Judge: Judy Alley
Reflections - Mirror, Mirror
Reflections 2 x Digital
. the act of reflecting, as in casting back a light or heat, mirroring, or giving back or showing an image
For ideas:
https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/11/50-beautiful-examples-of-reflections-photography/
https://www.thephotoargus.com/amazing-examples-of-reflection-photography/
Open
Set Subject
Good evening
Thank you for inviting me to assess your images. There seems to be an abundance of photography experience and skill amongst you and I have enjoyed your work very much.
I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of photography assessments and over the years I have personally learned so much from monthly club evaluation of everyone's images, as well as my own.
I have been a member of Waikato Photographic Society and Photographic Society of New Zealand [PSNZ] for about 14 years as an A-grade photographer, and an accredited PSNZ judge for about three or four years.
I use PSNZ guidelines when evaluating technique, composition, interpretation and presentation. I also look for the story you tell and the emotion it evokes.
It might be worth noting here that your nature images have not been evaluated as in a Nature category, they are all assessed as Open or Set subjects.
Thank you.
Judy Alley LPSNZ
Shot of the Month. Early Morning Stillness by Robin Mainprize
C Grade Set
About to Land
The rich blue and gold tones accentuate the textures and lines of the bird’s feathers beautifully. The shape it takes in motion adds another interesting aspect. I am ambivalent about whether bird and reflection should have equal space in the frame considering the Set subject is Reflection. Colour and exposure overall has been handled well in my opinion and the bird in flight is sharp with subtle movement at the top of the wing.
Merit
As above so below
The yellow line gives me the impression of the unhindered speed of a moving train; a long and direct perspective that takes me far into the distance to what might be a pale building near the left frame. Focus is generally soft and the shadows are dark with little detail visible, so the reflection suffers from this. A Shadows slider in Photoshop if you have access to it would make a noticeable difference I think. The repetition of dark triangular shapes of trees into the distance emphasises the linear perspective well.
Accepted
Float in a Vineyard Dam.
It is the soft lines of the float’s reflection created by the ripples on the water’s surface that draw my attention. The tones there are soft and warm. There also are interesting details around the base of the float where it sits in the water. It is often worth changing your position or focal lengths while taking static subjects, or even repositioning the subject within your composition later for a more interesting point of view. I like how the ripples placed in the foreground of your composition lead the eye up into the image.
Accepted
Focused.
The title combined with focus on those reflections of the surroundings in the glasses seems thoughtfully apt. The sunlight on the white of his beard distracts in my opinion because over-exposure there and in the hat has removed all detail. The face and glasses are sharp while the long curve of the hat above the curves of the glasses presents a suitably relaxed feeling as in ‘laid-back dude’. I note the additional curves of mouth and moustache.
Accepted
Mirror Image
The scene is reflected beautifully on the surface of the water, while the fog across the foothills adds shape and a hint of drama. Landscapes like this tend to suit a rectangular or panoramic frame in my view; the way we see landscapes generally. Taking a small piece of cardboard with you cut and held up as a frame can be inspirational in this respect. In this image, the square format tends to make me want to crop out the sky at the top. Perhaps you also could remove the blacks in the water on the left frame. The buildings sheltered near the water’s edge add interest to the narrative.
Merit
Paradise Duckling.
This little bird reminds me of a toddler just after his or her warm evening bath, so the fact that you have chosen a wet duckling with messy feathers obviously evokes emotion for me. The head and bill facing the camera provide a sense of engagement and the curved ripples offer motion on the water’s surface. The image is well exposed and sharp and the reflection leads me up into the image from the foreground.
Honours
Pied Stilt.
The long pink legs and long black bills of these birds seem to invite us to photograph them as they daintily raise their feet above the water at each step and poke and probe the mud in their search for food. In this image the legs are dark and there is no detail in the black feathers as though your camera has over-compensated for the light at the time. A low afternoon light might have been easier. Getting down low also might reduce some of the glare into the lens. While the reflection obviously suffers from that under exposure, the composition is good and I like the effect of the circular ripples of water around the bird.
