Mount St. Helen

pixelpusher636 · November 24, 2012, 10:02:42 PM

Finally had a little time to start working on this image. No too terribly bad but a lot more work is still left to be done.. Thanks to Oshyan for the great terrain![attachimg=1]

Oshyan · November 24, 2012, 10:09:15 PM

I love the camera angle! A dramatic, lower-angle shot than most I've seen (and done myself). With the foreground trees it reminds me a lot of the first population feature image we ever showed, hehe: http://javajones.cgsociety.org/gallery/

Looking forward to seeing this one evolve.

- Oshyan

masonspappy · November 24, 2012, 11:15:55 PM

Great Image. A lot more trees standing than the last time I was there.

efflux · November 25, 2012, 03:01:06 AM

Good POV and the placement of the bird is great because it's not to contrived. Natural looking.

pixelpusher636 · November 26, 2012, 07:26:22 PM

Quote from: Oshyan on November 24, 2012, 10:09:15 PM
I love the camera angle! A dramatic, lower-angle shot than most I've seen (and done myself). With the foreground trees it reminds me a lot of the first population feature image we ever showed, hehe: http://javajones.cgsociety.org/gallery/

Looking forward to seeing this one evolve.

- Oshyan

Thanks Oshyan! I look forward to the evolution of this image as well. Thanks for sharing the link too. I hadn't seen this image yet and love it! The lava rock looks real.

pixelpusher636 · November 26, 2012, 07:29:29 PM

Quote from: masonspappy on November 24, 2012, 11:15:55 PM
Great Image. A lot more trees standing than the last time I was there.

The tree coverage is accurate masonspappy

you must have entered the park through a wormhole.

Thanks for the kudos

pixelpusher636 · November 26, 2012, 07:30:27 PM

Quote from: efflux on November 25, 2012, 03:01:06 AM
Good POV and the placement of the bird is great because it's not to contrived. Natural looking.

Thanks efflux! That means a lot!

TheBadger · November 27, 2012, 03:24:38 PM

Looks darn good to me.

I like these shots from up *in* the trees. I only ever get to see the world from the ground or from the air. So to me these in the trees shots automatically have a fantastical magical feel.

It reminds me of the dreams I have had were I could fly/float. I could never fly like a jet, it was more like a bubble floating with a purpose. THis image make me feel that feeling in my gut. Thanks

pixelpusher636 · December 02, 2012, 01:07:08 AM

Quote from: TheBadger on November 27, 2012, 03:24:38 PM
Looks darn good to me.

I like these shots from up *in* the trees. I only ever get to see the world from the ground or from the air. So to me these in the trees shots automatically have a fantastical magical feel.

It reminds me of the dreams I have had were I could fly/float. I could never fly like a jet, it was more like a bubble floating with a purpose. THis image make me feel that feeling in my gut. Thanks

No problem TheBadger, but honestly Thank You! I was initially concerned if I was heading in the right direction with this and the POV; but thankfully after your comment and others in this post, I just might be. I will have more time during my time off for Christmas break coming up to work on this some more. So in my head I know what I would personally like to enahance and a thing or two I'd like to change altogether. So without influencing anyone else with my thoughts out loud... What are your personal thoughts? Since you have all been very gracious so far and possibly bit your tongue and held back a bit.

Your input is much apppreciated!

Bjur · December 02, 2012, 07:19:16 AM

Hi pixelpusher636

Did you thought about a "cinema" like frame like 2.35294 just for fun and atmosphere maybe?
I would cut out not needed bottom and top parts of your picture..

But never ever cut/trim something what is something like a soul to your picture, like your cool eagle.
Something like that needs to be well placed in your scene!

It´s just my opinion..

TheBadger · December 02, 2012, 01:19:20 PM

^^ Yes I do agree with whats been said about the bird. I also like that its not centered in the shot, and off to the side. However, having its wing partly cut off is a bad idea. Move the bird into the frame. Its good that you didn't focus on the bird and just let be an element but having its wing cut of is bad composition. It should be in the shot or not. Choose.

playing with aspect ratio may be a good idea too, as Bjur said. It depends though. Just try it and see if it make a more dramatic composition. and a panorama could be nice too.

efflux · December 03, 2012, 11:24:06 AM

About the bird. I like the way it's cut off. It looks like an accident and hence more like a photo which had movement going on. It also draws your eye to the edge of the picture making you aware that you are looking into a view through a frame. This slight disruption actually balances the picture as a whole. Remove the bird or take it away from that edge and the picture will lose dynamic and composition balance. Maybe this is all pretty much accidental but if you rely on "does it feel right" rather than it "would make a better picture if I did this" then often you'll get better results.

When creating any art you should use your subconscious. That will tell you when it feels right. There are rules like having horizon on a third, never have horizon in middle and such like. It seems there is a general division near the middle in this picture but the dark trees as opposed to light sky divides the picture in half in a pleasing way. Often you'll find that you used some of these rules when you look at the pictures again some time after you created them but if you consider it too hard while you're doing it, you get contrivance.

efflux · December 03, 2012, 12:24:24 PM

Also, about the ratio. I think it would be good to try a different ratio but not with this picture. It's fine as is. Try a different POV.

Further about the bird and the composition. I think it's really key here. Your eye is drawn to the right side of the picture. There is drama with the light there. Darker trees against the picture frame. A lot of dark weight in the right bottom corner. More mountain on the right and contrast where it's being lit. The left side has less interest. The drama with the dark cut off bird against the sky creates balance, drawing your eye away from the lighting on the right.

Also notice the rockier top of the mountain in the middle of the picture framed with two trees on either side almost thirds through the picture. Then the rhythm of two more smaller trees. There is rhythm in the ones near the edges of the picture as well but light on left, dark on right. The little wisp of cloud on the left near the bird. Honestly, this is a great picture as is. There are lots of elements that make it work.