Morning Glory

Image Critiques Macro/Close-up Critiques
1

SRB01946 copy 3X copy2.jpg
SRB01946 copy 3X copy2.jpg2020×1616 1.7 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

The first thing I do in the morning is walk through our gardens in search of new blooms, critters, and anything photogenic.
This was my morning gift today.
Thankfully, hover flies HOVER so I had a chance at a sharp shot

Specific Feedback

comments and suggestions welcome

Technical Details

Sony A1
28-200 @ 180
Exposure Time: 1/60 sec
F Number: f/10
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 125
Metering Mode: Multi-segment

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:
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  • Processing:
  • Technical:
2

Self-Critique /Concerns : My husband Jim just saw this on the screen and said “Wow, if I hadn’t found this for you and watched you get it, I’d say the bee looks pasted on.”

It kinda does. So here is the original RAW:

SRB01946 copyNX
SRB01946 copyNX2000×1333 409 KB

Just FYI :slight_smile:

3

Nice shot of this syrphid (hover) fly Sandy. The detail is amazing from such a large crop. I love the fringes on the petals. Those red eyes really come out in the close up. Good composition with your crop choice too.

4

Very cool, Sandy. I do see where your husband is coming from, but it doesn’t look too contrived to me. Sometimes I get this kind of result when I process the subject for optimum display and don’t mess with the background. If it bothers you, just back off on the processing of the bee a bit.

5

Nice shot of the hover fly, Sandy. I too can see where your husband is coming from, but we know it wasn’t pasted on. Thanks for sharing the RAW file although it wasn’t necessary at least for me. I think that it has more of a 3D look because he is above some of the blossom. They are tiny so you really got some nice details in him as well as the blossom.

6

Nice sharpness and positioning - hover flies are so darn cute, but they don’t stay still for long. Getting their whole bodies aligned with the focal plane is tough as well, but you did it. One thing that strikes me is how subdued the highlights are and I wonder if bringing them up would decrease the pasted on look, but also give it some life and sparkle. It feels rather flat and low-energy when these guys are zippy and full of beans. Just a thought.

7

Sandy: Great capture and I really like how the wings interact with the petals. Marvelous detail on the fly and a well thought out crop. >=))>