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thedrifterzaz ā An Early Morning Kayak
Published: 2010-04-24 19:23:32 +0000 UTC; Views: 899; Favourites: 26; Downloads: 0
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Taken in August, 2006 on Lake Pennesseewassee (Norway Lake) in Maine.Thank you for viewing
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Comments: 13
Well, since this is one of those pieces that I like, but on which I also see some concrete points that could maybe be improved, and you requested the critique - here it is e.deviantart.net/emoticons/s/sā¦ " width="15" height="15" alt="
First thing's first - the idea.
I know it's not the first photo of a lone man on a boat moving out into a beautiful waterscape, but it doesn't have to be. This is one of those works people hang on the wall not as food for thought but as something that will soothe and relax, and that - it does very well.
So, about those points that could need improvement. In this case both may or may not be true, but I think they're worth considering.
Firstly, I find the man in the boat a bit too soft (considering he's the main actor of the image), but when I see you already used f/16 60mm (ef.), I guess the focus was a bit behind him to still keep the details in the background? Maybe it was the best choice in the end.
Secondly, I have the feeling the horizon is tilted and falling to the right slightly. This might be because of the shape of the shore across, but maybe rotating the image CC for just a tiny little bit would fix this feeling.
Anyway, beside those two nitpicks, there is really nothing for me to complain about here. The weather conditions, the light, and your execution make this the most soothing of such photos that I have seen yet.
In other words, beautiful work e.deviantart.net/emoticons/s/sā¦ " width="15" height="15" alt="
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Thank you very much for the critique! This is probably my favorite thing about dA at the moment. I'll take a good critique any day over favorites and "good work" comments.
I think the fog may be altering the look of the horizon but I'll definitely check that out. Thank you for pointing that out. I see what you mean about the sharpness of the man. I'll try a little sharpening on him. I was definitely going for detail throughout because I thought the background was very interesting. I should have tried it again with the focus a bit more dead on the man.
Again thank you for your critique coupled with some very kind words!
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Glad to help, think I'm going to have to do it more often
About the horizon, I realized recently that it's not so much about whether it's actually straight or not, but whether it *feels* straight or not.
Sometimes conditions, such as this fog, or the shores that are in reality not straight but we assume should be, make us get the wrong impression and feel the horizon is tilted when it really is not, which results in a feeling that it's "wrong".
I guess it all comes down to the question - is the image balanced to look at? (maybe sometimes you'd even want to tilt it a little bit on purpose to achieve a subconscious effect, who knows 
Well, cheers, and keep up the good work
Daniel
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I should too.
I agree. The feel is definitely more important than the reality in most cases. A lot of it works on assumptions, as you mentioned.
Balance is always important to consider but, sometimes you want to manipulate the balance to create interest.
I try to! Cheers
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Mysterious and beautiful photo in the pristine surrounding.
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Beautiful shot! This is a very peaceful time of day to kayak!
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That's definitely very true. Glad you like it! Thank you
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Your work has been featured in my latest journal: [link]
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Thank you so much! You are very kind!
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You're very welcome.
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