Critiques

naturalverities (96) 2009-06-20 17:00

Hi, Barna. I really like your composition! The lens choice, POV and framing are perfect. However, I think you can improve the photo. It looks rather dim and dingy on my monitor; some adjustment of curves or levels will help with that. Also it is oversharpened in places. Using a sharpening wand instead of overall sharpening allows you to bring attention to the texture of the weathered paint instead of the FG branches. I will post a workshop showing how I would interpret the image.

Also, I think this photo could be GREAT in B&W!

Cheers!
Don

naturalverities (96) 2006-10-15 1:00

The gentle folds of the land are laid out like a rumpled quilt. The sun is low and warm, but not so much so that the hills cast hard shadows. The color palette is limited, subtle, and complimentary, creating a serene and painterly quality. Lovely!

naturalverities (96) 2006-09-16 2:28

Hi, Shelly. I really like this picture. Some might think it overexposed, but I love the "high-key" effect. The pastel tonality and crisp lines remind me of a beautifully rendered colored pencil drawing. The subject is classic, and the composition is just right. You should be very proud of this. Don

naturalverities (96) 2006-09-16 1:24

Hi, Paul. This is my kind of shot, as well as my kind of thought! I really love the richness of the tones, and the contrasts between the wild grasses and trees and the ordered ornamental metalwork, with the stark cross and its bold message overlying all. May I print a small copy to post in my work area? Don

naturalverities (96) 2006-09-14 11:05

Hi, Robert. This is a very nice capture of lower CCF. I have been there only once, more than ten years ago, and I recall that it was difficult (for me) to get a really dramatic shot of the falls and environs that would convey the true magic of the place. I think it would require a VERY wide angle lens or panorama stitching and/or some means of shooting within the misty air close to the falls (while standing in the pool). But your shot definitely conveys the dramatic characteristics of the falls themselves very well, and you have properly resisted the temptation to oversaturate the beautiful natural colors. Thanks!

I was interested to note the date of this shot, as my son and I were only a few miles to the west of you that day, in lower Death Hollow. I remember well the cool, unsettled weather because it felt a bit threatening in the narrower confines of that canyon. See you around! Don

naturalverities (96) 2006-09-14 2:17

Ryan, of all your wonderful photos, this is THE one that really "does it" for me. Technically it is excellent, but I especially find it emotionally very affecting. You have so well captured the majesty, serenity and indifference of the Colorado Plateau in this epigrammatic shot. The refreshing sensations of awaking from a sweet desert night of "alfresco" sleep return to me as I look at it. Thanks! Don

naturalverities (96) 2006-09-10 2:51

Hi, Burcu. I think your photo has great potential. When I was learning to draw, I learned a very important thing: if I don't like my drawing, it does not mean it is bad, it means I am not finished yet. I think your photo is not finished yet. I have posted a workshop of your photo, showing how I would finish it. Please have a look and tell me what you think. http://www.trekearth.com/compare.php?pid=456767&wpid=73174

naturalverities (96) 2006-09-10 1:55

I love goldtones. I love textures. I love patterns. I love contrast. I love architecture. I love shapes. I love detail. (And did I mention goldtones?) Therefore I can't help but love this picture! Really well done. Thanks for posting it, Sally!

naturalverities (96) 2006-09-10 1:00

Hello Nel. I see you like to shoot reflections too! This photo gives a very good impression of what it is like to be standing at this beautiful spot. But I think there is another photo in there too. By cropping away the weaker foreground and sides, the photo can be given more force, perhaps emphasizing the mystery you speak of. I have posted a workshop to demonstrate this. See what you think. Of course you may prefer this more peaceful version. Cordially, Don

naturalverities (96) 2006-09-09 3:41

Lovely tonal values and gradations; beautiful, clean color palette; pleasing, dynamic lines. Very, very nice!