The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
December and January can bring some good waves at the Sonoma Coast, but the forecast this day was way exaggerated. Recently there have been historic waves at The Mavericks, off the San Francisco coast, but the day I had time to make a run to our more-northern area it was a bust. But the optimistic forecast had closed the road to the beach so I had to shoot from the bluff with a telephoto. If the waves had been bigger I might have hiked partway down but it was so windy I was having trouble standing up, even hanging onto a big tripod. But even a so-so day at the coast is well worth the drive.
Specific Feedback
All comments welcome!
Technical Details
Not a lot done – some contrast and conversion to B/W because the nearby Russian River was super muddy from recent rains and the water was not pretty.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Waves are such beautiful subjects, and I love the mix of the smooth curve breaking into a tumult of spray. The panoramic crop looks like a good choice to complement the subject, and sounds like a great choice to go black and white.
I find part of the beauty of breaking waves to be the drama and power they hold, and I wouldn’t hesitate to increase the contrast by darkening to emphasize that.
Take that with a grain of salt though, the past few black and white images I’ve critiqued I’ve given the exact opposite advice and recommended lightening. (Sometimes I think my critiquing is like my golf skills. I go out on the course and wave clubs around, but few people would be brave enough to call what I do golfing.)
I love this one, @Diane_Miller. Even before reading @John_Williams comment I thought a higher contrast version would appeal even more to me. The texture in the water and the way the wave curls over give this one a nice sense of movement. Lovely image!
Thanks, @John_Williams and @Bret_Edge! I went back and forth and back again on exposure and contrast. I think you have a good point about the contrast! I should try a polarizer next time.
Thanks, @Don_Peters – and another nod to @John_Williams and @Bret_Edge! I did some careful work with curves and think I have a better version now. (Keeping realistic contrast in the whites was tricky.) Posted above.
Hi Diane,
I think your rework pretty much nailed it IMO. The added contrast works beautifully. I also like the details in the whites of the crashing water along with that graceful motion of water following behind. From your description it sounds as though B&W was the perfect direction to take this lovely waterscape. Very nicely done!
Thanks, @Ed_Lowe and @John_Williams! John, I don’t really prefer this one to your version – it’s just as close as I could get! (I always go nuts moving sliders and trying to decide on the best balance.)
