Winner Chosen - December 2013 - Admin's choice - Image of the month

**Marko** · 01-07-2014, 03:01 PM

Hi members,

In case you are new around here this is where the Admin (me) chooses one excellent photo each month from all the photos nominated by other members during that month in the Member's monthly choice forum.

Just so it's clear, the photo I choose is not necessarily the best one of the month. I've come to realize it's not really logical to pit images from totally different genres against each other. That's why there are categories in photo contests.

My goal is to simply choose an excellent photo and talk about why I think it rocks.

This month, congrats to Iguanasan for capturing Solstice Fire.

I chose this image for several reasons:

1 - Exposure/ Post processing- I just love the exposure in this image and anyone who has ever shot into the sun knows that the exposure can be tricky. Foreground elements often turn into complete silhouettes and careful metering and/or exposure compensation is often required to avoid this pitfall. Iguanasan does a fine job in the overall exposure by capturing some gorgeous highlight detail in the clouds and in the water's reflection as well as hints of shadow detail. Due to the fact that the clouds held back some of the sky's exposure, the overall exposure as well as the post processing was likely made easier. That said, many photographers might have been tempted to go overboard on a scene like this post-processing wise, and to my eye Iguanasan showed excellent restraint. The post processing looks lovely and despite the dramatic colours, everything looks strikingly natural to my eye. In addition, the post processing is helping to guide my eye toward the focal point of the image and this is no coincidence. I'm also enjoying other details like the 2 rocks at midground left which were likely dodged.

2 - Composition - The composition here works well for my eye. I love the layering of snow/water/snow/boats/trees/tower/sky, it gives me lots to look at while bringing me toward the focal point. The focal point (sun shining through the structure), is awesomely and deliberately placed toward one of the vertical 'thirds' of the image and on a power point. No other parts of the sky (or other parts of the image) are as bright as the focal point so our eye is well anchored.

3 - Colour - The colours in the image are simply fabulous! The orangey sky mixed with the cooler tones in the clouds that match the tones in the snow make for an incredibly striking image and wonderful colour palette. This photograph sings.

For all these reasons, this is my choice for image of the month. Since we all have opinions, some members may disagree with my choice. That's cool but THIS thread is not the place for debate over my pick, NOR is it the place to further critique the image. The purpose here is to suggest strong elements in the photo that we may learn from.

Congrats again to Iguanasan for capturing the striking Solstice Fire!