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Ian Cameron | all galleries >> Transient Light >> Scotland. > Torridon Dreaming
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Ian Cameron

Torridon Dreaming

Torridon, Wester Ross, Scotland.

Although the rest of the day had already proved fruitful this is most assuredly the piece de resistance. A furious little squall had blown in across the Torridons plastering a little more snow on the peaks and then just as suddenly cleared allowing the setting sun to scythe peach coloured light across the loch below glowering clouds. It was beyond stunning and I felt most fortunate to be alone in this sublime setting recording a perfect end to a superb day.

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Pentax 67 II ,55-100 zoom,Fujichrome Velvia
0.45ND grad + 4 stop ND filter, f/22 at 20 sec's full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
Zane Paxton10-Sep-2008 00:16
It's always good to challenge conventions. I always liked what one of the master photographers Wynn Bullock said "Rules are meant to be used, but not believed in".

Here's the post:

Hi Ian,

Although on the whole it is composed of gorgeous components, my eye is nailed to the hot spots on the left. As a compositional guideline, I'd suggest that our eyes are drawn to the following in about this order:

1. Areas of greatest brightness
2. Areas of highest contrast
3. Areas of strong & enticing color

(Try this. Close your eyes for a moment, then study what you see first, second, etc.).

Then the exquisite question becomes, does that support/enhance the intended composition/visual story/meaning?

I'd suggest that in such scenes, perhaps the most interesting aspect is the reflections. To stick my neck out I'd go so far as to say that reflections are even a tad more interesting than the actual objects that cast the reflections. (A subtle distinction for sure, but useful).

So in order of sequence I see the hot spots, the spit of land (contrasty edge) then the colors then the reflection 4th. The reason I say that is the reflection I think wants to be the primary subject, but the composition makes it a minor part of the image. Also there is some visual tension/dynamic nature in the image of what is apparently a serene scene; which is a contradiction that either supports or gets at odds with the intention of the image. Or one says that the tension was intentional.

Also as I may have commented on this before, the scene is one of vast grandeur and perhaps the most handy visual metaphor for that is a more encompassing view that reinforces that aspect. The 5x4 proportion of the frame in itself creates a tension when it is at odds with the panoramically wide scene.

I do think that great sense of light is one of the main aspects that makes for a great image.

Just some thoughts as I enjoy your wonderful and provocative images.

Cheers
McGarva09-Sep-2008 19:15
Stunning image with excellant lighting and colours ... V
Fred Parsons09-Sep-2008 19:15
While I understand your position explained to Zane and I did not see his comments - I can guess what they might be and the composition did bother me to the point that this image did not raise to the level of most of your work.
kingshill09-Sep-2008 10:41
Excellent image, gorgeous tones.
Guest 09-Sep-2008 05:53
Great picture, I like the composition and light very much!V
Ian Cameron08-Sep-2008 23:12
Hi Zane while I agree with your assertions in terms of composition, I still maintain that the quality of light usurps all, making both composition and subject matter subservient. Whilst it doesn't make them irrelevant, it does mean that I can afford to be a bit more adventurous, even daring with composition. A landscape with a bright area at the edge of a picture does indeed draw the eyes towards it, but when the light source at the edge is so strong as to be uncomfortable, then the converse is true, you look away from it to protect your eyes.. seeking solace in the gently lit central and right hand side of the picture and therby guiding the viewer where you wish them to linger. I strongly believe the message of clearing storm would have been lost without the source of the light, but encompassing all of it would have generated significant flare and ruined its delicate quality. The probable result will cause those viewing it to fall into one of two camps love it or loath it, better perhaps than the silent death of mediocrity.
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