Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
For a week at the Dolomites tried photographing some mountains. On a cloudy day in stead of my images of trees. I liked this view from my walking path.
I should like all the feedback I can get. Because its almost new too me.
Nikon Z8, F11, 1/400, Iso320, 24-120 lens at 54mm
Due to the tonal emphasis on the cattle, that’s where my eye goes… and the bench. So the beautiful landscape is somewhat lost in the image. Not sure what you were going for here though.
If the subject is the mountains I would have cropped out the cattle, like this:
I totally get @Matt_Payne 's point about going for the landscape alone, as it is beautiful. However, I still prefer your take on the scene. The old cows shooting the breeze in such fine surroundings tell a story of days gone by when they roamed afar. The large central cow “doing the talking” grabs my attention, and later I move my eyes back and up to share their peace in such great surroundings. The change I would suggest would be to clone out the rather tame bench and the small farthest cow, just for composition. I love this, Ben.
Ben, you say the clouds limited your photo choices. It is the clouds that take this scene to the next level. I love the cows. I agree with @Mike_Friel regarding cloning out the bench and the small cow. Is this the only composition you took of this scene? I wonder how it would be if you had moved to the left and lined up the cows, trail, and mountain peek so they all fit as a cohesive part of the composition. I see you are a fan of Tony Kuyper and Sean Bagshaw. So am I. I use the TK9 filters on all my pictures.
I hope you don’t mind that I downloaded this to PS 2024 and used generative fill to remove the bench and cow. It was incredibly easy. Then I draw a free hand selection around the cows and used the freehand vinette in the TL9 pannel to emphasize the cows. I tried a crop to elininate that suggestion of another peak to the right. It helps bring the cows into the picture as the main subject.
I don’t see any way of removing the cows and still having a good composition. I agree that the clouds are an important element here.
@Matt_Payne , @Mike_Friel , @Barbara_Djordjevic , @Igor_Doncov , Thank you all foor your feedback and suggestions.
I agree the small cow has to go. I didn’t notice it at first. But the bench in my opinion has to stay for the holiday element. As result of witch I could be there high in the mountains just on a walking path .I came there with a mountain lift
Maybe the title was wrong and should be " Holiday in the dolomites" to justify the bench.
Ben
Hi Ben 
I was surprised to see your name attached to this
Gorgeous image!!
I really like all the elements in this image including the bench, I do agree that the smaller cow lessons the definition of the larger cow in the FG.
You probably already know this but the cows are known as Pinzgauer Dairy Cattle and are almost exclusive to this area. The long and wide white stripe down their backs and white bellies are the main identifying marks. I’m not an expert on dairy cattle by any means, I just remember them from some random research I done awhile back when I was studying the Dolomites.
There is a Pinzgauer Beef Cattle version as well.
This species of cattle are well suited for high altitudes and harsh weather conditions.
Here’s a Link in case you’re interested>>> Pinzgauer Dairy Cattle
This was very well done in my view, Ben!
Thanks for sharing!
Mervin ,thanks for your beautiful comment.And especially for the link. When I go there again next year, I then know what I see. And make images of.
Ben
