The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Captured in a botanical garden early in the morning on a summer day, before the dew had evaporated. I used a 135 mm lens, in order to simplify the scene, and I used selective focus to emphasize the relationships between the flower buds and the petals of the flowers in full bloom. I previsualized the scene in black and white, because, so I thought, I could separate the red petals from the green background and create contrasts of luminosities that would enhance the forms and shapes of the petals. I have processed the image around the midtones, since they support the delicacy of the petals. Despite being so wordy about the image, I feel that there are features in this image that do not really work, though I cannot pinpoint these issues. I hope you can help.
Specific Feedback
Please see the above image description. Also: Does the image work for you? If not, why? Have I reduced the contrast too much? Do you have suggestions for post processing? Or suggestions for capturing such a scene?
Technical Details
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: Sigma 135 mm f1.8
Capture: 1/100 sec. at f3.5, ISO 64
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Leo: I like your thought processes and the overall execution of the exposure and conversion. With regard to the composition I find the right side OOF half competing with instead of complementing the sharply rendered flowers on the left. I do like your selective focus and DOF choice. My only other tiny nit is that I would like just a touch more room on the bottom for the lower petal.
BTW, sharing your thought processes regarding how you want to craft an image is very helpful and informative so thanks for that. Here’s a quick and dirty crop suggestion. In the field you might consider a portrait orientation vs the landscape to keep the emphasis more on the main subjects. >=))>
I think Bill’s version is a good start. It winnows down the subject to just a few representatives and simplifies the photo. Medium view shots that aren’t macro, but aren’t landscapes either are really difficult to pin down effectively unless the flowers are very uniform like Tulips.
Overall the image doesn’t work for me because it doesn’t have a center of attention or a through line that leads me from one area to another. There is just a mass of shapes and while recognizable and pleasing, there is just too darn many of them.
The contrast works for me because the light is even and there is enough contrast for it to not be washed out. Our eyes love contrast, but too much can be against what I think of as the main presentation which in this case is a field of soft, silky flowers.
In terms of processing, this looks good to me although I might do some border patrol for things the are cut off, sticking up or isolated.
These mid-range scenes are really difficult and if after hunting around for groups that are more isolated or harmonious, I often give up and just leave it as a memory rather than a photo. One thing that might help with isolation is to get lower and see if you can find a very blurry and uniform background for the flowers to stick up into. That sometimes works.
Glad you put this into the group. I especially like the raindrops (sprinkler drops?) - those are always a nice touch to convey freshness.
@Bill_Fach and @Kris_Smith , thank you so much for taking your time to communicate these ideas to me. They make a lot of sense and they really help me understand what I didn’t understand before about this image. I’ll definitely keep them in mind when I go back to this image and when I approach flora photography in the future. Thanks!
