Just learning to basics and wanted to use this forum to see the amazing images you all create and to get feedback to improve my work to the same
Just learning to basics and wanted to use this forum to see the amazing images you all create and to get feedback to improve my work to the same
Welcome, Langa! I lived in Pretoria as a kid. You're off to a fine start with these. Both are well composed.
The first appeals slightly more to me, probably on account of the attractive glistening effect on the wet rocks, although the second has a moodiness that is less "pretty" but compelling all the same. I love the glow in the distant clouds! Its soft colours complement the stark foreground.
Perhaps both, especially the second, could benefit by lightening the shadow areas slightly, to bring out a little more textural detail and have a less "heavy" effect, although this could easily kill the drama if overdone. The second image has a lot of maximum black in the shadows, which can look a bit dead.
Please note, these are fine efforts if you're "learning the basics". Well done. Let's see more from you!
Thank you Chris. That is super helpful! It is so wonderful to get specific and actionable feedback. I'll have re-edit and see where that takes me.
You're welcome, Langa. I thought I might be overstepping the mark.
Incidentally, as the author of this post, you can edit the page, and, for instance, add images on the left. It would be interesting to see your altered edits, if you're happy to post them as well. But it's up to you. Just remember that if you do, you may also need to edit the text, so new viewers are not confused.
Not overstepping at all. So, bear in mind that i only have Lightroom Mobile at the moment, I lightened the shadows as you suggested and i think you are right, overal it is better. Unfortunately now you can really notice the dark stone bottom centre where my tripod was set up, like a big dark blob. What do you think? Better? Anything new now that the foreground is less in the shadows? Thanks again for the feedback, it helps to discuss these thiangs and think about how to getba better shot next time.
Yes, you've opened up the foreground now. It's a strange scene - are those rocks really so orange, with black near the water?
One photographic problem you faced is that the light is largely from the sunrise, unless the sky overhead was bright, so you are inevitably looking into deep shadow, with little raking light to show the form of the rocks.
I find myself wanting to further reduce the stark contrasts and intense orange as per this edit, but you were there and know how it looked in reality. Many may prefer you originals. They're certainly striking and dramatic.
Hi Langa,
Good at technique. Generally, No focal element to hold attention in any frames. This is journey and observing other good work teaches a lot.