The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This image was made on the 17 Mile Drive in Carmel, CA. I was intrigued by the way that the wind and weather had shaped this old cypress tree. Once I put it into Lightroom, I thought it was a great candidate for black & white.
Specific Feedback
I am thinking of submitting this for a gallery exhibit. I am not sure it has the impact in the eyes of others that I think it has.
Technical Details
Made with a Sony a1, Tamron 28-75, 2.8 lens. ISO 400, f2.8, 1/500. Handheld. Midday light.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Joey, that’s a fine old tree. Honestly, I think the contrast here is too harsh, especially in the piece of the trunk on the left. It has very little in the mid tones, and the high values are very bright. If you look at the right-hand portion of the trunk and compare the two, you will see what I mean.
You should also look at toning down the immediate background and the piece of sky on the left.
You made a valiant effort here as the light wasn’t optimal, and I hope you forgive me for being somewhat harsh, but since you said you were thinking of exhibiting it, careful processing is called for.
If you decide to rework and post the tweaked version, I am more than willing to help out with additional feedback. I have a hard and fast rule that I do not download and work on other’s images.
-P
Thank you! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I was feeling I had over processed and your comments confirm. I will revisit the image with your observations in mind. My partner was less than wowed by this also, but wasn’t as specific as to why. I also agree with your rule about mucking around with someone elses image. If I give this more energy, I will take you up on your offer for another look.
First, welcome to NPN! You’ve posted a great image here - and perfect subject for b&w here. That is a great old Cypress with tons of character; and also in an abstract way!
I agree a bit with Preston on the processing; this even looks a little “crunch” although we know these web version sizes don’t always showcase the best. Only a critical review of an actual print will be the best test.
I think even bringing down the whites and highlights in LR (or ACR) will help with the contrast as well. Some finer points and suggestions: I would burn down the rock in the LRC, lower right corner. I like how the trunk in that area is not cut off, but the rock in the bg, background, draws the eye away from the main subject. And to a lesser extent, the waves that are seen thru the tree at the bottom. I’m not sure what can be done other than to reduce to whites. Not a big deal and if anything, that area does put this cypress tree on location. Lastly, perhaps a bit of a vignette to hold the attention within the frame.
The tree has great form and character and I certainly think this one is worth pursuing in making it the best that it can be! Thanks for sharing!
I implemented many of the suggestions from both Lon and Preston. I pretty much started over, because I had sharpened in Topaz and it wasn’t a good thing. This is a repost. Hopefully better, but maybe still not gallery worthy, which is ok.
Thanks
There are some great elements in this image. I can see why you were attracted to it. I think the surf at the bottom of the image, however, breaks down some of the forms you are after. Basically the gaps in the trees are an issue in my opinion.
