Lily Haven

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
1

Lily-Haven-52265A7r3-25.jpg
Lily-Haven-52265A7r3-25.jpg1334×2000 1.6 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I had to get a haircut today and since the Lowe’s Water Gardens are right across the street from my barber I decided to kill two birds with one stone and indulge myself with a water lily and dragonfly hunt. The haircut turned out pretty well but the photo hunt was spectacular. I shot this just for the challenge but apart from the reflection I thought the lily was pretty special. >=))>

Specific Feedback

I wish there had been some light on the bottom of the flower. I could not get in a position where I might have been able to reflect some of the light on the underside of the flower but so it goes. Is the reflection too dark to be effective? Is it too much like a shadow instead?

Technical Details

Sony A7rIII
Sony FE 70-200 f2.8 GM-II, 2xTC @ 250mm
ISO 400, 1/80 @ f22

Critique Template

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1 Like
2

Hi Bill. I am not sure about the reflection being too dark. I am curious if this could go B&W.. Its an interesting Image… I really like the framing and the reflection itself. Very unigue !!!

3

Hi Bill! The lily is beautiful! Excellent detail and color, and I like the composition. The shadow is rather dark but I don’t think it takes away from the beautiful bloom.

4

Hi Bill,
This is quite nice. I am loving the details and the colors of that water lily. The darkness of the reflection does not bother me as I know that Longwood Gardens; where I occasionally visit for the lilies; adds black dye to their water. So I am used to seeing the reflections that dark. I also like the fact that the reflection did not merge with that pad. I hope you have some more to share.

5

I like the image and the great detail in the flower. I also think it may work in b&w and it may be worth a try.

6

Bill, I really like the mix of flower, leaf and dark shadow here. Being able to see more detail (and/or color) in the reflection would make this a very different image.

7

Bill, it sounds like you had a good time with your camera at the water gardens. Good to mix pleasure with business. The reflection is fine, not too dark for my taste. I also am used to the water being dark but I didn’t realize that they must be adding black dye to the water at the Botanical Gardens too. If I think of it I will ask the next time I go.