Please share your immediate response to the image before reading the photographer’s intent (obscured text below) or other comments. The photographer seeks a genuinely unbiased first impression.
Questions to guide your feedback
Does the image convey depth through the shading and texture? Does it work in B&W?
Other Information
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It certainly works in B&W, David and yes, the shading does convey depth very well. One minor thing that sticks out to me is the light area around one of the petals. It just doesn’t seem to fit the tonality of the rest of the image:
Another terrific shot! Other than the high-contrast area Dennis pointed out, I have to say I like this one a bit more than the first one. It feels more distinctive to me. The curling petals have more presence and definition; as if you used an external light source for modeling, so yes, there is definitely depth here. It reminds me of the way Van Gogh painted flower close ups in the sense that there is implied movement and loads of texture.
This looks like something you might find on a Corel Reef with the water currents influencing the sense of motion (at least to me).
The texture is awesome and to me it looks more like a charcoal drawing and I mean that in the best possible way!
So, my initial reaction is one of artistic motion and life.
I like how the smaller tubes or curled shapes are concentrated in the LLC with the more mature petals flowing freely in the rest of the scene.
I thought about the brighter area around the petal in the ULC area as a minor distraction, then I saw Dennis’s comment and where he drew the red circle so I agree, maybe doing a tad bit of cloning there would take care of that and, maybe while you’re at it, burn that small spot in the middle of the cluster in the LLC? (if you agree).
Your experience in processing B&W is truly admirable!
@Dennis_Plank, @Kris_Smith, and @Merv thank you for the kind comments and suggestions. Sorry, I have been hip deep in another photo project so just now getting back here.
I agree with the corrections suggested and have posted an update above.
Another beautiful Dahlia shot! I initially thought of a charcoal drawing, as Merv suggested. I really like this comp with all the pedals pointing to the URC. The B&W conversion is very well done. The repost is excellent!
That brightly lit spot pointed out by Dennis is nothing more than part of the folded petal. I don’t really see it as an issue and it could be burned in slightly if so desired. Comp is nice and there’s enough contrast in the BW to hold the eyes’ interest. Well done…Jim
