Karen Botvin
November 2021 - Foot Bridge Magnolia Gardens
Original
About the Image(s)
This image was made using my Nikon Z7 with the 14-30 S lens at 17.5 mm, ISO 160, f/8 at 1/125sec. This was the last stop on my way back home from a 15-day photo trip. Having never been to the Magnolia Plantation in North Carolina, I wasn’t sure what I would find, but I did know that this foot bridge was there. I made some adjustments in Lightroom to lighten the shadows and darken the highlights. I then took it into PS to remove the few strands of moss that were hanging down in the top center. Then onto to Nik ColorEfecs were I added the Brilliance Warm filter but lessened some of the saturation. I love the reflections in the water from the trees, the moss, and the bridge. What do you all think? Your comments are much appreciated.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
10 comments posted
Karen,
The reflection is a WOW factore in this image. The diagonal bridge across the frame does well, and creates a football-shaped reflection of the openings over the water.
Good job with the editing.
Well done! Posted: 11/03/2021 09:37:22
The reflection is a WOW factore in this image. The diagonal bridge across the frame does well, and creates a football-shaped reflection of the openings over the water.
Good job with the editing.
Well done! Posted: 11/03/2021 09:37:22
Thank you, Jim, for your comments. I wasn't really sure about the angle of the bridge but from all accounts thus far, it seems to be a winner. Posted: 11/04/2021 13:41:36
Very impressive and striking image with more than one compositional asset. They way you have used the line of the bridge to lead to selected areas of light is brilliant. Also the drooping fronds from the trees point to the bridge. The ? weed at the start of the bridge doesn't contribute but would be difficult to take out, and the tree trunk on the right could be darkened to help with leading into the background. Posted: 11/03/2021 10:32:18
Thanks so much, Piers, for your detailed remarks. I have seen other images of this bridge and none were quite as angled as mine, so I wasn't sure about it. I'm happy for the positive comments. The "weed" as you called it, is a Swamp Hibiscus which are very common in Florida around water and yes, I did try removing it to no avail. I managed to get some off the top and hoped that was enough to be less distracting. I see now that the tree on right definitely needs to be darkened. It's funny how one gets so intent on something, (in my case the Swamp Hibiscus and the angle of the bridge), that we miss the more obvious. Posted: 11/04/2021 13:48:16
Such a serene place, and I imagine you got a real wow when you first saw it. I think you have captured the bridge at the perfect angle to lead us across. The blue sky that we usually don't want is great for this against your trees and the reflection in the water. I suggest darkening the lower section of the right tree just a tad and then lightening the upper just a tad to balance more. Beautiful! Posted: 11/03/2021 17:11:15
Thank you, Shirley. This really is a magnificent setting and the morning I was there was just perfect. I see now and agree that I need to address the tree on the right. Since I'm just starting to do more landscapes, I just wasn't sure about the bridge and its angle. I am more a thinker then a creative type so I kept thinking that the bridge should be leading one into the image but to something special instead of just the trees. I have to keep viewing others' landscape images to get a better understanding of subject definition. Posted: 11/04/2021 13:55:13
All of these comments are spot on. I think the only thing I would add is to try and take the tree on the right out of the photo entirely! That way what is important is the bridge and the refection. Posted: 11/05/2021 08:36:20
Thanks, Jaqueline, but I rather like the tree on the right as a border. Without it, the image feels cramped to me. I'm curious what others might think. Btw, Congratulations on your image being included in this month's showcase! Posted: 11/05/2021 08:41:53
Hey, thanks! You are probably right about the tree but htought it would be interesting to try it! Posted: 11/05/2021 08:44:19
Karen, I too, like the tree on the right. It helps to tell more of the story. Well done!
Posted: 11/09/2021 09:14:27
Posted: 11/09/2021 09:14:27