Image Re-processed Based on Feedback
Original Post
I spent the weekend at Tilly Jane A-Frame a few weeks ago, and I decided to play with the faster shutter speeds. I had always done ICM at 5-10 seconds, but most here do it with a 1/3 second, give or take a tish.
I didn’t get much that I was really wild about, and I’m still working on getting the emerald green variety in a different location. This location had lots of moss, some blow down, and not a lot of understory. Some of you might remember that the A-Frame was threatened about 14 years ago by the Gnarl Ridge fire, the snags of which are nearby. This little area a stone’s throw from the cabin may have been protected by a ridge and Polallie Creek canyon, or perhaps efforts to save the historic structure spared this area as well.
Specific Feedback Requested
Does the composition work?
Is there enough variation in color and enough grace to the lines?
Does the dark area upper left make it too imbalanced, or does it push the eyes to the right and the brighter area as intended?
Technical Details
Canon 5d3 with 24-105mm at 105mm
ISO 50, f/11, 1/3 sec
1 Like
Marylynne, this is really nice work. I love the wavy movement you’ve captured here. The monochromatic feel works well and the two columns of lighter colors helps me fix my eyes on the image. Well done.
Thanks for the info on Tilly Jane. I’ll have to check it out sometime.
Keep them coming. 
Marylynne,
I’m really enjoying this ICM. This captures at least a couple things that I really enjoy about the technique. One, and I like David’s term, “wavy” as I like the wavy lines that result - either from the subject itself or the motion of the camera - or both. This has gentle and pleasing curves which makes this enjoyable to view. And the colors are nice too - even though the colors aren’t necessarily bold and vibrant - they don’t have to be! Another beauty of the ICM.
I’m not sure how I feel about the brightness of the patterns on the right. Maybe drop them a tad with a lights mask - or whatever. Not an image killer, but also leads to an alternative view by cropping the very light tan colors for a more squarish crop.
Oh, I’ve also been discovering the texture slider in ACR/LR can really enhance the textures with images like this. Of course, just like with sharpening and other tools, it’s easy to go to far. Just matters what you’re after. Also, so many options - more contrast, less, more saturation/vibrance, or not. But for sure I really like the wavy patterns you’ve captured here.
Personally, my go to speed is 1/4s which is pretty much the same as 1/3s. I just love the results at these speeds.
Thanks for sharing and keep it up!
Lon
Hi Marylynne, thanks for posting your image. What I love the most about it are the wavy lines. There is a wonderful sense of slow motion in your image. I also liked the three primary darker bands which help emphasize and frame the two brighter sections.
As Lon suggested, I would try to darken that brighter area in the lower right. Not a huge issue though. Great job with this wonderful image!
Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate the feedback. I’m getting the hang of a faster shutter ICM practice. I made a few adjustments to that bright lower right area, posted at the top for comparison.
ML
