Suzanne Wacker
December 2025 - Doubtful sound
About the Image(s)
This image was taken from a trip to New Zealand. We did an overnight boat cruise which was magical. Editing in camera raw and photoshop - denoise, adjust levels and curves, slight desaturation
Taken with Nikon Z 7ii, Nikkor Z 24-120mm, f10.0, 1/320, ISO4000.
10 comments posted
New Zealand is such a gorgeous place... and I've never been. However, images like yours make me ache to go!
I love the reflection and realize that you cropped to include the top/bottom of the main hill. I wanted to try emphasizing the main hill by changing the crop (almost to a pano) and modifying the lighting. Your thoughts?
Posted: 12/06/2025 21:05:39
I love the reflection and realize that you cropped to include the top/bottom of the main hill. I wanted to try emphasizing the main hill by changing the crop (almost to a pano) and modifying the lighting. Your thoughts?
Posted: 12/06/2025 21:05:39
Thanks, Pete. Yes, I agree it needs some more light. Thank you! Posted: 12/08/2025 00:33:38
Hi Suzanne, I can see you are going for a moody vibe and this seems to suit the subject really well. But I think you could consider a bit more contrast between the different parts of the scene so I tried lifting the foreground a little leaving the deep blues in the background unchanged.
BTW I do think the peep of snowy mountain adds to the image and would keep it in. But you could crop off a bit of the foreground rather than have a complete reflection as the reflections along the bottom of the image are not very prominent. Posted: 12/07/2025 03:38:28
BTW I do think the peep of snowy mountain adds to the image and would keep it in. But you could crop off a bit of the foreground rather than have a complete reflection as the reflections along the bottom of the image are not very prominent. Posted: 12/07/2025 03:38:28
Thanks, Mark. I agree it needs some more light. I like the tighter crop too. Thank you! Posted: 12/08/2025 00:34:03
Hi Suzanne,
The image has a very strong central composition, with the mound-shaped hill placed right in the middle and mirrored beautifully in the water. The low-hanging fog and muted light give the scene a moody, cinematic feel. The water reflection is a major strength - smooth, clean, and almost perfectly symmetrical. There is a great sense of depth.
The overall exposure could be lifted slightly, just enough to reveal more texture in the mountain foliage. The bright patch on the cliff leads the eye a bit strongly. Maybe you could consider darkening that area. Even without any changes, the images is really stunning. Posted: 12/09/2025 20:51:08
The image has a very strong central composition, with the mound-shaped hill placed right in the middle and mirrored beautifully in the water. The low-hanging fog and muted light give the scene a moody, cinematic feel. The water reflection is a major strength - smooth, clean, and almost perfectly symmetrical. There is a great sense of depth.
The overall exposure could be lifted slightly, just enough to reveal more texture in the mountain foliage. The bright patch on the cliff leads the eye a bit strongly. Maybe you could consider darkening that area. Even without any changes, the images is really stunning. Posted: 12/09/2025 20:51:08
Thank you very much Anna! Posted: 12/13/2025 07:45:22
Suzanne, atmosphere and composition are excellent! You might consider a Slightly lift midtones on the central island to give it a touch more separation from the darker mountains behind it, helping guide the eye to the natural focal point without losing the dramatic mood.
I totally agree with Anna's suggestionse
Fantastic photo! Posted: 12/15/2025 12:15:03
I totally agree with Anna's suggestionse
Fantastic photo! Posted: 12/15/2025 12:15:03
Thanks, Sophia. I like your suggestions! Posted: 12/19/2025 06:25:53
Suzanne, what a magnificent shot!
A little fog over the water would have added to the mystery...
As variant, could try photographing with a special mist filter. But it doesn't always do the desired result. Posted: 12/17/2025 06:51:59
A little fog over the water would have added to the mystery...
As variant, could try photographing with a special mist filter. But it doesn't always do the desired result. Posted: 12/17/2025 06:51:59
Thanks very much, Natalia. Posted: 12/19/2025 06:26:05