Brad, I like the granularity of the trees in the forest which sets the scene, against which the cruciform figure is ascending. The converging verticals of the tree-tops reinforces the overall upward trajectory of the visual story you have created. However, I am afraid it doesn't quite work for me. My main reservation is the dichotomy between the softness of the overall scene and the harsh sharpness of the light painting which doesn't seem to gel with the background. Perhaps that was your intention which of course is fine. I wondered whether the image would work better if this light was a little softer and more diffused, in keeping with and blending more into the background.   Posted: 03/07/2023 04:51:27

Brad, this is an interesting image. The forest and trail are truly ethereal as is the figure. As to the title, if this is an ascent, it might be better conveyed if the lights could be moved out to the ends of his hands to indicate his arms going up and down.

Brian has an interesting analysis.

Northern lights - I hope you and your friend captured some exciting images. We in northern Minnesota do on occasion have specticular displays which I shall have to capture.   Posted: 03/09/2023 19:52:58

Hi Brad. Lucky man going in search of the Northern Lights. They were visible here in Wales last week, a rare phenomenon, but unfortunately I missed the event. I love your ethereal background image but, like Brian don't think the light painted figure fits against it. Could you get rid of the lights and put a sort of ethereal glow around it? Just a thought.   Posted: 03/10/2023 04:10:25

Hi Brad, I quite like the concept and like the previous comments, the light painting is strong and detracts from the concept. You could use the either the smudge tool or the blur in photoshop to lessen the effect of the red light and bring it more in line with the tone of the rest of the image.   Posted: 03/16/2023 05:38:31

Cool merger, very thought-provoking and ethereral

but the bright lights are distracting to me...   Posted: 03/21/2023 18:41:34

Hi Brad,
Cool feel to the image. I think Lisa's example works the best for me.
Cheers,
Tom
  Posted: 03/24/2023 11:21:47