The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This image was taken last Fall in Yellowstone in the Norris Geyser Basin (by far my favorite part of the park for hot springs and the ability to get creative with abstracts). I enjoyed the rich color variations and the deep contrast between the darks and the lights and the moon like setting. This was a mid day shoot under very cloudy skies .
Specific Feedback
I’m particularly interested in:
The composition (I usually don’t crop square)
The colors and contrast in the lower portion of the image
The feeling you get from seeing this
Technical Details
Z8, 70-200mm @ 180mm, f/13, ISO 200, 1/200th, hand held
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
David, this looks like the Porcelain Basin, which does offer a ton of tight view possibilities. You’ve got the colors and textures right. I do wonder about a slight overall brightening as it feels dark and moody to m, although that may be your goal. I also wonder about going back to a 3x2 format with the brighter bit in the upper left corner removed. Right now that area, even though you’ve dodged it, seems to be competing with the lighter area in the bottom half. I really like the swirling shapes, the colors, textures and the contrasting tones in that area. You’ve got a good sense of movement in the lower 2/3 rds.
I like the composition of this one. If you crop the upper part the image starts to look 1/2 and 1/2. But the dark areas above actually have quite a bit of tonal variation so I would bring that out by adding to the contrast in just the dark area. I also feel that the brighter area in the ulc should not be cropped out as it was in your original.
As I have stated before I think this image doesn’t have the vitality that I like to add to my work. I have modified it to something of the nature of how I prefer. I realize that we all have different tastes so take it with a grain of salt. I find that I like high toned images to be flatter than dark or midtoned ones.
Oh my goodness, that upper section has just come alive. I don’t know why I’m so prone to not adding a lot of contrast to my images but your reworks on a couple of my latest images shows me the possibilities. I appreciate the time you put into the rework and I LOVE it! Thanks Igor!
Hi David,
While I quite like your original I think @Igor_Doncov nailed it with the rework. That bump up of saturation brought out some lovely warm tones in that upper section of this intimate abstract. The square crop works for me although I would be curious to see the original file. I always find these type of intimate scenes from the hot springs to be very intriguing due to the subtle shades of color and the myriad of shapes. Nicely done.
