Venus above a tree

Image Critiques Nightscape & Astro Critiques
1

PA181709101924z_pec.jpg
PA181709101924z_pec.jpg2440×1655 2.43 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

While I was waiting to photograph the latest comet, I turned and saw this tree against the sunset with the planet Venus above it. It was one of those Aaah moments and I took several frames. I was able to capture the comet but just barely. I brought it into Smartphoto Editor for the border.

Specific Feedback

Mainly, feedback on the overall composition and use of colors. Any suggestions for improvement would be welcome.

Technical Details

This image was taken with an OM Systems Mark 1 using the 40-150mm ISO 400 F2.8 and 1/15 sec.

Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
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  • Composition:
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  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
2

Venus has been spectacular these last few evenings. I wonder if you could bring it out more here, though. (It does look quite sharp, though.) The sky colors are striking but feel a bit unrealistic and compete with Venus, for me. A slightly darker and lower contrast for the sky might give a better balance. Pushing contrast has also brought out tiny halos in the tree, which might be minimized with less contrast. If you did any sharpening that could be their origin. You don’t say what the processing was – was the whole thing in Smartphoto Editor? I’m not familiar with it. Was it a raw file?

3

I agree with Diane; with this image that would be helpful.

I too like the overall idea and composition. Venus shows in the thumbnail, which is good, but I agree that bringing it out even a tad more would help to focus on it. The colors look wonderful, but the saturation seems high.