bckpkrs
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Alan:
Since you invited honest & brutal, allow me to be honest. (read: in my very subjective opinion.)
#1 - I really like, in fact I like it better than the vertical version I'd seen of Marc's. This feels much more balanced, and the lighting and processing look very nice and natural. Superb on all accounts except one, that I'd add a little bit more density, contrast, and darkness to the FG, as the small evergreens seem to be lacking definition here.
#2 - Sorry, but for me, this just feels way way wrong in terms of post processing colors and saturation. The blue / cyan is almost at an alien level. In addition to it being a slightly loose composition w/ too much sky, the photo just has a very 'unreal' feel.
#3 - I understand this was on one of Marc's Workshops or Tours. I have no idea how he handles or instructs or guides, but having seen his very dramatic interpretation of this scene, I just have to wonder how much personal vision you've added to this scene, and for me, the answer is none. Of course I could be totally wrong (reversed) and you can tell me if I am, but this looks as if you came across a scene that Marc set up or showed, and you simply put your camera and same lens in the exact same spot. Just for giggles, I overlaid the two images, and the nearness of framing is nearly spooky. For me, it's like you totally missed a chance to put your own personal spin on this location. I'm also curious about the contrail. Did you notice it when you shot this, or got back & was processing your shots. I ask because if the latter, I wonder why you either didn't wait for the contrail to disappear, or somehow search for a different composition that would have eliminated or lessened the presence of the contrail? (Just pondering questions, these...)
# 4 - Same processing comments as others, but also point out as an interesting compositional choice the rock in the extreme LLC, and the other rock just barely touching the bottom frame. I'm curious why you choose to leave those in those locations. The Right rock is not as bothersome, but would have liked to see a tad bit more space off the edge. The LLC rock in the exact corner just feels, well... lumpy. Very nice reflection and sunstar though. Those parts are very well executed.
# 5 - Again, processing looks a bit unreal. I would like to have seen a bit more focus on the ground subjects & less on the sky. Also, including only half a bush chopped off by the left edge seems off to me, when it looks like if you'd taken 1.5 steps to the right, you could have perfectly matched the FG roots to the Mid-ground bush that would then be fully in-frame. To me, the sky just isn't that important. As it is now, my eye gets led in to a space filled with, well, nothing, then zips up center frame to the sun, which is too near the top edge, and poof, my eye is out of the photo, and nothing is drawing my eye back in.
# 6 - I really like the FG bushes and colors also. Agree w/ Floris, the sky can go; again, some better post processing seems like it will help better define your personal vision in a more natural style. I really like these types of shots, and think with a bit of a redo & crop, you might have another really nice wall-hanger to go with your Mt. Tom shot.
Cheers, & hope that wasn't too brutal, given that it was as honest as I could subjectively muster.
Gary Crabbe
Enlightened Images
http://www.enlightphoto.com
http://www.enlightphoto.com/views/ (Weblog)
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Very good subtle use of it. I've seen way too many images where it's not applicable, to used too strongly, so I applaud your judicious use.