The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Traveling home on US 93 in Eastern Idaho, I am always taken with beauty and diversity of the geologic landscapes along the Upper Salmon River valley. My goal was to convey a sense of exploration and anticipation of what lies ahead
Specific Feedback
I did take this from the oncoming lane because I felt it offered a better line and a bit more depth. Do you find this or anything else distracting
Technical Details
Fuji GF80mm
f/7.1
1/320 s
ISO 80
Single exposure
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Welcome back, Ron. I really like this scene and the road makes a classic leading line. I certainly have no objection to shooting from the oncoming lane-it worked. I do think I’d remove the green road sign in the distance as it stops my eye cold. Also, with the clear blue sky, I think I’d be tempted to lose a bit of it to get more emphasis on the distant hill.
Thanks very much for submitting this image. This is a quintessential travel photograph and it completely works in the sense it makes me both want to visit and learn more about Idaho – some fascinating geology on display there. It has a lovely road trip vibe which I like.
Compositionally I really like it, whilst a little cliche (and they’re cliche for good reason), roads make for fantastic leading lines. I like the way it curves into the distance and the way you’ve framed it with the edge of the road leading directly into the bottom right corner of the frame. I think standing in the oncoming lane (not for us Brits) works well in this regard.
I agree with Dennis in that there’s probably a little bit too much sky without anything interesting in it. I think this works much better as a 2x3 crop – I’ve attached how I’d crop it – I hope you don’t mind.
The green sign is a difficult one as it does draw your eye down the road, but then as Dennis points out it might be too much of a focal point. I think it very much depends on what you’re trying to achieve with the image – if you’re going purely for aesthetics I might be tempted to remove it. But if you’re looking to tell a story I’d be inclined to leave it in – it also stops the image from being too monochromatic. Ultimately there’s no right answer and it’s very much personal preference. If you wanted to compromise you could always desaturate the sign a fraction.
All things considered I really like this though, a very effective travel photograph.
Thank you James! Those bluebird days are tough sometimes and I not one to do sky replacements so I just try for the best. I like the crop though, it does place more focus on surrounding geology. As far as the sign goes, they are just part of the travel landscape. Slight desaturation is a good idea but for the curious, it allows them to zoom in and get an idea of the location. Again, much appreciated!
