A forest reflected

[Brownbear]

An experiment in photographing reflections...

I like the image but it could be just because it is something different for me. Therefore comments to help me improve and honest feedback is especially appreciated - before I head off to build a library consisting of nothing but forest reflections...

f/16 SS 1/30 ISO 320 Focal length 105mm



Thank you.

[Shadowman]

It's a worthy endeavor, I was a bit taken back with the composition; thinking the upper area needed an exposure adjustment, however after closer inspection realized that was also part of the reflection. This adds to a confusing composition because I'm forced to look down to familiarize myself with known elements. The other issue with this particular composition is the lack of sharpness within; while I like experimentation, perhaps a small introduction to a few new ideas would work better. I'd try something like this as part of a series.

[Brownbear]

Thank you for sharing some great feedback and thoughts...

It is an odd composition. I'm truly not sure how sharp an image I can manage of a reflection but I'll try again on another day and see what I can do. I'm focusing on the reflection and/or a leaf on the water. Perhaps a faster shutter speed will help.

It's a worthy endeavor, I was a bit taken back with the composition; thinking the upper area needed an exposure adjustment, however after closer inspection realized that was also part of the reflection. This adds to a confusing composition because I'm forced to look down to familiarize myself with known elements. The other issue with this particular composition is the lack of sharpness within; while I like experimentation, perhaps a small introduction to a few new ideas would work better. I'd try something like this as part of a series.

[Marie Hass]

It is a very quiet, pleaceful and unpretentious image. The image does not look overcooked or unreal.

For that, it is a place to rest my eyes and just enjoy the lines, shapes, colours and textures of the trees as they pass up and down a vertical plane.

Perhaps John is right? As part of a series???? Real, detail, (reflection?). I would like it as part of a storytelling set.

Marie

[Rita]

Hi Christina, I have found that reflections can become addictive. In this shot I do find it a little confusing having the trees going up and down within the reflection. Have you tried cropping out the tree branches that are at the top of the image and then flip the whole image upside down? I think that would leave you with a painterly effect.

[TonyW]

I like this but I have to think of it like an abstract. There is some confusion as others have said because there are trees overlapping with the reflection of others but that to me is part of its charm. The colours and textures are attractive.

The top of the image especially is a puzzle because the reflections appear to be in front of the upright trees. It looks as though you have combined two layers in some way that is not obvious.

[IzzieK]

+1 to John and Tony's comments. I wish I can add some more thoughts but I can't. Tony beat me to the punch here by mentioning that it looks more of an abstract than anything else...nice assessment. I also agree with Marie's comment but if this is mine, I would rather start shooting reflections on a simple and singled out branches or the whole scene that includes recognizable trees at the top. But then, what do I know? It is just a preference in my mind...

[JBW]

yup confusing. At first I thought it was upside down. But there is great potential in the shot.

[Brownbear]

Thank you Marie, Rita, Tony, Izzie and Brian for sharing your thoughts and the critique. Truly appreciated and helpful.

Later today I will try flipping this image. And as soon as I have some more time I will take another look at the shots that I captured to see if any are less confusing and/or could be part of a series. Plus I have a camera full from another day which I should be able to look at with a more critical eye now that I've received some feedback.

Izzie... Your feedback is very helpful. I did include the real trees in some shots and perhaps they are needed to make the image less confusing.

Tony... No layers used but an aperture of f/16 with the hope of creating some depth in the reflections. Maybe the image needs some real trees.

Thank you to all!

[Krawuntzel]

I just love this picture - and I do not agree with the "confusion" expressed by some, for example (excuse me Brian I took your answer just "pars per toto"):

yup confusing. At first I thought it was upside down.

I strongly agree with the second remark:

But there is great potential in the shot.

The potential is definitely there (i.e. here). I think the blur of foliage in the uppermost tenth is a bit distracting from the impressionistic capture. So I would propose to "take it out" as folllows - if you disapprove of my editing, please let me know, so I can delete.



In my opinion there is no need to go "sharper" with this kind of reflections.
Erwin

[Barbara Ponder]

Looks like a impressionist painting upside down. I think as art it works.

[Brownbear]

Erwin,

Thank you for taking the time to show me an edit. Truly appreciated! I like it... That said I need to think on this one a bit and mull it over...

Barbara,

Thank you. I was trying for an artistic so very nice to hear.

[deetheturk]

Very nice Christina, I like it

[bnnrcn]

It looks like an abstract Christina, I like it IMO it looks a bit overexposed though.

[Rebel]

I like this but I have to think of it like an abstract. There is some confusion as others have said because there are trees overlapping with the reflection of others but that to me is part of its charm. The colours and textures are attractive.

The top of the image especially is a puzzle because the reflections appear to be in front of the upright trees. It looks as though you have combined two layers in some way that is not obvious.

I'm with Tony on this, definitely see it as an abstract.

[Brownbear]

Thank you Binnur, David and Matt for the continued feedback...

Following is an edit, cropped with the exposure lowered.

#1 Edited



I'm planning another visit so all this feedback has been very helpful.

Thank you to all.

[Kaye Leggett]

I like your edit, but not sure of the flip - if its an abstract and/or a reflection then I don't think it has to follow that the trees point upwards