Babe in the Woods

I used my partner (centre frame) to scale this tall forest scene.

You've caught the atmosphere of the place very well, and technical details are quite good. As you had to tell us where your partner is, he/she is not a very significant element, and certainly not big enough to tell us whether he/she is indeed a babe--we'll have to take your word for it. This isn't a critique of your picture--just the title.

Centering the human figure in a composition where the cycad at right is the leadin element mixes symmetry and asymmetry, which is generally a bad thing. You also have a slight S-curve in the river which gives a little depth, but it stops at the verticals of the conifers, giving a little of the feel of a stage set.

The ferns and cycad at the river bank are rich and lush, in contrast with the dry-looking pine duff on the forest floor beyond. This scene is more varied and interesting than most forest scenes, and if you choose to explore this genre further, I hope you have something to think about.

...but this one has good feeling! I like it regardless previous opinion. Sometimes what you show is more important then perfectness. Life is seldom perfect. But life is always original and full of beauty. This picture is that also!

Hi Matthew, I ended up browsing your gallery and came across this. This is one of my most favorite places in Victoria, along with Great Ocean Rd. (Now I live in the US). I wasn't a serious photographer when I visited this place but this and several other places in Victoria sparked my interest in photography back in 2000. As both the previous critics mentioned, you have managed to capture the place's spirit well. I also see that you have used the 17-35 considerably. (I will explore this option as a future upgrade! .. i know, more NAS, but.. I guess it is fine :) )

Cheers,

Arun.

Well, I'm not going to 'rag' on you....I think it's a beautiful image...but then again I'm no 'expert'......However, I think your 'babe' is a great POV...for us to realixe the immensity of this wonder forest.....wven the reflection of the 'babe' is there and well seen. Your image appears very 'straight'.......detial, light and shadow excellent....The curve in the river just tells me that the river goes on....beyond the curve....( I suppose one day when they invent Lenses that will have the capabliity of 'seeing around a curve' then perhaps you might render an image that is 'almost perfection' but somehow I thnk 'someone' would still find something wrong with it. Sad..........life's too short.........excellent image! sincerely, Gail