# The Light Within + Rework **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** editors-pick, abstract\ **Created:** [August 6, 2023, 4:51pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525 "2023-08-06T16:51:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bonnie\_Lampley](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/bonnie_lampley/32/4825_2.png) [@Bonnie\_Lampley](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Bonnie_Lampley)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2023, 4:51pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/1 "2023-08-06T16:51:28Z")
FULL FRAME (for Dick K.): ![LightWithin_Full](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/f/5/f5cdd770e4cc6f1a21c2a0d39c49c3c14d05c427.jpeg) ORIGINAL CROP: ![Mendo_060121_0073.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/a/0/a0e7ad4d6f2c2b7a71bf77c3cb5ecffb1d8d4a34.jpeg) > **Critique Style Requested:** _Standard_ > > The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image. ### Description This is another composite, of two closeups of driftwood logs on the beach. I was attracted to the textures and shapes in each. In compositing, I wanted to accentuate the lines and textures that I liked about each one. In the final version, I like the feeling that there is light emanating from within the wood. ### Specific Feedback Any comments welcome, especially on the color. The blues were really saturated after stacking, so I desaturated them. While I quite like bold color these days, I did want this to be somewhat recognizable as wood and not too over the top. ### Technical Details a7r3, 25 - 105 mm lens, probably f/16 and ISO 400 for both, hand held. PS layers: ![Screen Shot 2023-08-06 at 9.49.14 AM](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/5/b/5b50b201fa926002f7169e5f3115f5646d08130e.png) ---
**Author:** ![Igor\_Doncov](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/igor_doncov/32/579_2.png) [@Igor\_Doncov](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Igor_Doncov)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 1:04am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/2 "2023-08-07T01:04:58Z")
I was all set to make a few comments and then decided to first download. My impression completely changed when seen on a grey background that complemented the colors of the image. For some reason the black background made the composition seem busy in places while the grey made the image more tonally balanced. The ‘gold’ doesn’t seem so harsh now. The gold made me think of Gustav Klint’s work. The bottom 1/3rd is particularly interested in that the ‘gold’ radiates like a furnace. It took me a while to connect this with wood. I’m kind of sorry I did. Oh, forgot to upload the image with grey border: ![Mendo_060121_0073b](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/f/d/fd1b90c4288d5b8b7fbbd01e54fd2d6502eda823.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Bonnie\_Lampley](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/bonnie_lampley/32/4825_2.png) [@Bonnie\_Lampley](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Bonnie_Lampley)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 1:42am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/3 "2023-08-07T01:42:32Z")
> [@Igor\_Doncov](#): > > The gold made me think of Gustav Klint’s work. Cool! 😃 > [@Igor\_Doncov](#): > > It took me a while to connect this with wood. I’m kind of sorry I did. You’re sorry you connected with it? Why? ---
**Author:** ![Igor\_Doncov](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/igor_doncov/32/579_2.png) [@Igor\_Doncov](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Igor_Doncov)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 2:08am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/4 "2023-08-07T02:08:57Z")
Ties me down. ---
**Author:** ![Bonnie\_Lampley](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/bonnie_lampley/32/4825_2.png) [@Bonnie\_Lampley](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Bonnie_Lampley)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 3:09am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/5 "2023-08-07T03:09:28Z")
> [@Igor\_Doncov](#): > > Ties me down. ??? What do you mean by this? ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Friel](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/mike_friel/32/28003_2.png) [@Mike\_Friel](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Mike_Friel)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 5:28am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/6 "2023-08-07T05:28:09Z")
If I didn’t know this was wood, I’d still revel in it. What I love here is how the curves of both images complement or balance each other. I enjoy this first, then the colours - and after that, all those small vertical lines. But I do prefer to just revel in it! ---
**Author:** ![Bonnie\_Lampley](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/bonnie_lampley/32/4825_2.png) [@Bonnie\_Lampley](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Bonnie_Lampley)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 3:49pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/7 "2023-08-07T15:49:17Z")
Thanks, @Mike_Friel! ---
**Author:** ![Alfredo\_Mora](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/alfredo_mora/32/42826_2.png) [@Alfredo\_Mora](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Alfredo_Mora)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 5:24pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/8 "2023-08-07T17:24:32Z")
Such a striking abstract image Bonnie! You did a great job combining the two into one. This one looks like gold veins which would be a miner’s absolute dream come true. Great lines running across the frame and also the ones radiating up from the bottom. The slate grey background works so well here. To the comment that Igor made, I believe he meant that the illusion is reduced when we reveal the true subject. Abstract images depart from reality. When we reveal what the subject is, we kind of take away the magic of the original impression. Just something to think about. I still appreciate the artistic qualities of the image regardless. Thanks Bonnie. ---
