Posted by Sean Bagshaw on August 4, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I loved how the fuzz on these low alpine plants created great rim lighting in the setting sun. However, the overall exposure was tricky. I couldn't avoid loss of detail in the trees, even with a two exposure blend and the use of a neutral grad added unwanted flare coming from the sun. The composition was also a bit cramped. What do you think...keep it or trash it?
It's a pleasing scene; the light on the foreground is pretty compelling. The lack of detail in the trees doesn't bother me at all; detail would seem a little odd given the strength of the backlighting. Not much going on in the upper half, but I don't think that's a fatal flaw. A small crop down closer to the tops of the tree might push the eyes more towards the stronger foreground.
Sun flare in general can obviously work well, but the lack of a well-defined sun is a pretty substantial weakness, imo. If there was anything you could do about that, the only other issue is more subjective - the sky feels cool to me, kind of steel grey. I've had that happen with GND filters, and it could be easily addressed if you were inclined that way.
Posted by John Lehmkuhl on August 5, 2008 at 7:18 PM
If you were closer to the flowers, maybe it would be stronger. It is nice but probably not portfolio worthy....
I'd have to agree with Rick, it's pretty average and uncreative.
Posted by Erik Lundh on August 7, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I would have to third what my bro and Mark said. Not up to your usual high standards.
Posted by Sean Watson on August 7, 2008 at 1:22 PM
It sounds like you've already made up your mind.
Actually, except for the flare, I think it'd work pretty well with the sun and a bunch of the sky cropped out. I agree the color in the sky is odd. I don't see this a cramped.
By your questions, you're not entirely sure that this is one you'd want to hang on to . . .
Maybe you've provided your own answer?
I think that if I wanted to highlight the fuzziness of the plants, I would have flopped down amongst the weeds and done a few frames real close with the light coming through the blossoms and leaves.
Discussion
7 repliesSun flare in general can obviously work well, but the lack of a well-defined sun is a pretty substantial weakness, imo. If there was anything you could do about that, the only other issue is more subjective - the sky feels cool to me, kind of steel grey. I've had that happen with GND filters, and it could be easily addressed if you were inclined that way.
Actually, except for the flare, I think it'd work pretty well with the sun and a bunch of the sky cropped out. I agree the color in the sky is odd. I don't see this a cramped.
Sean
Maybe you've provided your own answer?
I think that if I wanted to highlight the fuzziness of the plants, I would have flopped down amongst the weeds and done a few frames real close with the light coming through the blossoms and leaves.