The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Sorry, another Yosemite image. This was taken when some dappled light found it’s way to the valley floor for a brief moment before quickly disappearing. This is opposite El Cap meadow. I tried desperately to find a way to incorporate that downed log to lead the eye through the frame but no matter how I moved, other elements became a distraction so this is the final composition. I know the log is not down the center of the image but I’m hoping it still works. I was not there on the final day of the NPN trip as I had to leave the night before so I didn’t get any of the epic Wednesday morning fog lighting up like the rest of the gang. So this is one of my only shots where I have light in the frame.
Specific Feedback
Please let me know if the log is a distraction or if it serves the purpose of guiding the eye.
Also, please let me know if there are any distractions I missed or any comments and suggestions on anything else.
Thanks for taking the time.
Technical Details
z8, 24-120mm @ 33.5mm, ISO 400, f/9, ss 1/40th, tripod,
Dang, my few images at this spot are somewhere in the digital landfill somewhere. I’m quite certain this was during the session that you and I were scouting and pondering this little spot north of the road. I think you even commented if I was trying to include that log. Well, I was, but just was not getting it. If I recall, I was trying to frame a vertical comp. I may not have been standing next to you when you snagged this, but dang-it, you nailed it!
You included that downed log perfectly! As a lead-in, it’s not so much in the classic sense, but it’s inclusion, IMHO, really tells the nature story of these black oak woodlands. (And as a side note, this area 2+ years ago, was trashed with burn piles and work the NPS had been doing for several years! I was very happy to see the restoration of this area bordering El Cap Meadow!)
You image here reflects that new, restored beauty of Yosemite’s forests, and especially the Black Oak.
I love this image and capture Dave!
If I had any tech suggestions, I would drop the highlights in ACR (or wherever) from some of the mid-ground fallen logs. But that’s being real picky.
I agree with Lon that you did a fantastic job of using that log. I prefer it not being the classic leading line, which now looks like a set up to me when I see it. In your case, the curve of the log is what directs the eye, and it directs the eye around and behind the main tree. That actually takes us into the scene, and we are in the midst of the meadow.
As for anything you missed, I might be inclined to crop a hair off the left side, getting rid of the pair of branches that both enter and leave in that corner from a tree we don’t see at all. Not a deal breaker though. Just looking for something to offer up.
David, that fallen log is a great foil to the trees closest to it, making a foursome across the front of the frame. You’ve got an outstanding collection of green colors. I also like the textures in the distance, so a rock face rather than sky. This is very restful and inviting.
That’s too funny. Yep, you can certainly call me a friend and a DAWG at the same time. You are correct that we were both scouting this area pretty hard. I thought you were more focussed on all of the ferns that are just outside of this scene and I think you even posted that one.
I’m glad you think I nailed it. I’ve been wondering if that log was working or not. In fact, I didn’t even share this image with the group photos that James put together. Thanks for the story about all of the burn piles. I gotta say that the forest floor is pretty dang clean now in some spots. In others they still have a ways to go and it’s pretty cluttered but this area is pristine. Thanks again for your thoughts, Lon!
Love the log, keep it. I agree with @Lon_Overacker that it is a great inclusion (more than a lead-in).
I’m glad you were able to grab a little light sneaking through, and I like what it adds to the scene.
It took just a moment for my eye to settle on the background behind the trees. At first glance I thought “clouds,” but the image is even better once you realize it is rock back there.
I too had the left crop thought that @Marylynne_Diggs suggested, but it is a small thing and this is fine as is.
Hi David,
I don’t think you guys took a bad image on your photography excursion to Yosemite! This is certainly another lovely image from the valley and I love the inclusion of that fallen log as I think it balances out the spacing of the trees. I also like your use of El Capitan as a backdrop for this pastoral scene. My only suggestion would be the dropping of the highlights already mentioned by @Lon_Overacker. Beautifully done.
Thanks for your input and comments @Ed_Lowe, @John_Williams, @Mark_Seaver, @Marylynne_Diggs, @Lon_Overacker
lIt appears that the log works for all of you in some way or another. That’s great. I had a difficult time incorporating it in the scene. Thanks for the feedback on that.
Marylynne: Thanks for pointing out the branches creeping in along the left edge. I’ll take care of that.
This is certainly another lovely image from the valley and I love the inclusion of that fallen log as I think it balances out the spacing of the trees. I also like your use of El Capitan as a backdrop for this pastoral scene. My only suggestion would be the dropping of the highlights already mentioned by