Mitch Ross  


Dead Horse Ranch  by Mitch Ross

May 2022 - Dead Horse Ranch

May 2022 - Mitch Ross

Original

About the Image(s)

Going a little out of my comfort zone here. Photo captured at one of my favorite camping locations in AZ - Dead Horse Ranch State park. Several beautiful lakes in the middle of the park, with neat reflection of reeds…. Trying to figure out how to make the most of this image, decided to focus in on the shapes of the reeds with the reflections. Lots of different ways to slice this one, curious what others would do with it.

R5, RF 100-500 mm @ 167 mm.
1/2000, f/5, ISO 250 (not typical landscape settings, I know - was out shooting birds in flight and hadn’t adjusted!)


This round’s discussion is now closed!
14 comments posted




Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
This is very striking for many reasons.
1. Just as a formal composition of patterns, you cropped in to a central idea of the reed patterns. It looks better in monochrome because light and dark, and not color, is the subject.
2. The reflection in the water turns an arch into a circle, with considerable additional effect. Going further, the circle can be thought of the "circle of life," from growth to rot and back to growth again.   Posted: 05/01/2022 14:15:56



Mitch Ross   Mitch Ross
Thanks Stephen!   Posted: 05/01/2022 15:23:23



Terry Walters   Terry Walters
Sorry Mitch but this does nothing for me :(

Stephen has already said mono works because from your crop its about texture and shape, not the actual subject, but I can't see what you were trying to say unless it's about the face that's on it's side?

The original image has a lead in with the water's edge but it doesn't take you anywhere? All I can suggest is to invert and crop to get an 'arty' landscape.

  Posted: 05/03/2022 10:39:04
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Mitch Ross   Mitch Ross
Thanks Terry, appreciate your observations   Posted: 05/03/2022 20:10:47



Jim Hagan   Jim Hagan
A very interesting image but to me the arch is centered in the exact center of the photo. Let me suggest that by cropping some off the right side and also from the bottom the image has more interest and better eye movement. I also reduced the contrast by lightning the dark shadow areas.   Posted: 05/06/2022 13:47:48
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Brenda Fishbaugh   Brenda Fishbaugh
I have to say this didn't do much for me the first couple of times I saw your b/w version. However, I'm happy to say, its growing on me! And it really clicked when I saw Jim's version with less contrast, as it seemed a big too stark to me. And I do like Jim's crop, as my eye really does "like" it better. Good on you, Mitch, to try something new!
  Posted: 05/08/2022 19:42:09



Brenda Fishbaugh   Brenda Fishbaugh
I have to say this didn't do much for me the first couple of times I saw your b/w version. However, I'm happy to say, its growing on me! And it really clicked when I saw Jim's version with less contrast, as it seemed a big too stark to me. And I do like Jim's crop, as my eye really does "like" it better. Good on you, Mitch, to try something new!
  Posted: 05/08/2022 19:42:11



 
Love this shot Mitch! I have a lake near my home with similar weeds along the shores. I love the textures and how you've featured the whirling weeds.
I felt that the composition was quite tight. I have another version, that allows a wider view. What do you think?   Posted: 05/17/2022 06:21:53
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This is a really artistic rendering Helen. It creates a whole different mood.   Posted: 05/22/2022 09:41:09



Mitch Ross   Mitch Ross
Thanks all - appreciate the feedback and suggestions - I do think it is more appealing with with reduced contrast and a less aggressive crop. Great to have 6 extra sets of eyes on my work!   Posted: 05/18/2022 08:02:19



 
Coming at this one a little late... my first reaction was also a little bit underwhelmed but I do like the abstraction of it and that circular shape seems a key motif.

I think this image has a lot of room for creative experimentation. Here's an unconventional crop which brings out some of the shapes in the reflection in a different way.

Reminds me of a muppet.   Posted: 05/22/2022 09:40:22
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Brenda Fishbaugh   Brenda Fishbaugh
A Muppet! Lots of fun! Thanks for the twist, Jason!   Posted: 05/22/2022 11:38:27



Mitch Ross   Mitch Ross
Jason- I LOVE it - thank you!   Posted: 05/23/2022 03:52:43



Sunil Mehta   Sunil Mehta
Mitch,
I liked this, mono ver looks really good.   Posted: 05/30/2022 21:07:23