Cactus Crowns - Rotated

Image Critiques Flora Critiques
1

HuntingtonDesertFlameRotate
HuntingtonDesertFlameRotate2000×1442 1.01 MB

HuntingtonBarrelBouquets.jpg
HuntingtonBarrelBouquets.jpg2000×1411 1000 KB

HuntingtonDesertFlame.jpg
HuntingtonDesertFlame.jpg2000×1393 978 KB

Crown of Fire

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

These were from our favorite botanic garden’s cactus acres a couple months back. I wasn’t sure which one to post first or second here. I like the lacy effect of the petals, pistils and stamens in the first, and the flame effect of the petals in the second one.

Specific Feedback

Not sure about the somewhat busy BGs in both of these. Lightened flowers and darkened BGs a bit to bring more focus to the flowers. Six degree rotation applied to second image and reposted as new first.

Technical Details

  1. Canon 7DMii, f16, 1/1250 sec, iso 200, -1.7 EV, 100-400/1.4 TC, 318 mm.
  2. 7DMii, f20, 1/640 sec, iso 200, -1.7 EV, 420 mm.

Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
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2

Ed: More great cacti work from you! If I was picking a nit I might like a tiny bit more room for the first image but this still works great for me. I don’t find the BG distracting at all. :+1: :+1:>=))>

3

I like both of these, Ed. As you noted the lacy effect of the first one is really nice. I like the way the color in the second seems to be echoed a bit in the out of focus background cactus. In the second, I do feel it could use just a bit of counterclockwise rotation.

4

Thank you @Bill_Fach. I think I actually have more room that I cropped out on the first one. I think I can go back to the original RAW file and see if I can work on this again.

5

Thank you @Dennis_Plank, I agree with you on the rotation issue. I think the second one was pretty much full frame and I may not have the crop room to rotate it too much. I took several of this set of cactus flowers, so I may have one with more room to work with.

6

I don’t think it needs much rotatation, Ed, maybe 5 degrees or so.

1 Like
7

Wonderful closeup work on these colorful cacti, Ed. The yellow / orange group is excellent. … :sunglasses:

8

Thank you for your kind comments @Paul_Breitkreuz. How did your annual trek to Joshua Tree go for you and your brother this year?

9

Nice job on the rotated version, Ed.

1 Like
10

You’re welcome, Ed…sorry for the confusion on the trip to J-tree. We usually hit there once a week depending upon my brothers consulting business schedules… :cowboy_hat_face:

11

Even better! Thats great Paul. You must live pretty close.

12

One of the things I love about that first image, Ed, is the subtle pop of yellow at the top right of the frame- I imagine that is probably another cluster of flowers in the background, but to me, it almost looks like sunlight coming into the frame. What beautiful flowers, I love the color harmony of the gold and dark orange!

13

@beth_young thank you for you kind remarks. Sorry I’m so late responding. I’m on a road trip for 24 days. Right now in Jasper, AB Canada. I think the lighter yellow/orange area in the BG is the top of another barrel cactus.

1 Like
14

stunning cactus images! The second Desert Flame, with a little more space, is especially captivating

15

Thanks a bunch @SandyR-B !