Accepted
Reflecting on memories.
The sunglasses seem well placed across the top third of the composition and suitably sharper than the background, giving the reflections in them the prominence I think they deserve for the Set Subject. I note the background headstones align with the headstones reflected in the two lenses. I also appreciate the sharp focus where it’s needed and your choice of exposure for the time of day.
Merit
Reflection 1.
The yellow and golden tones are exposed well in my view and sit firmly across the central third of your composition. Unfortunately the Set subject reflection takes only the bottom third of the composition and in my view the line of trees and their reflection at the top compete for attention. The upper third might be a separate impressive image for another time perhaps. I appreciate why you would notice such striking colours in nature next to the water.
Accepted
Reflection 2.
The scene looks so still and tranquil; I would say you have effectively photographed quiet. The blue and white sky and the single tree in the reflection are good points of interest in my opinion. In fact the reflection is strong enough to crop that top tree perhaps, which also would place the distant waterline near the top thirds horizontal guideline. That distant waterline also gives a great sense of depth to the scene and it is the leading line of the trees’ against the sky in the reflection that takes me there.
Merit
River Rock Reflections.
The line of the water draws me through your image from the lower right, with a brief curve left and out to the right; a journey where the yellows feel ‘summery’ bright and yet suitably easy on the eye. While the rocks could be a little sharper, their reflections and the yellows there help lead me across the image.
I enjoy how relaxing it is and wonder if a panoramic aspect might make that lazy, warm feeling seem to last longer. The texture on the reflection also suggests the motion of a welcome light breeze.
Merit
Sunrise reflections.
Being here just before the sun rises above the horizon has provided a magnificent depth of colour out there, reflected in the ocean and on the wet sand. I believe you have handled the reflection’s colour gently where some might prefer stronger saturation of those warm tones and possibly a panoramic aspect to the composition. The silhouette is sharp and textures in the reflection and detail in the wet sand generally, exposed well.
Merit
The Retired Vessel.
You have used colour and composition well to create a powerful visual impact immediately with the bold blue, green and yellow tones vibrant and visually appealing together. The whitish tones and the yellow seem to add an artistic dimension to the reflection as though an artist has painted them on to a blue canvas and the darker area across the top helps confine attention to the lower two thirds. The angle of the vessel showing the stern from this perspective gives extra depth too and detail in the shadow.
Honours
The Saltworks.
The Saltworks (is that the Saltworks on the left?) seem insignificant compared with the magnificent panorama of the sky and hills reflected so clearly. Could the title be misleading and detail on the left cropped out of the image? The water surface is like glass and the blues and whites of the sky incredibly clear. I would like to suggest stronger tonal contrast and maybe darker shadows, for the hills above in particular to give them increased depth and form. The image overall feels cool, clear and crisp.
Accepted
C Grade Open
Kotuku in Flight
The span of the kotuku's wings and the graceful line it takes through your composition from the claws of its feet to the beak is immediately captivating for me. The eye is in shadow and yet the yellow defines it and there is some detail in shadows generally. While there is very slight chromatic aberration along the ends of the upper wing feathers which might be the result of sharpening perhaps, exposing white tones is not simple at the best of times so I am impressed by the clarity of the textures of the feathers of a bird that is in flight.
Honours
Lift-off.
I am reminded of the lift of a high-board diver, the grace of a ballet dancer and the stare of concentration. While the wing motion is well captured, I can only imagine what has caused the motion in the background; for me it’s an overly strong visual contrast. The sharp focus and warm tones of the bird and the detritus appearing to curve around the reflection are outstanding strong points in this image - and I love your timing. (This image also would suit the Set Subject category).
Merit
White faced heron hunting for breakfast.
Connection with such a bird feels special and it is only after studying its features more closely that I notice something in its bill which, for me, is an important part of your story. I think the white on the head above that distracted me from it. You might like to lighten the area where the food is. In my opinion you have done well to capture the bird and all its fabulous feathers from head to toe while it has food in its bill.
