As this image was rated a 2, i.e. apparently it "needs work", I'm wondering how to improve or what to change about it. I actually quite like the photo the way it is, but would be thankful for your constructive feedback.
As this image was rated a 2, i.e. apparently it "needs work", I'm wondering how to improve or what to change about it. I actually quite like the photo the way it is, but would be thankful for your constructive feedback.
Do not worry about voting here and I almost asked myself the same thing. The processing is good, the atmosphere is fine, the only thing I would like to see is the some visual connection in the composition between the city and the trees in the foreground (maybe some leading lines, more space etc.) to establish a more pronounced natural visual flow.
And perhaps eliminate the bright part of the clouds in the upper left corner, which draws a little of attention.
It's a bit odd with the trees on a hill and at a slant with the city/horizon line in the background. Crop?
I prefer the original version. The black of the trunks give nice contrast, and the trunks themselves act as leading lines. The fact that it's a slope is nice too.
Looking at your portfolio it is indeed underrated by people. I suspect some people vote 2 because of your watermark. It's a stupid reason but it happens.
I find the 'needs work' phrase pretty unhelpful since it implies that what's needed is more processing. But 99% of all 2-star shots could only be improved in a meaningful way if you had done something different in the field. Frankly, I think a 2-star rating really means 'take a better photo.'
In contrast to the dramatic sky and warmly lit stone the foreground is poorly lit, yet takes up half of the frame. That lack of light makes the trees all blend together. The result is no clear separation of the foreground from the middle.
It's not nearly as clear or sweetly composed as the rest of your portfolio in my opinion. If there was lighting on those trees to match the cityscape beyond then I think you'd have a real winner.
I hope my comments don't come off too harsh. I think with time you'll look back at this shot as one of those that you can learn from by understanding why it comes close but doesn't quite hit the mark.
Thank you for all your comments! They're much appreciated.
As you can see by the few I’ve posted, I’m certainly no expert. I was just thinking that framing a little tighter in the field might make the slanting ground issue go away and allow the foliage of the trees to set up a solid foreground. The sky and lighting on the town are both dramatic and beautiful.
This is a really interesting shot and the mood/coloring is fantastic. Perhaps if this had been taken from a couple extra feet back and from a more elevated angle it would have created more separation and depth between the trees and the city. The foreground trees are beautiful but almost feel like an obstruction. Btw I love that hill slant, maybe pulling back the camera would also have the advantage of accenting it a bit more and creating a contrasting effect with the sky which is slanting in the opposite direction.