The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This is my local beach just a short walk from where I live. I was photographing the wind farm which is about 8 miles off the coast (looking south) when the clouds changed to this amazing formation for a few minutes.
It was a strong, low, mid-winter sun at about 9.30am.
Specific Feedback
I have masked and tweaked a few areas but havenât touched the colour balance. This is how it looked.
I like the top and I like the bottom but somehow the horizon looks a bit âmuddyâ to me.
Technical Details
Lumix GX8 with Olympus 12-40mm @ 12mm (24mm equiv)
1/250 f13
(I wouldnât normally shoot something 8 miles away with a 24mm. Itâs not to be recommended!)
Critique Template
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I see the clouds first and then the 3 lhs objects.
I like the way the 3 objects lhs point to the breaking wave and one of those objects is silouetted against the sunâs reflection. As you say, the muddy horizon does not help and I think the dirty sea water is not the best. The luminance spread is quite good so please consider a mono version. A nicely composed photo.
Very nice find and presentation! I donât find anything to suggest. The horizon is OK and it stands out well enough with the reflection defining it on the left just at the point where it tries to disappear. I think you nailed it!
I love those clouds. They certainly steal the show in this image. I also like that you lined up the suns reflection on the water to go through one of those rock formations. I like the rocks on the beach as it gives some nice contrast to the scene and of course the bright foamy water on shore. Iâm less interested in the colors of the wave and as you mentioned, and the horizon looks a little muddy. I hope you donât mind but I brought this into LR for a quick dance. I certainly donât know if this is any better but itâs a little bit different. I removed some of the warmth along the horizon and in the lower clouds and added some contrast to the shoreline water and those rock formations. I also added some highlights in the sky and reduced the whites. Overall, the scene is now more blue which may not be your intention if you want to keep this as you saw it so feel free to simply round file this if itâs not to your liking.
Hi Ryan,
That cloud laden sky is impressive and seems to go on forever and certainly is the star of the show. I also think the highlights in the water work rather nicely and line up perfectly with the first object on the beach. You mention that the horizon is a little muddy and I think the tweaks in the rework by @David_Haynes definitely took care of that. I could also see this working as a B&W. Very nicely done. BTW, what are those three objects?
Thanks, @Diane_Miller, @David_Haynes@Ed_Lowe@Rob_Sykes. I appreciate your feedback.
Yes the sky is what the picture is all about and I hope that the other elements help to give some interesting context.
David your rework has helped the horizon and now gives a better blend as the sky reaches the sea. I will try this. I will also try a B/W.
(The three objects in the water are wooden âgroynesâ. They are a form of breakwater/sea defence. Originally installed in Victorian times, they are about 50 yards apart and they help prevent the pebbles on the beach being moved east (longshore drift) along the coast. Over the years they become quite eroded and get replaced every few decades.
Theyâre not pretty but without them the town would probably be washed away!)
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for the information and images of the groynes. Sounds like the same principle as some of the breakwaters of stone we have here on the east coast of the states.
I love the soft colors and the matching patterns of the clouds and surf. The sea foam on the left is just exquisite.
I would consider a different title. I took my glasses off, and moved my nose an inch away from the screen before I could even find the turbines. At a larger size this may not be an issue, but as is this photo feels like it is about the clouds and foam (or even the groynes) and not about the wind farm at all.
Thanks for the comments @Rich_Ruh@John_Williams. Much appreciated.
(Rich, you are of course quite right about the title⌠itâs a little bit of English sarcasm)
