The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I was photographing the hibiscus bud when it broke off. I brought it into my “kitchen studio” and she became a ballerina dancing for me. The swirl of her silken costume called out for a gentle watercolor painting. The bright crimson gave way to a softer hue befitting her performance.
Specific Feedback
All feedback is appreciated. Which view of this blossom do you prefer–the realism of the minimally edited bud or the painterly look with the textured background?
Technical Details
Sony a7iv, 2.8/90 macro lens, on a tripod.
black construction paper background, light from a window, overhead lighting, and an added flashlight. [my studio is very sophisticated, as you can see.]
Processed in LR and PS using TK9 masking and actions.
The second one incorporated a blending of two textures, a Topaz Studio impressionistic filter for the watercolor look and a Nik filter for the border.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
I really like your more painterly edit of the Hibiscus, Barbara. This suits your intention to portray the flower as a ballet dancer much more than the realistic image, which elicits much less of that emotional response.
When experimenting, you could even think of adding movement to the dance by adding some ICM swirls at low shutter speed, perhaps combining with the original in a double exposure. Just a suggestion for a next ballerina that crosses your path
Both of these work for me because they evoke different moods. Studio shots have never been my thing, but I’m always happy when others fall into this groove. There are so many ways to showcase your subject. I also like the natural dark green. Lovely blossom.
Barbara, my reaction to your first image is like my reaction to a lot of photos I see. There’s nothing particularly wrong with it but it doesn’t do much for me.
The painterly version seems much more vibrant. The lighter background changes the mood in a good way. It keeps me looking. Well done.
Beautiful lighting and the first image caught my with the dark green BG. Very crisp and the subtle lighting brings out the best in these 2 hibiscus shots. Awesome…Jim
Very well done, Barbara. I do like both of them and I would go with the more painterly one except for one minor issue. The sepals at the bottom ended up looking like plastic to my eye and make me think of artificial flowers. A bit more texture should take care of that.
For what it’s worth, since I don’t do a lot of floral work, I think I prefer the first one as it seems more natural, in that the background could be part of nature. I also like the contrast between the red and green.
Wow, I think both are excellent. I’m a sucker for black backgrounds, when appropriate, and the first image really sets off the vivid bloom. I’d personally clone out the rght small branch of the stem.
The second image is intriguing, but doesn’t “grab” me as the firt does.
Fine work for both!
Thank you, Sandy, for your thoughtful observations. They are appreciated. I wanted to get feedback on the two different treatments of the same subject.
This is so beautiful and I absolutely love it! The images are both so pure and so elegant. I’m enjoying both versions and can’t really pick a favourite. Well, I can, but I keep changing my mind every few moments.
