Just to keep the ICM juices flowing..... we had a snowstorm a few days ago and I forced myself back out into the cold to experiment further.
Here are some ICM images taken of trees set against a backdrop of falling snow. I really wanted to try and highlight the stark contrast between trees and white snow, with falling flakes caught dancing in the breeze across the frame.
I expect mixed reactions to these and would appreciate all honest feedback. I respect all opinions (there is no right or wrong) and treat all comments as a gift.
Do you have a favorite/least favorite? What works/does not work for you?
*** being white on white these are best viewed by opening the images (ie set against a black background) ***
Hi Alan! I can finally say unequivocally that these ICM images really have something for me. This may be because some of the effect comes from the white snow flakes' exposure adding to that on the dark trunks, creating a very different effect than much ICM.
I like them all a lot, especially the first, for its near-monochrome and general abstraction, and the third, with its suggestion of the trees growing in some mysterious milky fluid, perhaps gaseous in composition. That aspect really fires my imagination.
You've mentioned that you can't paint to your satisfaction, and are looking for alternative ways to express your visual creativity besides your (highly competent) traditional photography. Here, I think you've really done it. These - especially that first one - could be paintings, ones I'd love.
Which just goes to show that you really DO need to suffer for you art! Just don't get a frostbitten shutter finger.
Wow Chris, here I was braced with an expectation of you not liking these (note your honest opinion is ALWAYS highly regarded).
I really appreciate the time you continue to put into these critiques - understanding what/how others see really helps in knowing if the 'story' is getting across.
These are actually an addition to traditional photos I took that day (and yet to process). Although I survived a frostbitten shutter finger I was forced to curtail plans after stepping through a snow bank into a knee-deep brook that was hidden beneath. So yes, I'm happy that my suffering was not in vain...…
Thanks again for all you do to support the community.