The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic + Technical
About This Image
I was cleaning up at our county fairgrounds in preparation for the fair in a few weeks and ran across this leaf that I had to take home to photograph. Images were shot in my bathroom “studio” where there’s a skylight. Background was a black t-shirt and the leaf was held with an alligator clamp setup.
Feedback Requested
I’m interested in whether these images speak to you at all and, if so, which one feels more powerful. If anyone has suggestions for improvement, I’d be delighted to hear them.
Technical Details
Image 1
Camera: SONY ILCE-7RM5
Lens: FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II
Focal length: 100mm
Shutter speed: 1/125s
Aperture: f/8
ISO: 2500
Image 2
Camera: SONY ILCE-7RM5
Lens: FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II
Focal length: 84mm
Shutter speed: 1/320s
Aperture: f/8
ISO: 640
Both images are 70 image stacks in Helicon Focus. I used the Auto focus bracketing feature in the camera and set the minimum distance using manual focus with focus peaking turned on. Camera was on a tripod with cable release.
Wow, Dennis, this is a really neat subject and captured so well. I too am enjoying seeing all the fine membrane, and the black BG really makes it stand out. I like the composition and how both ends of the leaf are aimed at the corners of the image. I just can’t think of anything to improve it.
I love leaves like this! The first composition feels most natural and relaxed. Lovely sharp focus and great detail! The hint of color is just right. No suggestions!!
Dennis: What @Diane_Miller said! I’ve found a few skeletons like this and always try to do something with them. I do prefer the first and, while I can’t really say why, seeing the entire stem in the frame vs the stem exiting the frame works better for me. A great subject superbly captured. >=))>
These definitely speak to me about the tough structure that supports most plants. We sometimes think of them as fragile and basically inert, but they are far from that. The webbing is just jaw dropping and the detail well worth visiting. No wonder you took this home. The large tears, the injured stem and the strong supports all tell the story of breakdown, decay and a return to the earth to be used again. I don’t know that I could have shot this as well as you have. Bravo.
Kris_Smith
(Kristen M Smith)
selected this as an Editor's Pick
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