Sycamore Gap
by Angelis

Comment by ambaker:
Critique Club Review:

I'm impressed the shot is as clear as it is with an 8 seond exposure. Focus is very good for conditions. And reasonable even if it weren't a timed exposure.

I find the foreground rock a bit distracting. However, at the same time I like the leading lines of the path that take the eye to the tree. I might try this shot with a depth of field that softens the foreground a bit to see how that works. Or alternatively, crop just above the rock to save as much of the leading lines as possible.

The only other problem I see is the sky. It's almost empty. Maybe a day with a better (more colorfu) sunset... Or a day with some great clouds. As is, there is a fair amount of blank canvas in this piece that begs for the artist.

Overall a very nice picture.

Sycamore Gap
by Angelis

Comment by nborton:
nice leading lines

Sycamore Gap
by Angelis

Comment by violinist123:
Not bad. I like the bits of wall and rock that break up the photo. I do think this would have been about 4,000 times more appealing had you arrived earlier or stayed later to get the full effect of that sunrise/sunset that is going on in te background. Good luck.

Sycamore Gap
by Angelis

Comment by Haakon:
As far as "a single tree" is concerned, I don't think you can get more spot on than this. :-) I love the way the valley draws the eye in toward the tree, and the texture and color of the image is nice as well. It does feel underexposed, however, and I think that ends up hurting the photo overall. My guess is that a compromise had to be made to preserve the lovely colors of the sunset in the sky, and the foreground ended up looking dull as a result. The nice thing is that it's obvious that there is still plenty of detail in the shadows, and those could easily and selectively be brought up in post with a little dodging work. This photo would look great with some enhancement of the highlights and perhaps even a little extra saturation in the sky. That being said, it's a wonderful shot and I think it will do well in the competition. Good job!

Sycamore Gap
by Angelis

Comment by chele:
i like the soft magical feel to this one.

Sycamore Gap
by Angelis

Comment by pineapple:
The pathway inviting the viewer to wander into the picture to the tree is pleasant. I think that with a little overt processing, some of the colouring could be boosted and a more dramatic effect achieved.

Sycamore Gap
by Angelis

Comment by Falc:
No Robin Hood this time ;-)
Congrats on the effort, its a fair old walk up there.

Sycamore Gap
by Angelis

Comment by naplesmusc:
Fits the challenge, and you've got a few interesting lines - the path and hills. Otherwise, it doesn't really effect me. 6

Sycamore Gap
by Angelis

Comment by h2:
nice warm colors, good composition and use of guiding lines, attention is immediately drawn to the tree

The pipe
by Angelis

Comment by tristalisk:
Greetings Form the Critique Club!!!

Initial impact: I like it!!

Meeting the challenge: Yep no issues what so ever.

Color: Very nice I think this was a perfect photo for duo-tones. The mild sepia colr realy adds a lot the the character of this photo and sets an antique and emotional overlay to it all.

Focus: Just about perfect. I think you DOF was jsut a touch shallow. I would like to have had the entire pipe in focus. But your DOF falls short and the end of the pipe looses a little focus. Other than the end of the pipr the focus on this shot is wonderfull. Crisp and sharp details and outlines. The Shalow DOF nicely blurring ou the back ground. Very very nice.

Composition: I like the tilt of the photo even though it feely a little ackward. I don't however like the huge black "border?" on the top and bottom of the photo.

Contrast: Once again. Another very nice attribute of this phot. Great contrast. This photo utilizes the full spectrum of the scale. With black black, white whites, and a smooth and lovely variety of all the greys in between.

Overall: loos the border and I have only a very minor complaint about the DOF. Very imaginative and enjoyable photo.

Great job. I look forward to seeing more of this caliber worrk in future challenges.