Trillium Lake, with Stump (+revised)

Image Critiques
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1

Revised Version

Revision 1 (latest)

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What changed: I darkened the upper reflection and removed some of the larger spots of bug activity/debris. In addition, I brightened the exposed part of the trunk, but not its reflection, and created a tish more space on the right, which I think centered the trunk more precisely.

Added after receiving feedback from the community.

Original Version

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Critique Style: Initial Reaction

Please share your first response before reading the hidden notes below. The photographer is looking for an unbiased initial impression.

Feedback Focus: Artistic / Expressive

Questions for Viewers

I am working on a half dozen or so photographs I made last week at Trillium Lake while on a three-night camping trip. I got some good “icon” shots, which I’ll share once I know which ones I like best and why.

In the mean time, there is this: It stopped me in my tracks while walking to where I could see Mt. Hood. I shot it with the intention of going somewhat dark, keeping it abstract and intimate-ish. The mountain does make it’s proximity known in the lighter color reflection to the right.

About This Image

My own response to the stump was somewhat immediate and mesmerizing. It was just getting dark enough that the reflection and the stump were similarly dark, and the water-line was not evident. The stump stood alone there, living in this water with this view for decades no doubt.

To me, it felt like home, peace, stillness, solitude. It was meditative. I never saw it in quite the same light (figuratively or literally) again as the reflection of the sky, the forest, and the mountain changed colors and textures frequently while I was there. This was the calmest of the evenings.

Technical Details

Canon 5DIV with 24-105mm at 105mm, minor crop
ISO 100, f/16, 1/4 sec
(and yes, I had been playing with ICM, hence the f/16)

Feedback Requested

I’d love to hear your immediate reaction as a viewer of a photograph: mood, feeling, how you process the scene, whether it engages you.

I’m also interested in suggestions: eliminating bugs, debris, ripples in the “darker” water where the forest is reflected? Shifting the stump off center? Going darker/lighter anywhere? etc.

2

Marylynne,

The first thing to catch my eye was the “domed” light area in the image, and the colorful reflections it contains. Then I’m drawn to the stump which is somewhat central to image, but not the first focal point for me. It is a somewhat abstract image as you mentioned, and I love the simplistic beauty of it. I think your composition is balanced very well and I don’t know what I would have done differently presented with the same scene.

If I were to do anything, it might be to try to bring out a hint more detail in the stump, which may or may not be possible. I’m not sure that would improve the image, but it’s something I might play with in a RAW file.

3

I’ve stopped at this image several times. Yes, it’s the simplicity but also its symmetry. It’s just a relaxing image to look at from a compositional point of view. The stump is interesting in and of itself. Its serrated outline takes you on a journey. In that way it doesn’t look like a stump. But the scene is quickly given away by the morning clouds with blue sky which to me brings the hope of a new day. The only suggestion has to do with that bit of red on the right edge. It’s not a biggie and if it was more central it would be an asset. On second thought it might be an asset.

4

Marylynne, the mix of symmetry, the centered stump with it’s prefect reflection and the assymetry of the mountain shadows do make for a very relax, meditative view. I think the hints of color on ther right add well by clearly showing the time of day. I’m have slightly mixed feelings about the brighter sparkles along the shore near the top. I could see either letting a bit more of the shoreline show or making it go away all together…

5

I have looked at this several time now, and I have to say, I love it. The symmetry is very nice, and I also like that the serrated stump is mirrored in the reflection of the trees.

The light is wonderful, and color looks great. I do see the sparkles @Mark_Seaver mentioned and agree with comment.

Peaceful and serene first came to mind. Looking forward to seeing your other images from this location.
-P

6

The original poster added a revised version of their image.

7

Thank you @Igor_Doncov, @Jonathan_Cothron, @Preston_Birdwell, and @Mark_Seaver! I was wondering about those spots, and I do like it better with the dark reflection cleaner.

I made a couple of other changes: brightened upper stump and broadened the view out to the right to center the trunk more precisely. There’s an insistent asymmetry that keeps turning up (the dip in the darker reflection, the ripple above and to the right of the stump, and the stump’s position itself, not to mention the difference in ridgeline v. Mt. Hood reflections across the top). I think there is some wabi sabi that is suppose to stay in this, but I’m open to playing with it further.

Thanks again for the feedback and suggestions. I think it’s better!

ML