The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
There reeds were on my bucket list since the beginning of winter. But each time I visited the Cosumnes River Preserve (where they are located) the wind-induced ripples kept destroying the reflection in the pond. Over time, they kept bending over more and more, until one lucky overcast morning, when the wind was taking a breather (pun intended), I raced down before breakfast in order to scoop up this composition.
Specific Feedback
I know that traditionally, leading lines are supposed to play a supporting role, helping the viewer more readily find the main subject inside the composition. But in this particular image, I decided to make the leading lines the main subject.
So what do you think? An effective compositional detour?
Technical Details
1/60 sec at f/16, ISO 1000, 400 mm
Early in the morning. Not much light.
It was on the other side of a wide pond. Very shallow depth of field at 400 mm.
DxO PureRaw 4 noise reduction.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Franz: “Organized chaos” was my first impression. This is very nicely composed with just enough of the pond to confirm this is a reflection. It becomes a bit more of a mind bender if you crop off the water which is something you might play with. Well conceived and patience rewarded. >=))>
I have a lot of trouble with “simplify simplify” images since many of them remind me of fireworks. At first sight the images all epic sunshine and rainbows. But then theior holding-power fades away just as quickly. Just like fireworks.
I like images that have a bit more complexity to their structure. Having said that, if often find the boundary between “acceptable complexity” and “utter chaos” to be very fuzzy indeed. It often takes more than one detour into Lightroom/Photoshop before I end up with a version I am satisfied with. [SIGH!!]
Which is why I really like your “organized chaos” phrase.
Franz, the mix of bent reeds and their reflections is very attractive. The reeds do seem slightly bright and some additional contrast might add a bit more “pop”. The repeated groups of reed clusters in the front adds extra interest.
Hi Franz,
This turned out really well IMO. I am enjoying the graceful lines of the reeds and the reflection is quite nice. The earthtones of the reeds also work rather nicely in this intimate landscape. Kudos for your patience in trying to capture the image you had in mind. I could see bringing down the highlights on the reeds just a little as they look a bit bright. While I quite like this as is I could also see a small crop from the right and left sides. For some reason; I am not sure why; but the two uppers corners seem a little out of place. I hope you do not mind, but here is a rework with what I was thinking. Just another option for you.
I agree with both of your tweaks (tone down the highlights in the reeds and a bit more cropping on the left and right sides).
I do a lot of printing - I have a large panoramic “photo wall” in my living room that contains 22 images framed in different sizes/shapes. Because the lighting is not gallery quality, I need to make sure my prints don’t contain too many dark tones. So I’m often tone-mapping towards the high end. [By the way, your comment is not the first one I’ve received on this very topic.]
I’ll try to tone down (pun intended) the images I submit to NPN in the future.
