Out of the Murky Waterby
cloudsmeComment by CEJ: Hello from the Critique Club!
I have been studying your image and find a few elements I like and a few I don't. First, I think this image has a lot of potential. Your idea/concept (based on the image and title combination) is well presented. But I find some elements distracting.
Lighting - well done - no flares or glares to distract and it is not harsh or too dark either. It works well with the subject matter.
Color - the contrast of the colors of the fish and the general background is very good. It makes the fish instantly pop out. However, in the background (or perhaps the foregound in reality) there seems to be a reflection. This element I find distracting. It seems you can almost make out a person (you??) taking the picture, but not quite. Plus the color variations on those few spots distract a bit (between the left two fish, above the right fish in the top corner). I think a tighter crop on the top would have helped this by eliminating the white spot there as well as some of that reflection.
Composition/perspective - I like the amount of negative space in the image. This works here quite nicely. It also is a plus that you cannot readily discern the direction of movement of the fish by their angle of placement in the water. I know you cannot control this so your timing was quite good. One appears to actually be swimming up and coupled with your title really does give the impression the fish are swimming up to you as if you were above. With more or less fish in the shot I don't think this effect would be as strong.
Challenge requirements - I think the gradient application of the noise really makes your concept work. The shot really does make you think they are rising from the depths. However, I would have liked to see a bit more on the right. As it is is still good and unique though.
Overall I think this is a pleasing image and a very well done concept. You achieved the effect you were after. Nice job!
Photographer found comment helpful.