The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I’ve always am fascinated by dandelions, especially as they come apart. I like this one as the individual seeds are so clear and sharp. I wanted to pick it and blow it on its way - instead i photographed it.
Specific Feedback
I wonder if this image is too busy. I started to crop out a few of the different dandelions in their different stages then decided i like seeing different stages of the larger images that is slowly, or maybe not so slowly, coming apart. And i like the sharpness of the background rather then having it softened as that was how i saw it when i looked underfoot.
I like it, Taiyo. Not the classical “pretty” flower image, but it tells a story better than most of those do. The habitat is pretty clear here even to the lawnmower clipped grass leaves.
Taiyo: This is a worthy subject and I can see its attraction. I do think the scene is too busy BUT if you isolated the seed head I think it would be much more interesting. Owning the 100mm macro myself I know you can get a lot tighter to get a crop like this. If you have a 2xTC you can get a longer working distance and narrower field of view to control the BG better as well. Back to you. >=))>
Thanks Bill. I could have opened the lens more thus blurring the background. Not sure, at this point, about cropping it tighter as that would eliminate some of the seeds on the right which i like. I always struggle with what i want to focus to be: the seeds embedded in the dandelion head or the puffy (is that a name for the feathery end?) feathery ends. So i elected to photograph both. Thanks for your suggestions.
Dandelions are interesting when they start to lose their seeds and I know why you are attracted to that as a subject, but I don’t get that from this photo. There is just so much going on and all of it is on the same scale and so close to the subject that I don’t know what you want me to look at. Eliminating or reducing the effect of the bg here is not going to work because most of it is on the same focal plane as your subject. Next time see if there is one standing much taller above the grass and get the camera lower so you’re on the same level. Look at the background to make sure there aren’t hot spots, weird diagonals or other harsh lines that can detract from the seed head. Check for bits of grass or other dandelions poking into the frame on the edges. Focus right on the seeds where they connect to the base of the flower and pray for a break in the breeze! I think that would work a treat to not only show why you like this subject, but for us to understand why, too. Side or backlighting will also help show off the texture and delicacy of the seed head. Here’s an example -
Thanks Kristen for your detailed suggestions and i think you’re right on. It is hard to know, for sure, what i want viewers to look at - even i’m not sure what i want to look at and that is part of the difficulty i had with this image: i just wasn’t sure what i want to be the center of attention. Hopefully i can use you’re suggestions and clarify, in future images, what i want viewers to hone in on. Much thanks.
You are very welcome. I hoped it didn’t come across as too bossy. I’m trying to up my game with critique and this is one such attempt. Glad it landed well with you and I look forward to seeing what you do next.
