AustralianPhotography

Photographer: Nichola Shaw
Title: Solitude
Camera: Canon EOS 400D
Comment: Are you trying to make my job tough, Nicola? Here I am telling everyone to make pin-sharp images and you go and send this in. What can I say? I love it!

You say your intent was to, “focus on the overall surreal and almost ethereal essence of the moment, rather than a specific subject of interest that might distract attention from the mood of the photo”. We reckon the idea worked well for you.

You also mention that the image was shot from a canoe with an exposure of several seconds. You could have made a dash for dry land in order to set up the camera on a steady platform, or cranked up the ISO to 1600, but by opting for a slow shutter speed with a lower ISO you have created an impressionistic photograph.

Was there anything else you could have tried? One of your colleagues paddling through the mid foreground might be nice. They would not need to be sharp, just create an impression of a person interacting with the landscape.

You cranked up the White Balance to get the bluer effect in the picture, and it looks good, however you could have added just the slightest hint of warmth along the top of the horizon line. Next time shoot a frame in RAW mode so you can play with the tonalities in post-production. Aside from these observations, it is a great image and I hope you continue to pursue this style.