Merit
B Grade Set
Foggy Morning at Portage
The light on the posts and even on the outcrop of land beyond softens the scene and gives a hint of form in the distant shadows. In my view the posts should draw the eye into the image from the nearest to the
most distant. For me the four seem as a single, edited, compositional element with little suggestion of reflections. The green tones on top of the posts suggest soft, mossy textures and I feels as though I can smell the wintry damp air out here on this foggy morning.
Accepted
Drinking Wasp.
I like the compositional aspect of that long, strong curve across the frame with the subject clearly perched on its edge. Where the yellow meets the curve suggests some heavy editing which strongly detracts from everything else for me. The depth of yellow also competes with the wasp and reflection. Its wings and body parts are clearly visible though and I believe the minimalistic composition is strong.
Accepted
Early Morning Stillness.
As I look across the water’s glassy surface to the large, solid structure opposite with its sail frames reaching high in the air and low in the water I am thinking how grand it looks and how the point where it sits in the composition emphasises that grandeur. Even the greenery in the bottom right contributes to what I see as skillful visual balance throughout and all the important leading lines, whether sky or water, take me to the windmill and its awesome reflection.
Honours
Kaleidoscope of Reflections.
‘Two or more reflecting surfaces tilted to each other at an angle’ seems to be the general consensus of opinion about what a kaleidoscope is, so as I study the windmill and its reflection and the reflection of two sides of a bridge opening opposite each other, I admire your title very much because I believe it directs me to what you want me to see. The warm monochromatic tones bring to mind ‘vintage’ which seems to suit the scene well and while the many lines of the bridge and its reflection might engage a mind more technical than mine for longer, I struggle with its visual complexity in this particular scene. The framing feels tight. The composition however seems well exposed and the details sharp.
Merit
Reflections of Sound.
Focus on the disks is sharp and the reflected colours especially vibrant and clean on the black background. While the composition reminds me of those fabulous entertainment awards hung on walls, for our creative purposes may I suggest rotating the disks as one, to place them on a diagonal line within the frame? Probably top left down to bottom right? The disks within those straight edges then could seem to recede or advance depending how close to the edges each curve is.
Merit
B Grade Open
A new day dawns.
As photographers we all might be ‘looking for the light’ and I think you have found it and captured it clearly on the warm hues, sharp lines, shapes and textures of the containers. Your sharp focus was imperative to the success of the image in my opinion. The depth and warmth of the yellow sits well with the depth of blue, and the various weights of shadow give shape and form. The container shapes combined with the shadows, then give depth to the whole composition. You have filled the frame well.
Honours
Adjusting Sunnies.
This young lady seems on top of her world; seemingly confident and recently face-painted. You have provided a positive and uplifting record of a young person of our time dressed for summer. For the title you have chosen I would suggest cropping just above the bottom of the shorts to hone in more towards those ‘sunnies’. The shallow depth of field blurring the background suits the image which I would say is clear and exposed well. Some might prefer all those vertical lines to be straight up; I like them as they are, reflecting the less than balanced feeling that must come with being a young person today.
Accepted
Australian Eastern Water Dragon.
This strikes me as a powerful close-up and an engaging stare. The warm tones of the background which is suitably blurred could be darker around the frame perhaps, especially the two or three bright areas top left and the lightest surface across the bottom. More space on the left also would not take anything away from the initial power of the close-up. The tones and texture of the lizard are particularly clear, even in shadow.
Merit
Behind the Curtain.
The fabulous interplay of light and shade across the wall on the right defines its unique textures. I note that it takes up nearly a third of your composition so the textures as well as the area, led me directly to this focal point. The brightest area down the left frame then draws me to the pillar opposite; I would prefer there was nothing strong enough to distract from that Behind the Curtain title. Light generally, plus texture, focus, lines and shape have been handled skillfully.
Honours
Pelorus.
