Arriving at the desert shore

Taken early morning, the low sun had not yet achieved the harsh contrasts characteristic of this kind of scene (see eg "Eve, dune").

For me, this gentle light and subtle colour work because they remind me of the time and how the scene really looked but I have been told a more dramatised lighting would give the picture greater impact. Should I increase contrast & saturation and burn in the sky, or leave it as I saw it?

I'd be interested in your views... Jonathan

Unusual. Nice!

I think that you should probably take a look at teh works of Patricque Demarchelier. This photo reminded me of his collection of photos in the Sahara desert.

 

There is a certain dynamism in the forms of your photo but I find the sand blowing a bit distracting as I actually find the very bright reflections of the sea. You could not hide the clouds to have a perfectly clear bluse sky but you could probably hide the sea. You had a very powerful composition in terms of forms from where you took this picture, but the lighting is also an issue. I see this lady there and it is all a shadow, but as far as I understand, that is really the subject! She is perfectly located, with the dune forms leading us right on her figure, and her form is exceptinal. Her size is also perfect, but ... some light, some color? Instead of focusing in her, my eye is lead back to the texture of the dunes.

 

I am only trying to give constructive citicism, but overall I find this a really good photo.

very nice composition, I like it as it is, the other way would also be interesting.

I like the composition very much. I suppose a little burn in the upper left might reign in the eye a little bit but it is very good as is.

There's something hauntingly familiar here. Can't quite put my finger on it, but I like this scene a lot -- especially the quiet contemplation of nature's majesty.

 

My personal preference would be to boost the saturation -- at least for the sky and perhaps to pump up the contrast enough to emphasize the ocean, which is barely visible on my monitor. Eloïse is lovely. So is your image of her.

 

Best,

Jim

Quite beautiful. I am a newbie so just commenting to rate it. Others are better placed to critique. Nice work.

In answer to your request, I wonder if the current image is your truth : by which I mean it conveys your feelings - impressions - at the time. So here we have your "expression" of a moment which you inform us is spot on. Impression = expression = "truth?"

Perhaps the question might be : which gives you the greater pleasure? A technically stronger image with greater contrast and burned highlights, or the one that resonates with the moment as you perceived it?

Of course the output may matter commercially, but so does it artistically. I say go with the heart on this one - fine image, comp and timing.

Wouldn't this be nice in Black and White as well?

I like it. Your picture is like a magnet for the eye.

Nice one! Is this a recent picture or another one from your extensive archive of goodies? Anyway, I don't have any problem with the colors. The silhouette with just a hint of detail works all right and the composition (a classic, but elaborate "rule of thirds") is efficient. The glaring sea and the sand blown from the dune evoke the end of a warm day.

I think that if the dune was to be the subject a greater contrast located in the ridges would be helpful. But since the dune isnt and rather it is Eloise in shadow, toying with the contrast to any significant extent is going to raise questions why she is virtually in silhouette. My preferred experience of this picture is where the dune is simply the platform on which Eloise is elevated and she looks out to sea. We need to see it is a dune but we should not be encouraged to feast on it. The sea is not our distraction but rather hers and the object of her gaze. And the blown sand simply a further reference to her tasting the elements. The design in the picture is therefore most suitable. Even the cloud formation seems to align itself with Eloise or the lit sea. Id say light and colour could only be altered marginally and theres probably been some of that already. Its probably now tweaked to its best.

I want to like this--nice dune, sea, demi-nude . . . but the composition and colors here are unsatisfying. Way too much weight on the right side. Sand, sky and sea washed out. Silhouetting her back seems to be of no particular advantage.

 

Sorry to be such a grouch. I do like a lot of your work. In fact, your P-O-W some time back is one of my favorites. Look forward to further posts.

I find the entire composition, not the colors, the most important part of this picture. The lonely girl looking at the see of hope and light from this harsh desrt reality where the winds can blow away the dunes or make them. I suggest to try black and white.

Very nice picture.

very good shot.ecxellent.im photographer in iran please looking my picture.ati

I think you have to stay true to how you saw the scene. And I agree, more dramatic lighting would work better here-- more color saturation,more texture in the dune, a stronger silhouette of the woman. But, if that's not how it looked when you took the photo, I, personally, wouldn't alter it. If the scene struck you as attractive when you shot it, then it should still strike you (and others) that way. If it doesn't, go back and try again under different circumstances.

 

 

I just think a scene like this looks better with dramatic light.

 

 

Still, a very nice shot.

It cant be much better than this!

wonderfull

I think the blowing wisps of sand really make this pop

A wonderfull and great presentation.A touch surrealism !

it is as if the dune is speaking of this creature. the wind carries grains of sand, the witnesses of her existence. A.

Thank you for your poetic comment which perfectly represents a dimension of the image. -Jonathan

 

 

This photo was chosen by Ken Ichiro Sato for the opening installation of the Rochester Outdoor Museum of Art, now evolved into Big Picture Rochester .

Great photo! Best regards, Ilkka

Thanks for your comments on my shot Johnathan. Really enjoyed your portfolio and love the two shots here. Best wishes William