Beargrass Field

[Steve (FloppyDog)]

This is a photo from this past June when I was shooting an area near Mt. Saint Helens. While hiking above a series of lava tubes I happened across a clearing that was full of beargrass. It was pretty cool and was like one minute you're walking through densely wooded trails, then suddenly it opens up to this big area.

I've been to a lot of places where beargrass likes to grow, but I've never seen so many all in one place.

I shot several frames with a 20mm lens at different angles, but never really came up with a photo that truly reflected what I wanted to show. I really wanted to put emphasis on the width and depth of this area. I also wanted to emphasize the great numbers of beargrass growing here.

This photo is the one of the series I liked the most, though it doesn't really do much. Maybe I should have shot at a lower angle, showing the nearest beargrass larger in the foreground? Any and all thoughts on this however good or bad would be greatly appreciated.

[john101477]

Hey Steve, first to post to the hardcore critique huh? I wasn't brave enough lol.
First let me say that the area looks beautiful, and I probably would have taken the shot just as you did here. But what I seem to have been getting dinged on lately has been my focus points. Maybe shooting from lower down and focusing closer in might have done the trick. It may have also added a mystical look to the trees and fog in the background.

[OrcaBob]

Pretty much what John said.

The shot works as is, but it may have been a bit more dramatic if shot lower to the ground, with a few blossoms featured. HOWEVER, the sloping, uneven terrain may have made that shot less effective. If you shot lower to the ground, it's hard to say what other features may have disappeared. The treeline may have been less prominent and that's a key element to the image.

[jimhobson]

I can't seem to find the main element of the picture. The Beargrass is all over and is more of a supporting element as is the tree line. My eye is attracted to the beargrass in the foreground and is then pulled all over by the grass and out of the left and right side of the picture. Maybe a different angle, causing a small group up close and in focus to be the main point and the other grass out of focus as supporting elements.
No offense intended.

[NCPhotoTrekker]

I think that Jim hit the nail on the head with his post. As I was looking there was no clear anchor for the picture. I know that you are wanting to capture the beargrass, and you have. However, its like shooting an open field of wildflowers. There is nothing for the eyes to really rest on.

My suggestion would have been to search for a composition where there was a fallen tree, or large limb. Possibly a rock might have worked. With that element in place you could then use your wide angle lens to make it very dominant in the picture by getting close to it. The beargrass would then work to provide visual interest in the rest of the scene and something to keep the attention of the eyes.

You intention of showing the scope of the scene is a good idea, and for that the wide angle lens is your best bet. It has been said that a wide angle lens will produce two types of images...dramatic or flat. Because of its perspective, the distant horizon will not be strong enough to carry the image. If there is nothing close to the camera, there is nothing to catch the eye.

If you can't make the wide angle work to your satisfaction, get a longer lens. Go to something like a 24-70mm f/2.8 and get in close (almost macro, but not quite). You will fill a good section of the frame with a bloom and focus on that. Using a very narrow aperture, have the rest of the field in decreasing focus until it fades into the horizon with a moderately soft focus. You will have the drama you are seaking, as well as the depth and scope due to the depth of field.

Finally, the sky is doing you no favors in this shot. Cloudy might be a great time to shoot this, in which case, try using a grad ND filter to bring some detail back in the clouds and to keep the trees from being so overexposed. A better time would be sunrise or sunset with the ND grad to introduce a lot of color in the sky while keeping the field properly exposed.

[Steve (FloppyDog)]

Excellent feedback from everyone, very appreciated and well taken.

I definately agree the subject really isn't clear which is a good point made by several, and seems to be the main issue with this photo. I struggled with the framing because of the downward slope of the hill. When I look at it in the posting, the color also seems a bit warmer than it should be. (?)

This is what the Hardcore Critique is all about, improving one's photography through straight talk. Personally, I plan to use this board more than any of the others. So, get used to seeing my photos here.

I used to assist for a photographer who would love this forum. He was VERY honest and straightfoward when it came to the critique. But at the same time, there was always an element of encouragement with every word. Such a person quickly warrants respect, as this is a difficult thing to do. I learned more from this guy in a weekend than in a year of shooting reading books. He once told me, "never apologize for your photography, let it speak for itself and stand on it's own".

Okay, enough of my crazed, mouth-foaming soap box rants.

Keep the critique's coming if you have more!