The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
One of the many things I hate about cold weather is that our Bird of Paradise are extremely intolerant to it. The only silver lining is that the frostbit leaves do produce some interesting patterns and colors. However, they won’t recover so Chrissy has to cut them back to the roots. The plants do regrow their leaves over the Spring and Summer but because all of their energy goes into the leaves they won’t flower. We’ve found that they have to be undisturbed for 2-3 years before they will flower. Every killing frost puts them back at square 1.
Specific Feedback
Starting to play around with the 2xTC aboard and so far I’m impressed. I have more from today’s shoot of different subjects that I’ll be posting in Flora in the coming days.
Technical Details
Sony A7rIII
Sony FE 100mm f2.8 GM Macro, 2xTC
ISO 800, 1/80 @ f22, 7 shot stack in Helicon Focus
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Vision and Purpose:
Conceptual:
Emotional Impact and Mood:
Composition:
Balance and Visual Weight:
Depth and Dimension:
Color:
Lighting:
Processing:
Technical:
Bill, I am sorry your Bird of Paradise didn’t make it through the cold weather, but you sure took your “lemons and made lemonade” out of the situation. I love the lighting on this which helps show the texture better. Only thing that I might suggest is toning down the lighting just a touch at the very TLC to keep the eye from drawing out of the frame. I know you have to be careful so that the lighting still looks natural if you try to do this. Very nice colors, lines and texture in this image. Very nice!
Spectacular detail in this image using the TC, Bill. I don’t think you’ll have to hesitate using it at all, when it’s called for. I love the composition of this image and the fine detail of the leaf structure is awesome. The only thing I can think of is possibly bringing the highlights down just a trifle in the upper left corner. Sounds like you need to build a portable hothouse for those plants for when you get those occasional freezes.
Bill, an outstanding image for color, textures, lines, and loops. Had me thinking some kind of wood or sandstone patterns here. I agree with the bright areas or highlights. Any kind of process to bring those down a bit might help take the glare away from the scene overall. Regardless, just processing change there and nothing more…a very fine image…
Bill, this is an excellent abstract. Good use of a natural downside. As I think about it as an abstract, I wonder about some mid-tone dodging along the right. That “might” even out the viewing across the frame. Your burning-in the upper left looks good. Certainly at NPN sizes, using your 2X shouldn’t degrade the resolution. I’m thoroughly enjoying seeing the cell structure in the top middle section.
Mark: I was excited when Sony announced this lens and all the preliminary reviews were universally positive but as I use it I almost think the accolades were understated. Sony’s optics have really gotten good and the 2x seems to have no discernible negative impact even at large image sizes. I suppose an optical engineer could see some degradation but normal human eyes, probably not. >=))>
Watch for a firmware update to your camera, Bill. I was at a presentation a few weeks ago and John Greengo was saying that if you turn on the internal lens correction on the camera, you should get even better results as the camera manufacturers incorporate corrections for their lenses. In your case with an older body, you’ll probably have to wait for an update. I don’t know if they’ll be able to improve on it, but you never know.
Very beautiful image, a wonderful combination of light, texture, pattern and color. There so much to look at in the image, it keeps your eye moving around and holds your interest, one of my top criteria for a great photo.
A beautiful abstract - maybe lighten the right side as Mark suggested, but the repost is still stunning. Could you not put a homemade plastic or glass frame over one or more of the plants to hopefully protect from the freeze and get flowers later down the line? Then you’ll have the best of both worlds, with the decayed leaves also.
I’m late to the party on this one, Bill. Fantastic abstract and I love the re-touch. It keeps it more grounded. That texture is amazing: it’s like tile work on the top half, a cinnamon swirl in the middle, and then very organic, fibrous on the bottom left third.
I could look at this on my wall every day and enjoy what it has to offer. I’m sorry the weather has been so hard on it. I can’t imagine what’s happening to all sorts of life in the south right now.
ML
We’ve found that they have to be undisturbed for 2-3 years before they will flower. Every killing frost puts them back at square 1.