Passing Away

Please critique this one

Two comments. One, we don't see the rain - I wouldn't guess it's there if you didn't tell me. Myabe you'd better use a very fast speed to freeze the drops. Two, too much contrast between the dark shadows and the blown sky. You cannot have both on the same picture, that a known limitation in photography.

I like the effect you get with such a bright background illuminating the trees from behind, but that blown out upper right corner is a bit of a distraction.

As for photographing at a faster speed to capture the raindrops falling, as Philippe suggests, that's quite a difficult task. Trying to record raindrops is a cinematographer's nightmare, and they're using upwards toward 60 frames per second! That's why Hollywood's spent millions on huge water studios to produce rain effects with enormous shower heads. Water's transparent, and without some sort of light directly striking the droplets, you'll get nothing on your film.

If the effect you were going for was the blown out sky in the background, try some Black & White film next time, it'll be more forgiving on the midtones. Happy Shooting, Dustin

the sky is to bright, but keep trying as this could be a really beautiful shot with a bit less light.

I'm rather new to the world of photography, and don't feel qualified to comment on light vs. shadows. I DO know that I am moved by the subject matter and composition in all of your photos! Thanks!