Anticipation

Image Critiques Flora Critiques
1

Day later with rain drops and a 17 shot stack.

Anticipation-22024-09-11-21-53-28-(B,R8,S4)A7r3XL
Anticipation-22024-09-11-21-53-28-(B,R8,S4)A7r3XL2000×1334 2.84 MB

Anticipation-2024-09-10-09-35-55-(B,R8,S4)A7r3XL.jpg
Anticipation-2024-09-10-09-35-55-(B,R8,S4)A7r3XL.jpg2000×1387 2.82 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

We have had this barrel cactus for several years but this is the first year it has flowered. The life cycle is fascinating. It takes many weeks for the buds to grow and when they finally bloom the flowers only last a day. The spent bloom on the right has been in this stage for a couple weeks now. I’m planning on doing a series of images showing the progression from bud to bloom but wanted to show this group before they open. I suspect two or three will bloom within the next few days but I have to check each morning or risk missing the flowering.

Specific Feedback

I left the spent bud for context. I thought about removing it physically but it is still firm and I decided to leave it to a natural demise. Remove it in PS?

Technical Details

Sony A7rIII
Sony 70-200 f2.8 GM-II, 2xTC @ 180mm
ISO 400, 1/25 @ f11, 13 shot stack in Helicon Focus

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2

Bill, I like the spent bloom for contrast, and I’d leave it in. It also balances the buds.
Lovely grouping of these bright buds. They look as if they will all open very close to each other - so I’m looking forward to your next image of them! THEN, you might get rid of the spent one!
Nice comp, detail, and colours.

3

I never realized that the blooms only lasted one day. No wonder I’ve only ever been able to capture the buds. This is a nice grouping of buds and I like the spent bloom. It provides a nice contrast and adds to the story. Great details. I keep thinking that I’d like to see just a tiny bit more of the background on the right side. It kind of feels like the spent bloom is a little crowded. Just a thought.

4

I love the buds Bill. They look like luscious orange and pink strawberries. The spent blossom helps show the progression for these beautiful cactus flowers.

5

Reminds me irresistibly of a bird nest with eggs, Bill. Very well seen and photographed.

6

Wonderful!! The droplets are special but I prefer the lower contrast lighting on the second image. Can’t wait to see the flowers!!!