Snow Patterns

[Anita Rakestraw]

Desperate Kansan with camera, looking for something to shoot! :D

Yesterday posted a similar image but a wider vista. It was suggested that there wasn't enough focal point. This one was shot closer; slight crop. Does it need more, or just to be thrown in the trash? :o

Also, I remember reading discussions about blue snow, can't recall details or why that is objectionable. Can anyone respond to the issue or point me to a former discussion of it? Thanks.

1-8-2010
1DMkIII, 20-70mm @ 60mm
ISO 400, 1/80, f/20

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Anita,
I like this as presented, you have fine details in the snow and I like the patterns and textures displayed. The composition is balanced and has symmetry. Your other image had a slight blue cast in the whites of the snow. This one just hints a tad, but I like it because it plays off the shadows. Its all a matter of taste and the message that you want to convey to your viewers...I like the mood and feel on this one...congrats...:cool:

[Anita Rakestraw]

Thanks very much, Gus, for the detailed critique. Appreciate it!

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Anita, I like this one too. I agree with Mr. Cobos about the composition and the winter mood.

I remember that kind of dry snow, that makes those ridges and swirls! Think I'll go put on a jacket... :)

[Joe Brown]

Hi Anita,
I checked both your images. They successfully portray a sense of cold and solitude. In this one, by eliminating the horizon you have narrowed the focus on the foreground and the snow patterns. To a degree the composition of this image still suffers from lack of focus due to a number of unrelated elements, snow patterns, rocks, a tree, bushes and a field. A truly interesting composition focuses on patterns in nature in an unusual way. Your title (snow patterns) and your file name (snow, boulder and light) indicate that you may be a little uncertain as to what is the focus of your image. Maybe if you focused in even closer your composition would more successful. It's often not what is shown in an image but what is inferred that makes it successful. I have severely cropped your image to show you what I mean. If you found a scene where the snow and rocks interacted in an interesting manner then I could see an image where snow, rock(s) and light would be very nice. You should decide what is the focus of the image and compose it in a manner with leads your eye in to the subject in an interesting manner.
You can remove the blue hue by increasing the WB temperature of the image but in this case a blue hue maybe desirable as it enhances the cold, isolated theme.
Just some thoughts, hope this helps.

Joe

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Anita

Don't remember which thread but we have had some discussion in Wildlife regarding the blue in the snow, personally I like it since it gives it a special feel and its natural !!

Joe has some good points regarding the image and tittle !! The image itself I like, not sure if you could have found an angle to do away with the tree and keep it simpler !! You have lots of opportunities with the snow, take advantage :) ... pure patters would be nice !!!

[Jeff Cashdollar]

I Like Joe's repost it has a better focus on shadows and some leading lines IMO.

[Anita Rakestraw]

Kerry, Joe, Al,and Jeff: thanks so much for stopping and taking your time to comment. Joe, your comments are very insightful and helpful! Appreciate it!!

[Oscar Zangroniz]

Love the composition and the fine deatils in the snow.