The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I was hiking one day in a swampy wildlife management area near my home, late in the afternoon, and stumbled across this view of the sunset. I wasn’t there for photography, but I always carry a camera when I hike. I’m fascinated by the visual complexity presented by forest/woodland scenes and this one immediately caught my eye.
Specific Feedback
Any comments, suggestions, critiques will be appreciated. This photo appeals to me, but I don’t have a good sense of how it is perceived by others.
Technical Details
Sony ILCE-7
E 35mm f/2
1/160 sec
ISO 800
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Hi John,
This is certainly a busy chaotic scene, but I think it works due to that wonderful sunstar you captured. The trees and vines almost make me feel as though I am trapped there, but that sunstar blazing bright in the sky seems to be leading the way out for me. The B&W conversion looks great and was a good choice IMO. Very nicely done!
I like this. It’s funny how little is necessary to create some order in chaos. The ‘chaos’ in this image isn’t real chaos though. The trees are all similar in that they all go up and down more or less. It takes ability to see when there is order in chaos.
Great eye to create some order out of all that chaos and complexity. The sunstar is what makes the image IMHO. It’s kind of a light into the “outside World”
And the reflected sunstar in the water is a nice bonus. My only small critique is some of the OOF branches on the right and left. Probably impossible to remove them. This is a critique forum so I felt I had to critique something.
@Ed_Lowe
Hi Ed,
It’s very helpful to hear your impressions/perspective. I had the same ‘trapped’ feeling when I was there. Fortunately, there was a way out (the trail). Thanks!
@Michael_Lowe
Thanks for your comments and impressions. I had the same impression about the sun in the tangle of vines. Maybe that’s what attracted me to stop and photograph it. I agree with the small critique. Thanks!
Thanks very much for your feedback. I’m intrigued by this statement. In forests I’m fascinated by what I refer to (perhaps incorrectly) as “visual complexity” in forest scenes. However, I’m not sure that terminology is correct or if there is a better way to describe it. In some woodland scenes, there is a massive amount of intricate detail in every part of the frame. I find that extremely interesting and when I see it in woodland photographs I’m instantly drawn in. Thanks again!
A lot of photographers try to simplify that. After studying Eliot Porter’s work I decided that was often a mistake in that it doesn’t capture the very nature of woods in general. When you shoot deserts you use minimalism. When you shoot woods you use chaos.
Your comment sent me to Google to expand my awareness of Eliot Porter’s woodland photos. I see what you mean. Just purchased Nature’s Chaos from Thriftbooks! Thanks!
I don’t have insight to add beyond the thoughts above John, but I’ll add my applause to what you pulled together here. I agree with @Michael_Lowe about those sunstars; they really add to my enjoyment of the image.
Thanks!