Anything is Possable

Interesting effect. I like it.

Jim

the good
kick ass subject
pretty good exposure
good composition

the bad
too much contrast
printing needs more attention

fixes
the contrast needs to be lowered a hair (if printed with a 3 try a 2 or 21/2) the sky in the upper right could stand top be burned in and the lower half might benefit from a little less time.

This image could have used a touch more exposure and or a neutral density gradient (ND Grad) filter. It is easier to burn in detail from the highlights than it is to try and dodge detail out of the shadows. The sky might have blocked up with more exposure but lower half (and in this instance the more important part) could have used it. In a setting like this, flat horizon low sun, an ND Grad can make all the difference in the world.

Having said that, There isn't much more you could have done then you did. You captured the moment and that says a lot.

An ND GRad is a neutral grey filter that starts out dark and goes clear in the middle. It is built to darken bright sky so you can expose for the darker ground.

Oh wow. I'm such a bozo. I didn't realize that this was two negs... Oh well I guess about half of what i said remains.

Why? What were you trying to achieve here? Shock value? Experimentation? Cubism? To me this looks like a smudged print as opposed to a sandwiched negative. Stick to reality - it is easier.

I disagree whole heartedly on all points.
Nothing shocking about this image. It appeared to me to be an image of a wave breaking off camera. Experimentation is a great thing and this experiment has merit to my eye. Cubism -- not like the cubism I\'m familiar with and there is nothing wrong with cubism. Smudged -- nope. Looks like a pretty successful attempt.

Wow this critiquing thing isn't so bad. I can critique the images and the critiques...

You presume that I find cubism to be a negative thing. In your view photography might also be experimental, I respect that. I on the other hand do not find it to be so. It is a matter of taste. I always ask myself one question when looking at my or someone else\'s prints: would I hang it on my wall and why? It looks smudged to me.

I agree: love critiquing the critiques (of the critiques).

No i presume you aren't talking about cubism at all.

Forget the gimmicks until you have the basics down pat. I recommend getting a copy of The Zone VI Workshop by Fred Picker. If you follow the instruction in the book you'll be off to a good start.

check out J.D. Hayward,I believe he's got a site and has a book called "dramatic black and white photography" that you may find of interest

I actually think this is the most successful image you've posted. It's quite striking, catches interest and holds it. Regarding the on-the-wall test, I probably wouldn't, but that only my personal preference. Still a good image (at the risk of not giving a good critique).
BTW I think it's OK to experiment at ANY time. Helps find what you like. doesn't experimenting mean abandoning the basics occasionally?