MtStRainier_DriftingSilhouettesby
paulwestmoreland1Comment by sidpixel: *Hello from Sid and the Critique Club*
First of all welcome to DPC. I have just critiqued an image that you took the time and trouble to make some constructive critique on and felt that your efforts deserved a response, so here is my feedback for your entry, I hope you don't mind. Incidentally, for your future entries, if you tick the critique box when you submit your entry you will be added to the pool and I and other members of the critique club will be more than happy to offer you our thoughts.
A flawed attempt that meets the challenge well.
You have chosen an elevated position with the mountains as silhouettes which on its own forms quite a suitable location for the challenge brief. Your composition is considered, using the lower third favouring the night sky which works a lot better than a thoughtless 'plonk it in the middle' approach. The silhouettes of the main subject, the mountains, are clearly defined and you have a foreground frame of the silhouetted pines which adds too.
There are two major problems with the image, the first is the bright line that is effectively dissecting the frame into two it is so dominating and distracting it is completely overpowering the end result and, given the theme, it is detrimental. The long exposure has elongated the lone star, as it is all alone it would have been very easy to clone out which I think would have been advisable though not essential.
The other major issue as already identified by your commenter is sensor dust. You are not alone, I made exactly the same mistake just a few entries ago (see my entry – sunset). As you have used a large aperture its not immediately evident but once seen they stand out light beacons so, you must get that sensor cleaned quickly, your wife will I'm sure be able to advise you but you're welcome to contact me if you wish.
A very noble first attempt, I look forward to more from you soon, Sid.
Photographer found comment helpful.