The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Death Valley is unrivaled in showing off massive effects of weather & water erosion. There’s barely any plant life there to distract from it. I’ve found it interesting not only to photograph, but to witness my own internal experience of eventually longing for relief from it. For a basic emotional need for the vision of water and green. I left my granddaughter in the image to represent that ‘witnessing’ of this massive scene, and the solitary internal experience it offered.
Specific Feedback
I processed it for the detail that was so present, which didn’t take much. Wondering if I should get rid of the rocks along the bottom - they’re awfully close to the edge.
Technical Details
Sony A7RIII
85mm
ISO 160
1/640
f/10
handheld
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Connie: Wonderful scene and your granddaughter is a very nice addition. I could also see some tighter comps eliminating the sky although here I think it works. I’ve only been to Death Valley once and was able to experience this area although flooding was restricting access to many places. Your image makes me want to go back. Nicely done. >=))>
On a technical note, I noticed it took a long time for the large image to load and then I saw that you posted the full size image. Site guidelines do recommend resizing to 2000 pixels on the long edge. When posting full size the compression of the image is at the mercy of the site. I like to control mine and keep the file size below 3 MB.
Connie, I really like the dimensions of this image with your granddaughter in it. It does indeed feel massive and being Death Valley, very imposing. This tells a really good story.
Thank you Bill. It is worth many visits for sure - but timing is everything in this place! I’ve heard of folks challenging themselves to go in the worst heat just to see what it’s like. I think they’re NUTS. But then I’m kind of a Nordic girl…
And odd about the photo sizing thing. I didn’t resize the long side, but I did restrict it to less than 3mb. Thanks for the head’s up 'n I will go back to limiting the long size.
This is an impressive capture of a unique landscape. The image effectively conveys the rugged beauty and immense scale of the setting. Minor tweaks in contrast and sharpness could further enhance its visual impact. Your granddaughter in the frame adds perspective, making it feel both inviting and awe-inspiring.
Strengths:
Scale and Perspective: The inclusion of a person in the bottom center of the frame provides an excellent sense of scale, emphasizing the immense size and grandeur of the rock formations.
Composition: The photograph is well-composed, with the person leading the viewer’s eye through the scene and up toward the layered hills.
Color and Texture: The varied hues in the rocks—from sandy tans to muted reds and greens—highlight the unique geology of the area. The textures of the rock formations are well-captured, adding depth and dimension.
Lighting: The lighting is even and soft, allowing the details of the landscape to be clearly visible without harsh shadows. This enhances the textures in the rocks.
Areas for Improvement:
Sky Contrast: The blue sky with scattered clouds is appealing, but the contrast with the mountains could be increased slightly to make the sky “pop” a bit more. This would add an extra layer of visual interest.
Foreground Detail: The foreground appears a bit sparse and flat in color. Slightly boosting the contrast or adding a bit more saturation might help to add depth to the ground and create a stronger visual pathway leading into the scene.