Exposing bright water reflections can be difficult and for me the brightest reflections here are distracting. Placing the subject across the width of the frame and on the top third are strong compositional choices. The arm on the left also is a good leading line to the head and face. While I regret that there are no eyes or even goggles visible, you have composed a challenging subject well.
Accepted
Stretch and Flex.
The young lady I described as on top of her world in the Sunnies image also is on top of this bench; still looking confident and obviously well balanced. I appreciate your depth of field focusing on her and blurring the background, as well as the exposure. There is much about this young lady’s personality that might be treated more creatively; perhaps by trying different lighting indoors near a window or researching the camera settings required for long exposure images of her moving. You’re ready, you can do it.
Accepted
The Optimist.
I smiled when I saw this. I have a dog. What more is there to say about the emotional aspect of your image? Without the ‘food-in-hand’ and the ‘stepping-out’ we would lose important points of the title’s narrative. Only what appears to be some cloning in the top left distracts from good exposure, contrast and focus; the Remove tool is easier and might have served you better. I also appreciate that you have made the decision to walk the couple almost out of the scene; in this case I think it is very apt.
Merit
A Grade Set
Alpine Evening
The concept of a mirror set in the foreground of any rugged landscape in the mountains is intriguing. The actual reflection is compelling. The mountain area beyond the shaded blue tones, the origin of the reflection, competes with the subject in my view, despite being of great interest in its own right and probably because of it. Perhaps those tones need to be darker and the top frame lowered. Maybe only a minimal amount of blue is needed at the top. You have captured the reflection so clearly.
Accepted
Ancient Egyptian Garden.
This colourful example of symmetry and light in separate areas in the pool has a striking effect. The pergolas down either side combined with their pastel blue reflections and the pale stonework gives the impression they are racing toward the structure opposite, while the reflected columns and steps, the curve of the bowl and maybe some lens compression slow the impression of speed considerably. In my opinion, great use of composition significantly enhances the effects of good colour and sharp focus.
Honours
Aurora Australis.
I have not experienced the southern lights in real life so your image does well to evoke the sense of wonder associated with seeing Nature in all its colourful splendour. The area of light on the right and the stars in the sky add an extra dimension. While the darkest area down the left seems to add little to the composition, the skillful inclusion of the leading lines of the land from both left and right could be emphasised perhaps. I believe the low form of the landscape clearly demonstrates the magnitude of the lights above.
Merit
Crazy Reflections.
Could Crazy Reflections, the title, refer to a happily crazy mood? Or insanely crazy? The colours are generally harmonious and the blues suggest the patterns float above a cool, calm base. The patterns below there seem to convey a happy mood and the powerful blacks on white also offer brief moments of relatively uplifting colour. Apart from the reddish and yellow horizontal line at the top, I believe the patterns crossing the left and the right frame in particular might be darkened considerably. Crazy Reflections for me is most effective whichever way I look at it. I would hang it and, with respect, I would refer to it then as Crazy Horse.
Merit
Gobbledegook.
The generally unintelligible black characters here are so important to what, for me, is a fascinating and intense composition. The dark, diagonal line below the word office appears to set the diagonal aspect for the patterns below it. The complementary teal-blue and orange provide good visual impact along the same diagonal. A slight vignette, especially across the bottom frame, would serve to hold in the palest, curvy patterns there and tone down the top left in my opinion. The reflected six or seven white patterns above the curves in the foreground provide tension in comparison and lead me back to the word office.
Merit
Golden Water Lily.
The vibrance of tones and highlights stand out like bright morning sunlight against the dark background. There are balancing triangular shapes to the flower and its reflection too. Unfortunately there is some overexposure in one or two of the lower petals of the lily and I am unsure why the leaves across the left frame are there. The deepest yellows in the centre of the flower are dominant and it is from here that I am led down into the beautifully delicate patterns of the reflection.
Accepted
Grove Arm Boatsheds.
