Parting Shot

Image Critiques Flora Critiques
1

Parting-Shot-2024-09-12-09-52-13-(B,R8,S4)A7r3XL.jpg
Parting-Shot-2024-09-12-09-52-13-(B,R8,S4)A7r3XL.jpg2000×1317 1.23 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

This is the last of our blooming “Hydra” succulents. It lives on our back patio but I brought it inside to take some “studio” shots as it was a little breezy and I think you can imagine that stacking would have been impossible plus the BG stinks. I used a simple mat board as the BG and overexposed it just enough to render the BG pure white.

Specific Feedback

It may not be apparent on this 2D image but there were a lot of twists and turns so I had to use 23 shots for the stack.

Technical Details

Sony A7rIII
Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM @ 155mm
ISO 400, 1/13 @ f8, 23 shot stack in Helicon Focus

Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
2

It’s churlish of me, but I’d make 2 small alterations if it were mine (I wish!). That richer green bit in the TRC I’d clone out as it distracts me a little, and the slight glare on the lower left edge of the pot could be removed, again maybe with cloning. That said, the composition is top-notch, and I love the deep but natural-looking contrasts in the leaves. And the small bloom in the corner is an attractive highlight.

3

Beautiful, Bill. This succulent has produced some wonderful opportunities for you this year and you’ve done a great job taking advantage of them. My wife had one succulent bloom this year, but it wasn’t at all photogenic. After seeing yours I had high hopes for it, but it never did anything interesting.