I have been experimenting with blending multiple exposure ICM images and would appreciate opinions on this image, basically (like or don't like).
The technique is inspired by UK photographer Andy Gray, best know for his 'JW Turner-like' renditions of the North East of England.
I personally really like this image, but I'm unsure how much the emotional connection is bearing influence. I certainly respect that many may have a different opinion, as this type of work may not appeal to the masses.
This is more of a request of 'how does the image make you feel' rather than for an analysis.
All opinions are valued and respected, the only wrong answers are those that are not true to the way you really feel.
I'm glad you told us not to analyse, because I'm not sure I could, but I do like this image a lot. "Like" for sure.
Thanks Matthew, I appreciate your willingness to comment (especially being first...).
Interesting comment - I actually fear that we photographers spending more time about 'thinking' of why an image works or not rather than allowing an emotional reaction to what our eyes see.
This is a personal deficiency I have been trying to work on (ie see/feel rather than think)
Like.
I have been trying to process a very similar picture of a pine plantation in the mist. This picture gives me a goal to aim for, but my skills are still rather rudimentary!
Thanks Arthur, I'm sure you''ll get there. The trick is to keep experimenting, keep learning/looking to improve.
I often put images to one side, only to find that 'missing element' at a later date.
Actually, I think I might like it if you cut it down the bottom right corner - quarter the original size. Though I'm not sure if that would make it far too fuzzy?
Thanks for considering this Charles. Interesting observation but i think i need the negative space to help create the mood.
Cropping would create a different story, with greater focus on the trees.
Thanks for the encouragement Alan. I have been doing just this for 60 years, with some improvement over the last 50.
BTW I sold my first photograph in 1965.
Ha, I don't think I'm too far behind you Arthur! You're in the right group if you want to raise your game. There are a lot of great artists willing to offer input, as well as inspiration.
Yes, I am constantly amazed by the amount of knowledge given away free and freely by so many experts!
Thank you.
Hi there. play of colours and composition are the most appealing to me.
Thanks Vijay, I appreciate our comment
Meh, doesn't grab me. Sorry.
Hey Charles, no problem. I really appreciate your honest feedback, and bever expected this to appeal to all.
I did some adjustments on my screen and I like it better cropped with the emphasis on the trees and darker, more moody. Try it! It wouldn't hurt... :-)
I'll certainly try Charles, but it would be interesting to all to see what you came up with - can you post?
For some reason when I make a copy and alter it, my computer won't let me save a copy. I cropped it, decreased the shadows and highlights and increased the contrast a bit. It no longer becomes so minimalist but sure adds a lot more mystery to the photo.
Thanks Charles, it's a bummer when PC's do that. Perhaps reboot?
Rebooted. Sent through my own e-mail, made copies, made copies of copies!
I LLLOOOVVVEEEE it!
Gee, thanks Ruth. I was hoping this might be right up your street.
It's interesting to see the variety of comments, just what I expected for this type of work.
I like it, love the tones and silky smooth gradients. Is this a peninsula or an island? I'd really like to see this with an island, with water on both sides... Or a double-peninsula with a watery opening near the middle.
I just discovered that my new camera can take multiple exposures (up to 10) and automatically combine them into a single raw file in-camera... and to top it off, I can change all exposure settings between shots.
Thanks Joe. This is a peninsula running out into a lake. I can see your desire for an island, but it was not an option in this instance.
The camera sounds cool but I'd prefer to keep exposures separate to enabling layering and control over the blending.
Your camera may work well for something in motion (or ICM?) - definitely something you should experiment with.
The image evokes a dreamy, languid feeling for me Alan, which I find very appealing. I do find the shadow-like lines a bit distracting, with their linear, geometrical forms somewhat at odds with the otherwise naturalistic feel. I'd just soften them, as the shadow effect per se adds to the mood. Definitely on to something here, Alan! Keep at it.
Gray can certainly be almost contrivedly Turneresque, can't he? His more obviously (to a photographer) photo-based images are more original and appealing to me, though I love Turner as much as anyone. Still, JMW is hardly the worst source of inspiration!
Thanks for your comments Chris.
I don't know if you've watched any of Andy's videos but he's heavily influenced and his ICM techniques extreme to say the least.
I personally love Andy's work, and have a meaningful relationship.with many of the images having being taken in the area I grew up.
Still a Pommie at heart to an extent! Me too. Although I don't know if Solihull lends itself to rhapsodising so much. Not from what I hear.
Americanising yourself with the baseball cap, Alan. ;-)
Nah, still a Geordie and passionate Magpie at heart Chris.
The cap is simply a ruse, and something to hide the grey hair ;-)
At a glance, the scene gives me a “been driving all night and just caught my second wind with sunrise feel,” that makes me want to pull over to shoot. However, the mood screams dawn and shadows say mid-morning for me. Somewhat of a disconnect as a result.
Thanks for the input Robert. Interesting take.....
I like the colour palette and creamy affect that you have achieved but I find the bottom of the image is distracting. I would suggest cropping the darker area at the bottom by almost a half.
I know that you probably like the shadows but there is enough soft texture in the sky to support the image's balance.
The image then becomes about the trees with no distraction.
Thanks for commenting Ivan, it's always good to get fresh viewpoints. I'll take your comments into consideration along with others.
Hope to see/hear more from you.