The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Last fall , after extensive planning, I took a trip to the Canadian Rockies with a goal of photographing multiple iconic locations. I researched locations and advise posted by photographers over a couple of months before the trip. I was lucky enough to get some color in the sky this particular morning and was happy to get a little alpine glow.
Specific Feedback
I am unsure about the cropping . I wanted to include the reflection of the mountains and sky but I wonder if I should crop out the bottom 10% or so and maybe remove some on the right side. Both areas have a little of the pink color reflected from the sky so I am hesitant, but I also feel that cropping might give more attention to the 3 sisters which is the subject. Any other thoughts would be welcome as well
Technical Details
Nikon D850 with Sigma 24-105 f/11, 1/3sec, iso 100 @24 mm, processed in LR and Ps
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
This is a very interesting and, I think, largely successful take on this mountain lake scene. The composition is excellent with a great sky and reflections. A couple of suggestions. The reflections still feel a bit bright relative to the sky itself. We expect reflections to be darker since less than 100% of the light is being reflected back. That being said, in terms of the graphic appeal of this picture you could choose to leave it as is. But I think what makes this image most interesting is your choice to go with the deep blues in the mountains and magenta in the sky. Is this what it looked like? Irrelevant. The real question is “What did it feel like?” But I would make a suggestion with regards to colour. The magenta of the sky goes very well with its complementary greens that run along the centre of the picture. But I think to complement the blues in the mountains I might try taking the yellows more towards yellow-orange (not to compete with brighter orange already there but just to shift the central line of yellow/yellow green more in that direction. I think it would also help to bring up a bit more of the detail in the two closest peaks, centre and right (eg., increasing midtone contrast). As it is they have an enormous amount of visual mass that breaks up the cohesiveness of the picture as a whole. Plus, if the Three Sisters are meant to be the focus, the dark mass in front of them blocks my eye rather than directing it. For that reason, I would consider bringing up the brightness and texture on The Three Sister themselves, (maybe try a spotlight or dodge and burn) so my eye is more directed and drawn to what you want me to be looking at. As for cropping, I don’t think it is necessary. I see this as a very graphic image and I think with some of the adjustments I’ve suggested, the elements of this image are dynamic but well balanced.
PS - You have some really nice magenta highlights on The Three Sisters peaks, which I would want to make more of.
Kerry gives an excellent and detailed analysis. In my opinion the biggest issue is that everything above the fir trees from left to right is too dark. I also think the blues are too saturated. I do like how the vegetation stands out tonally and draws attention to itself. I wouldn’t want to lose that with recommended changes.
Richard, it’s a grand scene, where that the touches of color in the clouds (and reflection) really bring to life. I agree with Igor that the blues in the mountains seem slightly too dark. I could also see a slight crop from the bottom and from the right to better balance the trio of peaks and the sunrise colors across the frame. The subtle hints of pink the the three peaks are an excellent addition.
Lovely symmetry and a compelling reflection with that crimson glow in the stormy clouds and the oh so delicate pinky magenta hues of alpen glow brushing the stormy summits of those mountains. It does look overall just a wee bit too blue saturated and I could see the whole image being just the merest touch warmer. All personal choice of course.
Very interesting for me as I have stood in exactly the same spot , but different time of day and year a thus have a photo that feels completely different. I can’t add a great deal to what has already stated. I do feel the mountain to the left of the Sisters adds to the photo by creating a leading line particularly in the water.
