a bit so that the “V” created in the water by the tree created some leading lines. There could very well have been distracting elements back there that prevented that! Again, beautiful, simple image!
Thanks so much everyone @Tom_Nevesely, @Preston_Birdwell, @Mark_Seaver, @David_Haynes, @Allen_Brooks, @Diane_Miller, @Dick_Knudson, @Michael_Lowe and @Paul_Holdorf for taking a moment of your time to leave your thoughts on this image as it is always appreciated. I wound up with that tight crop along the top as the shoreline on the other side of the river was beginning to appear. I will play around and add a little canvas up top as well as a little on the right side to move the tree a little more off center. I would rather try that than a crop from the left as I would hate to lose those water details on that side. Thanks again!
