Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
California poppies in the moments between the sun hitting them and fully opening. I’ve always been a bit proud of this image because within seconds, they had unfurled and weren’t nearly as photogenic.
Specific Feedback
I’ve never been able to decide if I should tone down the highlights or if they add to the scene.
Technical Details
Didn’t record them - I think this is a scan from film
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Poppies are so difficult to photograph – they look wonderful in the sun and photograph so harshly. But they are only open in full sun – and usually wind. For me, the blown highlights are not contributing anything, but others may differ.
Try a diffusion screen (or wait for a passing cloud) to tame the contrast – it has an effect that you can’t begin to replicate in processing.
Seeing at this again in the thumbnail, I missed the obvious issue – from the BG grasses there is a too-warm color cast. I think it’s worth backing off the WB/Temp in the raw file – you might find the poppies stand out even more. A pretty strong movement with t e Shadows and Highlights sliders might tame things a bit too.
Thank you, Diane. I’ll have to hold off on a rework - we’re off to see some fall colors tomorrow, and our nephew’s wedding next week. I’ve made a note to see about it after we get back!
