Hello guys,

In this photograph, I wanted to convey a fantastic or sci-fi mood, created by the texture of the yellow light pole and the wave dissipation block, both illuminated by cloudy, low light, creating a visual connection with the lonely seagull’s yellow beak.

I mainly adjusted the luminosity of the sky and the reflection on the seawater, while lowering the saturation except for the yellow-orange tones.

I’d love to discuss ideas on how to enhance the artistic mood of this photo to make it worthy of an award (hopefully)!

Thank you!

Sota welcome. I did take your image back into Photoshop so I could have a play with a few idea's - You say you want to enhance the artistic mood - Well I think I've gone over the top but here goes. I made your image look like night Dehaze +50 and Nik Tools Tonal contrast some dodge tool work on the yellows and sky. Shadows opened up a little, Topaz AI sharpen for that Pro look.

Dear Sota,

Thanks for submitting your photo to the critique forum.

I like your image, but indeed it requires some more power to draw the attention of the viewer. My friend Daniel, in his own words, took it "over the top". I took it to Photoshop AI and first added some area on the left side so the yellow columns and the bird are in the center and the proportions of the image, in my view, seem better. I went halfway between Daniel version and yours, which seems to me to work best.

Good luck.

Best regards 

Arnon Orbach Senior Critic

Hello, Sota. Well, now. I think you might have asked two contradictory questions.

If you want to be awarded in 1X.Com, then I think Daniel's advice is spot-on. 1X.Com seems to like hyped-up colours and really dramatic images. Look no further, I'd say - Daniel may-well have your answer (though it is still something of a lottery).

I do sometimes take the bright felt-tips but, more often, I prefer the pastles. I don't win awards on 1X.Com but I am content in my more subdued images and I really like yours, too. I also like the way not everything is in sharp focus - for example, the rocks behind are soft (as are the poles) - but that is the way in which our eyes see things. I do think that many young photographers are rebelling against the everything-crisp and bright type image - hence they like a more filmic look (and LPs, come to that!)

Where I think I might suggest a little sharpening is the bird. That is your prime subject - don't make it crispy (!) but it is also a tad soft.

I am not sure I take "Sci-Fi" nor fantasy from your image at all - this looks like a very typical seaside image from somewhere with installations - eg oil pipes - I frequently shoot in such a place (Fawley / Calshot, Hampshire, UK) so I am familiar with this type of sight. BUT I repeat, I really like your image. There is a YT landscape photographer (James Popsys) who specialises in photographing images where man and nature meet - this would suit him I think. (Though Mr Popsys almost always goes toward high-key, rather than low-key). His channel might be worth your following. (Link below).

Final thought: one can edit the same original in different ways - i.e. you could have both ways. Ok well, I hope something helps. Cheerio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9ki9ft3T3Y&t=3s

Guys, 

sorry for late reply!

Daniel, thank you for the impressive suggestions. I got totally a new imagination about my photo.

Arnon,  I realized that my composition lacks balance in visual weight in some ways.

Woad, I remember you told me about the "environmental portrait" concept few days ago, and yes, I think I like some moody, filimic picture.

However it's still worth it to follow some specific style that Daniel and Arnon suggested(which could be a major style in 1x.com).

I will show you my revision in few days, thank you!

Hi everyone,

Here’s my latest edit — I tried to "aufheben" the ideas you all shared with me

I’d love to hear what you think — does it work?

Some of the things I tried:

- cropped into 2:3 to balance

- Added blue into the shadows

- Dehazed most of the image, but left a bit of haze at the top for atmosphere to keep some mood

- Sharpened the bird to bring it out more

…and a few other tweaks here and there

I know I’m still far from matching your amazing edits, but I enjoyed trying a different look and would love any feedback or tips

Great attempt one small point I would like to see it a little sharper.

Sota,

I didn't comment on the original photo, but wanted to say that I think this newly edited version is much stronger.   

You've edited  bravely for the drama, and viewers will understand that the image is meant to be expressive rather than realistic.  The opposite colours of orange and blue,  the high constrast, and strong black shadows all contribute to the visual impact. 

Thank you for sharing the new version with us. 

. . . . . Steven, senior critic