I would love to be here. I spent time initially just absorbing the scene; from the boatsheds along the waterline to the dinghy in the water and up to the low cloud or fog touching the mountain. The green and blue of one of the sheds is particularly well placed to return to before I take in the scene yet again. The reflection has the same visual strengths softened by the light and the gentle ripples in the water. For me the image evokes feelings similar to those created by impressionistic paintings.
Honours
Ian.
Ian appears to be ‘a man on a mission’. The effect of the boat cutting through the water gives a speedy motion to the image and his forward leaning posture suggests determination. All of the near-horizontal lines contribute to the motion. Focus is sharp and the image is skillfully exposed with an option still to strengthen tonal contrasts if you choose to. I also note the extent of the depth of focus and the appealing light and shade of the trees in the background. Well done.
Honours
Last Day of Autumn.
The spread of hot autumn colours above the waterline and in front of the cooler greens is stunning, so the additional effect of the reflection below enhances that. The grey tones of the sky also reflect well and hold the reflection in across the lower frame. If I attempt to rest at just one position within the composition it seems to be in the grassed area between the second and third of five red trees because it is lighter. Would you consider darkening that spot and guiding the eye to, say, the second red tree above and below the waterline for a compositionally stronger focal point? Needless to say the image is well focused and well exposed. I believe you have handled the colours beautifully.
Merit
Pied Stilt.
The stilt’s rosy legs and body are sharp and the orange-red of the eye clearly visible. The textures and even the sheen on the feathers also are well exposed in both the blacks and whites. The actual bird is well captured in my opinion.
Accepted
Spring Reflections.
The reflected colour is a statement with immediate impact for me. Once over the intensity of it, I agree it magnifies the intricate patterns of reflections splendidly. Soft focus on the bird then seems inconsequential. The dark triangle top left, which I believe might be reduced in area a little by lowering the top frame, serves to balance the interesting compositional elements of diagonals and more solid vertical shadows.
Merit
Stone Stacks.
I enjoy being down here looking up at these amazing stacks of stone. Your lens brings them so near, your focus is extraordinarily sharp and exposure of the tones throughout seem as close to nature as one might expect. I feel as though I can breathe the air. These are just a few of the aspects that contribute to a stunning reflection. You have filled the frame with skill.
Honours
Te Pae Reflections.
This architecture is impressive and the shapes offering reflections integral to the effect. For the Set subject, the sign and the patterns across the top are not as important in my opinion so I would like to suggest cropping down and in from the top right corner until the sign is removed. Not only are there reflections of people and buildings in the wall of glass doors and windows, there also are blue sky reflections in the smaller glass above. I wonder if tonal contrasts or saturation should be stronger in both these areas. The perspective you have chosen seems to enhance the smooth curves of the length of the structure and the vertical lines provide an interesting visual tension.
Accepted
The Shiva Tree.
I assume this is a tree considered sacred in Hinduism such as Bilva or perhaps it is Ficus. The branches or trunks stand out well in the visually appealing depths of blues, greens and yellows on the water. While I appreciate the solid horizontal area of yellow and bright green grasses, there may be stronger ways of composing the image such as placing the waterline on the top horizontal third so the reflection takes precedence over everything else. The reflection is alluring in a way and has the look of oil paintings that I admire.
Merit
The Surfer.
Monochrome allows us to use light and shade to focus solely on what we feel are the essentials – in this case the surfer and board and the reflection in the wet sand. Nothing distracts me. The white pieces across the foreground merely have a nice balancing effect opposite the foamy waves top left; the extensive area of shadow across the lower frame not so much. I think the surfer and reflection only, could be sharper or the tones more contrasted for a stronger impact. I appreciate that you have retained good detail in those shadows.
Merit
Whio Look at Me.
The warm tones and reflections suggest a quiet, sunny space where the Whio can relax and preen. Freezing the splashes of water and capturing that angle of the bird’s head adds a dynamic aspect to the scene. Over exposure is particularly noticeable on the body feathers and bill. The very shallow depth of focus looks good where the land leads down to the bird and across the ripples, and the bokeh effect draws me from the foreground to reflections throughout the composition.
Merit
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