This is my first successful (I hope) attempt at ICM. I live in the central mountains of Idaho, on the edge of the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, & have for the last 40 years. Over the past 10, we’ve seen increasing fire activity, each year more devastating than the next. This image, Up In Flames, speaks to that.
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I added to the top of the image, as the original was a bit chopped off. But I didn’t want to add too much because I kind of liked the effect of the flames leading up and out. But does it work?
Connie - a very compelling image! I like the bright “flames” and the angled trunks against the dark BG.
This feels a bit tight to me all the way around, and I think more room on the top would be especially helpful. I don’t think it would interfere with your intent to show the flames rising up.
Nice work!
Very cool!! (Or warm…) I like that you have subtly different colors in the “flames” and that the trunks stand out so well. I like the fringe of grass grounding the image, but wonder about darkening it a bit so it isn’t competing with the trees. I agree with @SandyR-B about adding more to the top – I don’t think the flames need to jump out of the frame. If that is making the image longer and narrower than you like, with an image like this you might experiment with distorting it vertically a little.
You’ve discovered a fun technique – it’s low percentage but fabulous when it works! And photons are cheap these days.
Wow, those really look like flames! I love the contrast of the white trunks and orange leaves against the dark background. Did you consider cropping off the bright grass at the bottom? For me, it isn’t adding to the flame story. The flames would have more impact if they weren’t competing with the bright grass, I think.
