Photo critique please

irashai · 11-28-2007, 04:58 AM

I took this the other day and would like to know how I could improve on the picture. I would love to hear any kind of advice. I haven't done any pp on the picture.

irashai · 11-28-2007, 05:04 AM

I did a little pp. I forgot. I saturated the red tones on the picture a bit.

and · 11-28-2007, 05:22 AM

Its better if you say a bit about what you wanted with this picture, what was the subject.

You have the two red leaves and then you have the moving water, and a bit of rock here and there.

Personally, with water I prefer one of two: completely froze or completely smooth. This is something in between which looks a bit distrubing to me, not so pleasant to rest your eyes on. If you wanted to get the leaves sharp and the water smooth you would probably have to resort to off camera flash. I guess a GND could be used creatively for a similar effect.

vievetrick · 11-28-2007, 07:42 AM

My thoughts are there is no subject. I mean is it the leaves or is it the rock or the water? I think revisiting the spot with this in mind my help. I agree with the comments about the water? What in your mind did you envision when you took the shot. Note sure if my comments helped but hope they shed a little light.

*Peter Zack* · 11-28-2007, 11:44 AM

I'd agree with the water comments. Also the leaves are to small to be the main subject. The rocks in the upper left and right side are distracting. I would prefer to see them cropped out and just isolate the water and leaves.

foxglove · 11-30-2007, 11:49 AM

Whatever is in the upper right foreground is terribly distracting. Otherwise, though, I like the contrast between the rushing water (unlike the others I rather like this in-between treatment, it captures the sense of motion nicely) and the sharp, still leaves. Also the contrast between the dark rocks and the bright leaves. A closer crop/framing would render the lack of obvious subject moot - the subject would be contrasts (dark/light, moving/still, I bet there are others). I find it quite evocative and have a sudden urge to go for a hike along one of my favourite streams!

Julie

distorted_vision · 12-02-2007, 04:04 AM

personally , i cant relax whilst looking at this image. it doesnt really draw me in, there are too many distractions and not enough emphasis on the main focal point in my oppinion. im not trying to sound harsh, just being honest. i think the idea is fantastic tho!! i would highly suggest you go back to the same,if not similar location and reshoot it, with the intention of focusing on one dominant element in the photograph. i love moving water shots, so i would love to see what you can come up with..
regards,
kev