Posted by Joshua Hardin on February 10, 2011 at 3:26 PM
Above is an image from Taylor Pass near Aspen, Colorado I took last summer. This is a horizontal version taken at about the same time as the image currently on the landscape forum.
The two tree saplings (or extensions of the same bushy conifer) caught my eye. They looked like people in conversation while viewing the sunset. These plants live astoundingly at the edge of treeline. I can’t help but think of the harsh conditions that must be occurring at this tundra location right now in the middle of winter. They must indeed “survive together.”
The image has a slight amount of shadow recovery on the bottom third of the composition. I’m not sure if it really helps or hinders either way in making this image “work.” Perhaps it’s just a matter of opinion in this case. The topic of shadow recovery vs. silhouette has interested me lately after viewing differing takes on the question in other image critiques. Check out my latest blog post Shadow detail or die: Have we forgotten the art of the silhouette? for more. Thanks for looking!
Posted by Koveh Tavakkol on February 10, 2011 at 4:13 PM
Hey Joshua, this is a nice image, but my preference goes to the one you posted in the Landscape galleries, simply because it shows off more of that beautiful sky. I posted my thoughts on the whole silhouette subject on there, but I think it depends on the image. This type of shot really lends itself nicely to the silhouette and your inclusion of minimal fore ground and maximizing the sky works perfectly here.
Posted by John Mumaw on February 10, 2011 at 6:20 PM
The difference between this and the vertical composition is like night and day.
I much prefer the vertical for several reasons. It complements the tall trees and the saddle they're nestled in so much better, shows more of that beautiful sky, and finally, the blown out reds present here in the upper left are gone in the 'Landscape' version.
A most beautiful sunset you captured here, Joshua! I also like the amount of darkness you chose for the foreground...just right.
Posted by Art Escobado on February 10, 2011 at 6:41 PM
I too prefer the vertical version posted on the Landscape gallery to this one. On the topic of shadows...here the inclusion of shadow detail makes the image stronger than a silhouette with deep blacks. I say dodge and burn to the effect you want. This is a very nice sunset captured!
Posted by Ernie Marx on February 10, 2011 at 7:26 PM
Another vote for the vertical.
Posted by Lynn Scott on February 11, 2011 at 12:47 AM
Another vote for the vertical!! Very nice!
Posted by Morris McClung on February 11, 2011 at 10:04 AM
I like the vertical more as well. I do think you included just the right amount of detail in the foreground because if they were just silouhettes they would not be grounded and just projecting through the shadows to the sky. You gave them an identity by revealing their base. Fantastic sky in both shots.
Posted by Paul Martin on February 11, 2011 at 1:13 PM
I also like the vertical comp a little more in this case as well. As far as recovering the shadows, I think I would have went with letting it go to silhouette.
Posted by Dan Walters on February 13, 2011 at 9:45 PM
Very dramatic! Love the color in the sky and clouds.
Discussion
9 repliesThe two tree saplings (or extensions of the same bushy conifer) caught my eye. They looked like people in conversation while viewing the sunset. These plants live astoundingly at the edge of treeline. I can’t help but think of the harsh conditions that must be occurring at this tundra location right now in the middle of winter. They must indeed “survive together.”
The image has a slight amount of shadow recovery on the bottom third of the composition. I’m not sure if it really helps or hinders either way in making this image “work.” Perhaps it’s just a matter of opinion in this case. The topic of shadow recovery vs. silhouette has interested me lately after viewing differing takes on the question in other image critiques. Check out my latest blog post Shadow detail or die: Have we forgotten the art of the silhouette? for more. Thanks for looking!
I much prefer the vertical for several reasons. It complements the tall trees and the saddle they're nestled in so much better, shows more of that beautiful sky, and finally, the blown out reds present here in the upper left are gone in the 'Landscape' version.
A most beautiful sunset you captured here, Joshua! I also like the amount of darkness you chose for the foreground...just right.