Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Any and all critiques gratefully received.
Dave

(Download)

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Hi. For a better critique it would be best to have a larger image to browse around in. The scene is pleasing to the eye and well-composed but that would be all I can say about it at this size shown. A comment on shows in general. Judges are generally looking for something different, something new, something done in a way that they have not seen before perhaps. Remember that the judges end up going through hundreds, in some cases, of images and pretty soon things can all look alike. And, even when you ask for a critique, that will have no bearing on the end result of the show you are entering: people have differing opinions on what is a good image and what appeals to the viewer. If you think this image is good enough to be thrown into a show then do it and see what happens. Sometimes there is opportunity to find out why something was not considered and or did not win and this can be insightful.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Hi VTL;
The print for entry will be a revision of the extant 18” X 48” print from a 16 bit-depth TIFF file, represented by the posted image. Best I can do is suggest that you view the download.
As a show judge myself, I am well aware of the cautions and vicissitudes of the jurying/judging process that you mention, and also realize that perceptions thru the eyes of others can be very helpful in settling personal questions and doubts about ANY image, whether made by a beginner or by a show judge with the audacity to be submitting his own images to the vaunted process of being judged! In fact the show to be entered is one that I judged two years ago. Over the years I’ve entered a number of shows, once in a while finished in the ribbons, got a number of “Honorables” but win or lose, always tried to learn from the experience .... and have learned that the opinions of fellow photographers about an image considered for show entry can provide valuable insights and considerations about an image before it is submitted. The most experienced writers are usually humbled by an editors 3dits, corrections, and re-writes of a submitted manuscript! And their writing benefits from that pre-publication surveillance! And so I consider much the same to apply equally to an image intended for competitive showing!

And so, I’d be very grateful for any constructive criticisms that might be offered.

with best regards,
Dave

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

I know little (nothing) about show judging but I definitely like this photo a lot. The composition is compelling and the detail is sharp and clear. The layers of clouds seem to go on forever. It is the type of nature scene that makes me feel like I am there enjoying it.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I avoid competitions because almost all of them say in the fine print that the rights to all entries belong to the organizers of the show. I am not going to give away the rights to my best photographs.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

I have no experience with contests or how judges critique - the first thing that struck me was that I like that trees frame both sides but both are cut off. In my opinion it might be better to show the full tree on each side. Otherwise, I really like the scene, the composition, the lighting, and your processing.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

I would show a bit more of the foreground. Other than that I think this is a very pleasing photo.

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

Nice contrast & balance in this composition!

bertloomis Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

No critique, I like it.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Thank you, Carol,
Dave

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Some shows require permission only to use the image in promotion of the show, but the photographer in no way looses rights to their image.
I have never encountered a show that says “...in the fine print that the rights to all entries belong to the organizers of the show.”
Dave

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Thank you, Dave, for your comment re: the trees. I did give some thought to the tree issue, and wondered if I’d receive comments on my decision.
Dave

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Thank you, Ava’s Papa, I appreciate your suggestion. Given your and other comments on the foreground I’ll have to give it more thought.
Dave

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Thanks, Raymond.
Dave

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

Dave. I think this will come through as a rather polarizing entry, either love it or hate it. In other words know the risk before jumping in.
Despite clouds suggesting a fair amount of sun this has a very even tonality to it, possibly from HDR processing. There are a few deep blacks, but not much in the white whites zone. As a result, less character than I would expect from those conditions.
Secondly, especially in the sky there is a mottled granularity suggestive of heavy filtration or application of an effect, or two. Often a bit of that goes a long way. But when it become one of the primary impressions of the image start thinking about backing off in the processing.
You might also consider darkening some of the grasses in the lower left corner and along the bottom. They tend to pull your gaze outward instead of directing things inward.
Finally, I agree with earlier comments about tight cropping, especially from the left. That is just an unusual enough tree shape that including more it would be helpful.