**Author:** ![Igor\_Doncov](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/igor_doncov/32/579_2.png) [@Igor\_Doncov](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Igor_Doncov)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 7:35pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/9 "2023-08-07T19:35:53Z")
I wanted to respond with this O’Keefe painting I had admired for several years. Two days ago I saw a photograph of what inspired this painting. It’s a winding road that she could see from the window of her house in Albiquiqui (sp?). I am so glad I saw the picture before the photograph because the winding road in reality is quite uninteresting. That reality would have affected my appreciation for her painting and diminished it. The painting I always saw as graceful ribbon in flight. Regardless of what I saw the ambiguity fuels the imagination. Pretty much what @Alfredo_Mora wrote. ![IMG_5436](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/6/b/6b8d5c4cfa2cd79219cf169a062de1186592fa65.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Bonnie\_Lampley](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/bonnie_lampley/32/4825_2.png) [@Bonnie\_Lampley](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Bonnie_Lampley)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 9:36pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/10 "2023-08-07T21:36:25Z")
Thanks, @Alfredo_Mora for your thoughts and for explaining what Igor meant. I agree that this isn’t totally abstract because one can tell it’s wood. And thanks for the editor’s pick! ---
**Author:** ![Diane\_Miller](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/diane_miller/32/27391_2.png) [@Diane\_Miller](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Diane_Miller)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 9:39pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/11 "2023-08-07T21:39:57Z")
I meant to check this one and got distracted – glad I got back to it after the excellent discussion! I love it and for me knowing where it came from doesn’t really change my perception. Can I see that it started as wood? I don’t know because it doesn’t matter to me – it’s still just as abstract as if it had been something I had never seen before. And congratulations on the EP – well deserved!! ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_Breitkreuz](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/paul_breitkreuz/32/400_2.png) [@Paul\_Breitkreuz](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Paul_Breitkreuz)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2023, 8:44pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/12 "2023-08-09T20:44:41Z")
Bonnie, I thought I missed this one but did see where I had given a 👍 awhile back now. Regardless, a very fine image and congratulations on the EP selection here. Well deserved for this unique abstract… 🕶 ---
**Author:** ![Bonnie\_Lampley](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/bonnie_lampley/32/4825_2.png) [@Bonnie\_Lampley](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Bonnie_Lampley)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 4:50am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/13 "2023-08-10T04:50:36Z")
Thanks, @Diane_Miller and @Paul_Breitkreuz! > [@Igor\_Doncov](#): > > I am so glad I saw the picture before the photograph because the winding road in reality is quite uninteresting. Interesting perspective. My appreciation of an abstract is always increased after seeing the “mundane” reality on which it is based. I’m in awe of the imagination of artists who can abstract the essence of a thing. I aspire to that (and I have a long way to go). ---
**Author:** ![horatio](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/f4b2a3/32.png) [@horatio](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/horatio)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 2:45pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/14 "2023-08-10T14:45:39Z")
> [@Bonnie\_Lampley](#): > > …Technical Detailsa7r3, 25 - 105 mm lens, probably f/16 and ISO 400 for both, hand held. PS layers: Bonnie, this is a gorgeous image. The lines, the curves, the colour contrasts make this image exceptional. Thank you for posting it. ---
**Author:** ![Dick\_Knudson](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dick_knudson/32/60742_2.png) [@Dick\_Knudson](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dick_Knudson)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 5:07pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/15 "2023-08-11T17:07:35Z")
This conveys to me combined feeling of graceful quietness (blue-gray colors), excitement (gold verticals), and calm motion (curved horizontal gold). I ignored the driftwood origin and appreciated the feelings. The effect of calm motion might be stronger if aspect were landscape. What is on the right? The right border seems to truncate the flow ---
**Author:** ![Bonnie\_Lampley](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/bonnie_lampley/32/4825_2.png) [@Bonnie\_Lampley](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Bonnie_Lampley)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 6:50pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/16 "2023-08-11T18:50:56Z")
> [@Dick\_Knudson](#): > > What is on the right? The right border seems to truncate the flow @Dick_Knudson - This crossed my mind, but I cropped to a square to match my other recent abstract/composite images. The full frame is posted above for comparison. ---
**Author:** ![Dennis\_Plank](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dennis_plank/32/27033_2.png) [@Dennis\_Plank](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dennis_Plank)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 9:45pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/17 "2023-08-11T21:45:50Z")
A beautiful job on this, Bonnie. I do like Igor’s addition of the gray border-amazing what matting can do to an image. I’m also fine with knowing how this was created because it gives me some ideas. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Greenbaum](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/larry_greenbaum/32/14487_2.png) [@Larry\_Greenbaum](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Larry_Greenbaum)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2023, 8:02pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/18 "2023-08-14T20:02:52Z")
Bonnie, Sorry to be so late with this response. We were away and I just visited this amazing intimate abstract. I agree with all of the comments. The blending of the images is perfect - unless said this is a composite, no one would know. The lines and gold color make a superb composition. I also appreciated @Igor_Doncov 's comments and the Georgia O’keeffe image. Interestingly, MoMa recently did an exhibit on her titled “To See Takes Time,” an apt saying for photographers. Your image here certainly demonstrates that your seeing is spot on - excellent vision here. This belongs on your wall. ---
**Author:** ![Bonnie\_Lampley](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/bonnie_lampley/32/4825_2.png) [@Bonnie\_Lampley](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Bonnie_Lampley)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2023, 11:29pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/the-light-within-rework/36525/19 "2023-08-14T23:29:09Z")
Thank, @Larry_Greenbaum! And thanks for the reference to O’Keefe. I love that quote and shall check out that MOMA exhibit (virtually).