Stepping between the reflections (please view large)

Please critique, particularly with comments about my crop. Thank you!

Ordinarily I wouldn't place the line of geese in the middle of the image, but I hestitated to crop off the bottom because I love the double reflection of the trees.  I wonder how some of you would have handled this differently.  Thanks!

I don't think the geese in the middle of the frame is an issue at all. The actual horizon, at least the perceived horizon, or shoreline is perfectly placed and the double reflection anchors the foreground well. All in all I rank this as one of your very best and one of my favorites from your portfolio. Excellent detail and light bring out the cold atmosphere. Thanks for sharing... Mike

I agree with Michael, Cristal. This is a beautiful capture. Quite enthralling, I find myself wanting to look at it for a long while - just taking in all the detail of the reflections, the geese and the texture of the shoreline.

Very nicely presented and I must say a most beautiful composition.

Warmest regards, Gail

I like this so as it is,nice details in large view and reflection is excellent,compliments Christal.

Mike......glowing praise coming from you!  I really respect your judgment, so this reinforces my decision to crop it as I have.   Thanks so much!

Gail, I just wasn't sure of myself, so thanks for weighing in on this.....it's always good to hear from you!

Radu, I appreciate the support......I guess since 3 of my favorite photographers say this is okay, then I'm on the right track.

Thanks to you all! 

Christal, I think the crop is perfect and the resulting composition is wonderful.  You'd have to tell me the geese are in the center before I would notice that, and then I'd say it doesn't matter at all.  What I really like is the fact that you've shown just a bit of the far shore and the bases of a few of the trees, but then we really see the trees in reflection.  That alone is worth a photograph.  Then you add the geese standing on ice amid these reflections, and that adds a whole new dimension of interest.  If I could remove the branch in the lower right, I would, but the composition is so interesting that it is hardly noticed.  Very nice shot!

Thanks for your opinions on this!  Glad you like it.  And I agree with you about the branches in the left foreground.  If I would ever print this, I'd spend the time and take those out.  I appreciate your input.

I think this is a wonderful composition. The horizontals are actually divided 5 times with the geese in segments 2 and 3. The strength of the partially shown trees at the top and their strong reflection at the bottom allow the eye to rest there and then move to the geese. When I first looked, I thought the geese were in the middle, but it really didn't matter in this image. Rules are made to be broken if the break works and yours does! Great shot.

 

-Lynne

Thanks for your informed evaluation of this image.  I read your bio and looked at your portfolio, so I'm that much more flattered that you would like this or even take the time to leave a critique.  I love your work!

I dont have anything to add to the comments others have left, discussing why the image works. It does, particularly the reflections. I did notice an alternative framing that I thought I'd share, which ends up being an entirely different composition. I hope you don't mind the attached crop!

Definitely another option!  Thanks!  And just for the record.....I never mind if other photographers offer their own version.  It's easier to see what a person is trying to describe that way.  Thanks for your visit.....hope all is well with you!

Love both the original and the one cropped.  Sharp and clear.  Best Regards,