Mangrove Roots

[Marko]

This is not my normal thing but please critique - many thanks

[Barefoot]

I don’t know, Marko. I like it, but it almost seems as if one element is competing with the other. I know the line separating the ripples in the water from the growth of mangrove doesn’t fall exactly in the center of the image; however it might be more appealing if there was less of one or the other.

I’ve looked at it for a few minutes, and then left it to come back and view it again a little while later. In fact, I’ve done that several times since you posted it. It is the kind of image I like and I hope you don’t mind that I took the liberty of downloading it and that I cropped some of the mangrove out to help me enjoy it more. That did seem to help improve it in my eye.

I just know there's a great big 'ol Snook in there somewhere.

[Joshua Hakin]

totally awesome display of lines!!!
All I would say is: go back and try one without direct sun, overcast! I dont know if it would lower the impact or not... I'm just curious to see what difference it would make.
But the sun adds strong contrast, which is what this is all about: contrast and line!
I love it though!

[Barefoot]

Help us out here Marko ‘cause I think JH is on to something. What time of day was the shot made?

All I know is that I keep coming back to gaze at it.

[Mad Aussie]

Am I right in saying that the reflection is photoshop 'enhanced?' It looks to be an unnatural ripple effect to me.
If (big 'IF') I'm right then I'd suggest a lot more blur in the reflection to create more of a smoother colour treat and not such a busy foreground. That would appeal more to me at least anyhow.
If it's a natural reflection then I like it just for the weird effect it has created and you've captured.

The time of day appears to be when the sun was high which probably helped create the reflections but sure did create a lot of contrast and shadow didn't it!

In the end though, this isn't a photo I find appealing. It appears to me to be too busy and doesn't leave me certain what the real subject is. Perhaps it's everything? Perhaps just the reflections themselves?

[Marko]

Thanks for the comments! This was taken at about 1pm when the sun was really strong. It was taken in Cuba so i can't go back for a reshoot unless I win some cash.

It's a straight shot except for dodging and burning and some sharpening. The reflection is 100% natural and was the reason the shot caught my eye.
Trust me, I too wished the sun was less harsh - but sometimes ya gotta shoot it or lose it.

thx all
Marko

[AcadieLibre]

Interesting, I would play with it Lightroom a bit, maybe underexpose it bit, add a touch of black boost and play with the shadows, highlights and such, although none if it might make it any better lol, but I would try and just kill the sun a bit.