Posted by Wayne Rhodus on April 5, 2006 at 8:33 PM
I have never been quite sure about this shot taken last fall in Olathe, KS. I like the feeling it evokes but I wonder if the foreground (with all the various prairie grasses) holds its own weight in the frame. I would really appreciate some constructive feedback on what you like and dislike about this photo.
Canon 10D, 24-70L @ 28 mm, polarizer, ISO 200, 1/4 sec @ f/16
curves, selective color, USM
Wayne - I just love the grass in this composition! In fact, I think I'm drawn more to it than other elements in the frame. There's just something about prairie grasses that I really like. It could be that I don't see it that much around here anymore (nor any quail) - all fescue. I'm not at my good monitor right now, but it looks like the grasses could have been exposed just a tad more, maybe a 1-2 stop grad filter would have been worth experimenting with. Also, I'm not sure how much the tree helps this image - it just doesn't capture my attention like the detail in the grass does. Maybe if it was a big old knarly oak, or if the leaves were off, I would find it more interesting to explore.
I've been looking for some grasses like this for an early morning frost image for quite some time. And most recently, to frame with some redbuds or dogwoods. Hope I can find some as interesting as these! Very nice! Thanks for posting.
Update: As another thought, I think if you were positioned lower with the camera looking upward to give the grass more emphasis, you could probably leave the tree out altogether.
Posted by Tim Buchanan on April 6, 2006 at 9:05 AM
Wayne - I have to agree with Bill's opinion on this one. I really like the grass and that could be made more prominent, but the tree and sky don't quite hold my interest. More dramatic sky conditions would have helped considerably. Thanks for posting!
I like this shot the way it is. I'm not saying I wouldn't like it other ways as well but if you change any element its going to change the mood of the photo. This seems like it could be a good seller because it could represent alot of different themes from solidarity to vastness. Noone has mentioned that this is a rule breaker with horizon in the middle. It doesn't seem to bother me. Thanks for posting Wayne, I really like seeing these and feel that we are"big sky" deprived here in Central AR.
Tim F
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on April 6, 2006 at 1:42 PM
Thanks for the comments everyone, it really helps to get another perspective from time to time.
Bill & Tim B, your points are well taken and I must admit it NEVER occured to me that the upper portion really didn't bring a lot to the table here. I personally liked the intersecting silhouette of the tree and the colorations & sunbeams created by the setting sun, even without the benefit of clouds. And I think that is exactly the struggle I had with this photo, the upper portion is kind of minimalist and the lower portion is very busy.
Tim F, we seem to be more on the same page with this shot. Of course I was going for the vastness of space theme and I too liked the singularity of the tree in mid frame. And the prairie grasses fit well into the marketable images of Kansas category that I must pursue.
Again I really appreciate all the comments, they will help me to visualize the design elements better the next time I'm out there! Have a great one!
Discussion
4 repliesCanon 10D, 24-70L @ 28 mm, polarizer, ISO 200, 1/4 sec @ f/16
curves, selective color, USM
I've been looking for some grasses like this for an early morning frost image for quite some time. And most recently, to frame with some redbuds or dogwoods. Hope I can find some as interesting as these! Very nice! Thanks for posting.
Update: As another thought, I think if you were positioned lower with the camera looking upward to give the grass more emphasis, you could probably leave the tree out altogether.
Tim F
Bill & Tim B, your points are well taken and I must admit it NEVER occured to me that the upper portion really didn't bring a lot to the table here. I personally liked the intersecting silhouette of the tree and the colorations & sunbeams created by the setting sun, even without the benefit of clouds. And I think that is exactly the struggle I had with this photo, the upper portion is kind of minimalist and the lower portion is very busy.
Tim F, we seem to be more on the same page with this shot. Of course I was going for the vastness of space theme and I too liked the singularity of the tree in mid frame. And the prairie grasses fit well into the marketable images of Kansas category that I must pursue.
Again I really appreciate all the comments, they will help me to visualize the design elements better the next time I'm out there! Have a great one!