Hydra + Repost

Image Critiques Flora Critiques
1

Hydra-Stack-2-2024-06-15-07-29-31-(B,R8,S4)
Hydra-Stack-2-2024-06-15-07-29-31-(B,R8,S4)2000×1500 1.9 MB

For Dennis. 15 shot stack plus I got a party crasher. Should I make it go away?

Hydra-23034-A7R3XL.jpg
Hydra-23034-A7R3XL.jpg2000×1500 1.29 MB

Hydra-stack-2024-06-13-07-49-26-(B,R8,S4).jpg
Hydra-stack-2024-06-13-07-49-26-(B,R8,S4).jpg2000×1500 1.81 MB

11 shot stack

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

These are top down shots of the Stand Up Guy. It immediately reminded me of the mythical Hydra with all of it’s heads sticking out with mouths open. Fortunately for me I indulged myself with a tall RRS tripod several years ago that can extend to over 7 feet. (I’m 6’4") I had to get up on a stool to get over the viewfinder but I think the effort was worth it. On the first image I used selective focus on the nearest blossom and settled for the f8 version. On the stack there was just enough of a zephyr that it was tough and there are some OOf areas but I don’t see any major artifacts.

Specific Feedback

Do you have a strong preference for either iteration? I might post the f22 version but I didn’t like the BG as well.

Technical Details

Sony A7rIII
Sony FE 70-200 f2.8 GM-II @ 194mm
ISO 400, 1/50 @ f8

Image 2 11 shot stack in Helicon focus.

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1 Like
2

A very interesting take on this plant, Bill. I really like the idea and the in-focus parts of both images, but the out of focus parts of the plant aren’t really working for my taste in either version. The sad part is, I really can’t think of any way to approach to eliminate that problem unless you do a stack that puts the whole darn thing in focus. One question: were you still using f/8 for the stack? I’m wondering if stopping down a bit more would give a more gradual transition to the out of focus area that might help. I’ve also heard of people changing the aperture on just the bottom slice and using that as the background.

3

Wow!! What a wonderful idea, and well done! I love both! As much as I’m into stacking and pixel-peeping, The single shot stack has a lovely softness. It would be interesting to just stack the first few frames for comparison.

In the second image, the remaining OOF areas feel natural and provide ssome cradling for the sharp details.

Gorgeous light and colors, wonderful composition and a beautiful BG!!