Dawn Mist

This is a tough one for me to critique, Roger. The conditions are fantastic, and it's obvioulsy an amazingly beautiful scene, so i give you much credit for getting the shot. But i feel like this shot should leave me with my jaw dropped, and for whatever reason it doesnt. Part of that is that i think it needs a bit more clarity, despite the misty conditions. But i think the main problem for me is that the comp doesnt engage--the water is 'just there' up front, it doesnt lead me through the scene the way i would like it to. A great effort regardless, and a keeper for sure!

This may have a lead in problem of sorts, but the lit mist is electrifying.

the subject matter is wonderful, but there isn't a focal point and the image is a bit soft...might be improve by a crop from the bottom and the left....just veg, no water in the fg, and the dark veg framing the mist?

Roger,
Great plan, great eye. I agee with earlie comments that the fg water could work even better...maybe.
Chris

Thanks for the comments on the composition issues. I often just can't see compositional weaknesses that others can, so the critiques are very helpful.

Roger,

Actually, I think the composition is pretty good. At least there is a small amount of space on the left for the eye to maneuver around the island - if that makes sense. The highlighted mist is fabulous and of course the main show. I think what others are trying to say is not so much the composition, but I think there is a missing element. The lighted mist is wonderful, but IMO, this needs something else to keep the viewer engaged - a swan or flock of floating geese, a canoe... something. Now please keep in mind the missing "thing" doesn't make this a bad image by any stretch, but that something else would certainly make this stronger. Hope that makes sense.

Lon

Thanks Lon O for your specifics on composition. The foreground is not very dynamic. I actually had seen elk crossing the river on several mornings, and Ideally I would have silhouetted them against the illuminated mist. But....