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GestianPoet21 — Green Magic
Published: 2009-06-28 22:20:54 +0000 UTC; Views: 6764; Favourites: 170; Downloads: 2117
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Green. This place was SO magical.
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Comments: 61
Thanks! It's in a state park near my home.
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oh awesome! and no worries
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It had to be a great to see it by own eyes 
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Thanks.
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Beautifully captured! Bravo - (I use a point and shoot too, so I understand about the 'luck' involved)
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Sorry for the length of this comment. I'd like to submit it as a critique, but currently lack a premium membership.
This is a very peaceful image. I am left with the feeling that the Photographer cherishes this spot. I like both the image and that sense of the author's engagement with her subject.
I spent some time thinking about where this photo's appeal and sense of peace came from. I think the appeal for me lies mainly in the tonal contrasts. For me the main visual focal point is the contrast between the base of the sunlit diagonal, and the dark hillside behind it. Interesting, as this is actually out of optical focus. It occurs where the curve of the path, and the diagonal of the sunlit slope coincide, further drawing the eye into the picture.
Another factor that draws the eye into the picture is tonal counter-change. There are a series of alternating tonal bands running more or less diagonally, upwards to the right, across the picture. They start dark near the bottom right corner. Alternate bands of light and dark tone then step into the photo progressing along the alternate diagonal towards the upper left corner. These contrasts start weak and get, more or less, stronger as they progress towards the aforementioned centre of visual interest, where the contrast is particularly strong.
There are some minor areas of visual focus that also draw the eye, lending some dynamic to the work. The strongest of them are the steps to the lower right. These, as already observed, happily lead the eye back towards the major visual centre. Several of the stronger of the trees also tend to lead the eye in a circular path around the photo. My eye, starting with the strong trio of uprights on the left, is drawn to the dark tones of the tree starting bottom right. Then on to the lighter tree at the far right, to the more central trees. These bring the eye towards the strong diagonal of the fallen trunk, which points like a finger of god straight back to the major centre of visual interest.
The feeling of peace also benefits from the image's structure, and monochromatic nature. Having the major centre of visual interest on the horizontal mid-line will often make a picture static and boring. But there is enough happening in Green Magic to prevent boredom. Instead there is a sense of stability. This is enhanced by the strong columns of the trees. There is further influence from the tones. The dark tones behind the trio of uprights to the left, the dark tree to the right, the path and steps, and dark slope combine to erroneously suggest that the overall work is also dark. But the lighter tones are enough to compensate for this. Instead of being sinister or depressing the dark tones become restful. This is enhanced by the tendency of the Kodak m853 to vignette. The resulting darkening of tone in the corners lending the work an intimate feel.
There is little on the negative side. Its a little unusual to have a centre of visual interest out of focus, but in this case it works. The path in the lower right corner appears smeared and almost felt like, particularly when the downloaded image is viewed at 100%. This is most likely due to artefacts introduced by the camera. There are some slightly blown highlights on the leaves one third of the way up the left hand side that try to grab my eye, but with only little success. Similarly some minor lens flare towards the upper right. The Image is strong enough to overcome these minor flaws.
Having immersed myself deeply in this work, if only for one day, a few things tickle my curiosity. I wonder if exploiting the camera's tendency to vignette was considered, or instinctual. I also wonder how much of this structure was consciously noted and exploited by GestianPoet21 while setting up and taking this shot? How much was happy coincidence of a good eye with a great subject? If it was mostly instinctual I hope she will continue to work largely in that mode, and spend time analysing the work afterwards.
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Wow. First of all, let me just say: Thank you SO much for taking the time to critique my work! It really means a lot. It's funny, though. Because I use a point-and-shoot and take many of my photos while on nature hikes, I take many photos very quickly, and find the best ones later- so this one was a lot of luck, even though I set it up first 
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Glad you found it useful, and I was happy to take the time.
There's nothing wrong with luck. Anyone who works outdoors needs it, as there are so many factors that the photographer can't control.
Taking lots of shots then going through them with an editorial eye is a common strategy, not limited to people with point and click cameras. But the combination of pre-planning and a good feel for what makes a good photo will leave a much smaller reject pile. And a much greater rate of success, no matter what camera is used.
Personally, I tend to take between 3 and 10 shots for each photo I choose to use.
While I'm walking around the place I try to note likely looking subject matter, think about how I would capture it, and what light I would like for it.
Then I come back when I think the conditions are right. I think about how I want the subject lit, how I want the background, how I want it framed. I set the shot up roughly. Then I try to stop thinking about the photo, and make minor adjustments while trying to just see the image in my viewfinder.
When it looks right I take the shot and start thinking again. Sometimes this leads to further adjustments, another shot, and still more adjustments. Sometimes not.
Well, I hope you find this view of how someone else works useful. Congrats for Green Magic. It's lovely.
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Indeed it was.
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I live in Singapore the 'Garden City' (as tourists like to call it) and your picture is still greener than the parks I have. Great job by the way!
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Wow, that's so cool! And thanks ^^
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great picture love how green it looks and the path helps to lead your eye into the photo. Fab capture!
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Green is my favourite color. That place looks very beautiful.
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I can feel the magic just by looking - gotta love those greens!
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Thanks, and you're welcome ^^
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It really was. I couldn't stop staring at everything.
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sorry , i've sad before minimizing, but i've mean after
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Next time you schould sharpen your photos before minimize. Good shot.
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Thank you. And, that's good advice.
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Oh man..!!! That much green is a treat to sore eyes..!!!
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Welcome... Where was this taken..??
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I took this at a state park in Ithaca, NY. It's a lovely place.
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Damn. That's rich! A quick and swift fav+ with my green, green thumb.
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8D indeed it is. haha, thanks!
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Simply gorgeous! I can't believe it's so green.
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Thanks! I know, it's crazy 8D
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