Veins of the Captain

Image Critiques Abstract Nature Critiques
1

_DSC5385-1_ElCapitan_Abstract1.jpg
_DSC5385-1_ElCapitan_Abstract1.jpg1500×500 1.11 MB

Sideline

_DSC5385-1_ElCapitan_Abstract2.jpg
_DSC5385-1_ElCapitan_Abstract2.jpg1500×500 1.1 MB

Angled

_DSC5385-1_ElCapitan_Abstract3.jpg
_DSC5385-1_ElCapitan_Abstract3.jpg1500×500 1.16 MB

Slanted

_DSC5385-1_ElCapitan_Abstract4.jpg
_DSC5385-1_ElCapitan_Abstract4.jpg1500×500 1.06 MB

Normal

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

El Capitan in Yosemite is one of the largest monolithic pieces of granite in the whole world. It is, of course, world famous for rock climbers. I have always been fascinated by its texture, tones, and rock facets and have longed to find away to make interesting photos of it. I have used it in the past as a backdrop for other photos, or photos of itself as a landscape feature. On my last trip to the Valley I made a few photographs of just portions of the rock face just because those portions looked interesting. However, once home, and I started to process the photos I was not happy with the straight photos and was about to delete them when I thought what if…

So here are some abstractions of the rock face, all four are cropped from the same single photo. I am not sure if any of these work.

Specific Feedback

Do any in this series work as an artistic abstract photo that would be fitting to hang on a wall? Would you have processed them in any other way or in some other style?

Technical Details

Nikon D850, Nikon 80-200mm f/4 MF lens at f8, 1/100 sec ISO 100
Processed in ACR and PS with minimal adjustments.

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
2

Youssef, finding abstracts from rock formations is something that I’ve tried repeated over the years…with very limited success. As I look at these four, I’m thinking that #4 is the actuality. Having the lines run aslant as in 2 and 3 creates a nice dynamic feeling, with 3 feeling slightly more attractive (uplifting???). With 4 the brightness of the left 1/3 dominates the viewing, while there are interesting textures and colors on the right. They all feel too tight to me, but you’re clearly experimenting and it does seem like your goal is possible.

3

There is endless room to play / explore with compositions like these! My first reaction is that I can see / feel the 3D nature of the surface. Each stands alone as an interesting study of color, line and texture. As a group I think they fit well. I love the symmetry of the middle two. I wonder about reversing the first and last – the horizontal lines feel more like a base to me. Well seen and presented!!

4

Thank you Diane. I did not think about presenting these as a triptych but as a group I can see these working together.