Beggars Ticks (Bidens polylepis)

Image Critiques
1

Bidenspolylepis.jpg
Bidenspolylepis.jpg1334×2000 241 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

The backyard prairie has been in full bloom all Summer and I decided to photograph this particular plant in the studio. The flowers resemble black eyed Susans but are smaller in size. The central portion of the flower tends to absorb a lot of light and appears a uniform dark brown. The arrangement of these flowers begged for a photo and I could not resist.

Specific Feedback

I tried various stacks, but the flashes were not playing nice and each series contained over-exposed frames which were not suitable for stacking. So, I decide to go with a single exposure taken at f29. I like high key presentations because of the illustration -like results. How do you like this comp? I left it as a full frame shot, but can crop a little from the top if so desired.

Technical Details

z9 60mm f2.8 Micro (15 sec at f29, ISO 64 5 flashes ) Levels, Shadows & Highlights, Hue and Saturation, Paint bucket to equalize BG, Full Frame.

Critique Template

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Vision and Purpose:
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2

Jim: My western cultural mind likes this more if it’s flipped horizontally with the flow left to right but that is my only critique. The overall comp and the room at the top work well for me and your DOF management and lighting looks great. Well done. >=))>

3

@Bill_Fach has an interesting point about the flow but, for me, ascending from left to right is the way to go, so I like this as presented. It’s also an interesting example of breaking the old rule about odd numbers of items in a photo (yeah, there is that fifth bud, but I don’t think it counts for that purpose). That extra bud does add a very neat little element that I think adds a great deal to the image.

4

A top-notch botanical illustration! I could see a sliver off the top but I’m too busy enjoying the composition and detail to mention it!

6

I like the high key better in this one Jim, as the flowers and plant stand up well against it. I love the arrangement and how it flows into the scene. I could see just a tad off the top.