The Devil Tree +repost

Image Critiques Nightscape & Astro Critiques
1

The Devil Tree - Re-edit

The Devil Tree - Second Edit
The Devil Tree - Second Edit1133×1500 1.44 MB

The-Devil-Tree-1500.jpg
The-Devil-Tree-1500.jpg1133×1500 1.4 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

When I first saw this composition I was underwhelmed. The tree was right next to the main walkway into Dead Horse State Park but the more I looked at the possibilities the more I thought it would make a composition that shows off the mysterious Milky Way and ties it to something that the human experience can grasp. It also is stark and reminded me of a “Devil’s Pitchfork”.

The post-processing was more of a challenge since many of the very smooth surface areas of the tree reflected light in a very pronounced way making glaring bright spots. I tried to balance the bright areas of the tree trunk with the more subtle surrounding areas. And, I wanted to balance attention between the tree and the Milky Way which was very bright at 2:30 am. There was a slightly smoky haze in the air from forest fires burning in the Pacific Northwest but the dehaze function cleared that up.

Specific Feedback

I spent a lot of time with many versions trying to find the balance between the tree and the Milky Way. Eliminating or “toning down” the hot spots on the tree trunks was important. Some efforts neutralized them too much and kind of deadened the overall look of the image. Hopefully, I found the right balance - just enough light on the ground to show a little detail and the environment but not so much that the tree overwhelmed the composition. The objective was to produce an image where the ground elements complemented the sky and Milky Way.

Technical Details

Nikon D-810
Nikkor 14-24mm f2.8

Single exposure data:
f2.8
24mm
18 seconds
ISO 6400

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2

Very nice!! I think you have a nice balance between FG and sky. The lighting on the tree is strong, not so much in intensity as in directionality – it is coming from the side in a nice way but creating strong shadows. That’s better than flat light but an idea is to add a weaker light from the other side to fill shadows a bit. But that’s not a criticism here because the tree has a strong, dramatic shape and the lighting suits it. The sky is nicely handled and stands up well to the tree. I especially like the dim light on the BG trees – just enough to bring them up and they are a nice element.

One trick that can work with only one light is to shoot a separate exposure from a different position with the light weaker and combine it in Lighten mode. But that would require masking it just to the tree.

My only suggestion is to maybe darken the LL corner with a gradient, and lower the contrast there. The detail pulls my eye a bit. Very nice image in any case!

3

Thank you, Diane. I always look forward to your observations, suggestions, and critique. I will darken the LL corner and lower the contrast per your suggestion to see what effect that has on the image. Give me a day or so and I’ll post the changes you suggest. Again, thank you.

4

Doug,

wonderful composition. The tree frames the milky way nicely. I second the idea of darkening the LLC. There does seem to be a slight green cast in the tree and surrounding shadows, or it could just be me.

5

Thank you, Youssef. I have prepared a revised image incorporating your and Diane’s suggestions re: darkening the LL and backing off on the contrast. I’m not sure about the green cast since I’m partially red/green color blind (makes subtle shades hard for me to see and evaluate). I did, however, slightly decrease the green hue. As soon as I can figure out how to add the revised image to this posting I’ll do it.

Doug

7

Yes, I think that was a good touch! There is still enough detail in the corner to show the location but now the tree and MW are more the stars of the show. Nice work! Hope to see more!

8

Thank you, Diane. I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Same for Youseff.