The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Sunny Side Up opened again yesterday so I decided to play around with some different lighting conditions and DOF. I used a diffuser to soften the direct sunlight and then let the sun shine fully. I like them all but am slightly partial to number 2. Your thoughts?
Specific Feedback
These are all single capture (making sure I don’t lose my touch) with the primary focus being on the center. In the diffused images I like seeing some of the supporting details that are masked by the shadows in the sunlit shots but for them I do like the play of light and shadow. The BG is another cactus but I made sure no flowers or color intruded.
Technical Details
Sony A7rIII
Sony FE 70-200 f2.8 GM-II, 2xTC @ 328mm
ISO 400
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Looks like you’re caught between a rock and a hard spot with this approach, Bill. I like the flower and patterns on the “leaves” to be nice and sharp, but to get there you end up with the background cactus on the right being too well focused. I think a stack or some blurring of the cactus in post are your best bet (or put something in front of the cactus). For my taste the images with the sharp shadow of the bloom don’t work well with the patterns on the leaves. Bottom line: number 2 is my favorite, but I could see doctoring the cactus in the background.
Bill, this is a nice way to see how the f-stops affect the DOF for someone who may be just learning. I agree with @Dennis_Plank that the cactus and shadow being in focus doesn’t work for me. This test shows that probably in situations like this stacking is probably the solution. I will have to remember that and try getting into the stacking for such cases as this. It a pretty flower and it does remind me of the sun.
Interesting comparisons! I prefer the top one for the softened detail on the back cactus. You could layer the top two and do some masking to hide the BG in #2. Might work well to boost saturation for yellows and reds to give the flower more of the pop the sun gave it. Gorgeous image!!
Great capture and lighting, Bill. I like how the different images show something a little different with the light and details. Number 2 is the favorite for me
