Sanford Morse
August 2026 - Untitled
Original
About the Image(s)
This is from our recent trip to Japan, taken in a restored village near Kyoto. I liked the moment caught of this young couple caught far from the crowds of visitors. Sony A1, 20-70mm f2.8 GM II (my walk around lens) at 70mm, 1/160, f8, ISO 160, LR with some masking.
4 comments posted
A great photo of a young couple doing what young couples do. Well composed, captured, processed and presented Sanford. Posted: 08/10/2026 08:26:11
Good use of the light to highlight the subject. It looks like you increased the light on the couple and toned it down in other areas, so they are the first thing eyes focus on. Nice work. Posted: 08/14/2026 15:12:01
Sanford,
This is a thoughtfully composed image with several strong visual elements working together. The horizontal lines created by the embankments establish a wonderful sense of depth, leading the viewer's eye naturally through the frame. The sunlight gently striking the upper edges of the berms, contrasted with the shaded areas beneath, creates beautiful tonal variation and adds dimension to the scene.
The placement of the couple along the right third of the composition is particularly effective. Their position within the pathway between the berms feels both intentional and visually engaging. The storage structures in the upper left provide an excellent counterbalance to the couple, creating a pleasing visual equilibrium across the frame. Together, the couple and the structures form a subtle triangular relationship that strengthens the composition and encourages the viewer's eye to move throughout the image.
My only suggestion would be to slightly reduce the brightness of the tree in the upper left corner and the green grasses along the bottom edge of the frame. In their current state, they draw a bit too much attention and can compete with the primary subjects. A modest adjustment would help keep the viewer's focus on the stronger compositional elements and the story unfolding within the landscape.
Overall, this is a very well-composed photograph that demonstrates a strong understanding of balance, depth, light, and subject placement.
Posted: 08/16/2026 19:49:26
This is a thoughtfully composed image with several strong visual elements working together. The horizontal lines created by the embankments establish a wonderful sense of depth, leading the viewer's eye naturally through the frame. The sunlight gently striking the upper edges of the berms, contrasted with the shaded areas beneath, creates beautiful tonal variation and adds dimension to the scene.
The placement of the couple along the right third of the composition is particularly effective. Their position within the pathway between the berms feels both intentional and visually engaging. The storage structures in the upper left provide an excellent counterbalance to the couple, creating a pleasing visual equilibrium across the frame. Together, the couple and the structures form a subtle triangular relationship that strengthens the composition and encourages the viewer's eye to move throughout the image.
My only suggestion would be to slightly reduce the brightness of the tree in the upper left corner and the green grasses along the bottom edge of the frame. In their current state, they draw a bit too much attention and can compete with the primary subjects. A modest adjustment would help keep the viewer's focus on the stronger compositional elements and the story unfolding within the landscape.
Overall, this is a very well-composed photograph that demonstrates a strong understanding of balance, depth, light, and subject placement.
Posted: 08/16/2026 19:49:26
A very nicely captured spontaneous moment. The fact that you were obviously some distance away with a long focal length gives the image a sense of depth, which as Trey said is increased with the horizontal banding. I also like the slight autumnal feel introduced by the trees top left and the sense of location from the wooden buildings. Going back into Lightroom, could you adjust down the highlights slightly? I find the top of the grasses (especially the first band bottom left) are going a bit bright. Posted: 08/22/2026 10:13:25