# Backlit Sporophytes **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** weekly-challenge, macro-close-up\ **Created:** [March 17, 2026, 5:14pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/backlit-sporophytes/50150 "2026-03-17T17:14:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mark\_Seaver](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/mark_seaver/32/231_2.png) [@Mark\_Seaver](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Mark_Seaver)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2026, 5:14pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/backlit-sporophytes/50150/1 "2026-03-17T17:14:12Z")
![Backlit Sporophytes.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/7/6/7606ca56b5e198c47d2a93e970d8a05502fda40a.jpeg) > **Critique Style Requested:** _Standard_ > > The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image. ### Description I noticed these moss sporophytes last Sunday, but the lighting wasn’t “right”. Finally, today, I got the light I wanted. (How nice to find these in my water feature, ~30 feet from the backdoor.) ### Specific Feedback Stacked to get all of these young sporophytes sharp against the dark background. They will flip upright as they mature. ### Technical Details R5, 180mm macro, 1/125 s, f/13, is0 1600, tripod. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Hook](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/gary_hook/32/84627_2.png) [@Gary\_Hook](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Gary_Hook)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2026, 5:33pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/backlit-sporophytes/50150/2 "2026-03-17T17:33:21Z")
Awesome find! My eye enjoys the organization of the green leaves, especially the one by itself. What I find is that I keep looking at the yellow things on the left. I would suggest taming that color a bit (highlights, lower contrast, a smidge of anti-clarity) to settle it down. This would leave the leaves (what an awkward figure of speech) as the thing you want to look at. That said, lovely composition, and a fun find. Well seen! ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Gavin](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Jim\_Gavin](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Gavin)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2026, 6:32pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/backlit-sporophytes/50150/3 "2026-03-17T18:32:39Z")
It was well worth waiting for the right light. Initially, I was not sure of inclusion of the sporophyte in the lower right, but after further review, I think removing it would leave too much dead space. I like it as is. ---
**Author:** ![Dennis\_Plank](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dennis_plank/32/27033_2.png) [@Dennis\_Plank](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dennis_Plank)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2026, 4:00pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/backlit-sporophytes/50150/4 "2026-03-19T16:00:58Z")
This is very nice, Mark. I really like the backlit sporophytes and the composition is excellent.. Living in what is decidedly moss country, I’ve been hoping the rains would let up enough to get something new for this challenge. Rumor has it that I might sneak something in tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![madd\_laura](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/madd_laura/32/83885_2.png) [@madd\_laura](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/madd_laura)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2026, 4:30am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/backlit-sporophytes/50150/5 "2026-03-21T04:30:55Z")
I really love the composition and lighting. They glow against the dark background like alien space pods:) Wonderful capture. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Freeman](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/shirley_freeman/32/11361_2.png) [@Shirley\_Freeman](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Shirley_Freeman)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/backlit-sporophytes/50150/6 "2026-03-22T17:41:48Z")
A real nice find, Mark. So glad that the light finally worked out for you. I like everything about it. Well done!