Patricia Ann Sunset

Image Critiques
1

PatriciaAnnSunset.jpg
PatriciaAnnSunset.jpg1385×2000 240 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

The garden is winding down for the season so I decided to photograph this vibrant, orange waterlily dahlia. I setup my shooting studio outside and used mostly natural light plus 4 flashes for fill. I decided not to edit out the damaged petal because it provides evidence that many insects find flower petals a savory snack!

Specific Feedback

I chose to use a black BG for this one and did not adjust the shadows during post processing. How do you like the use of a vignette to fade out the stem? Thank you for examining this photo.

Technical Details

Z9 105mm f2.8 Micro (1/400sec at f5.0, ISO 64, 4 flashes for fill) 66 image stack PMax, Levels, reduction of Highlights, Rubber stamp tool to remove some artifacts, Curves adjustment layer used along with a mask to fade out base of stem.

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:
Lighting:
Processing:
Technical:

1 Like
2

Drop dead gorgeous!! (As usual!) Perfect lighting and I love the damaged leaf, which adds an interesting touch of reality. For me, the faded-out stem adds perfectly to the artistry. Not a nit, just a thought – I wonder about bringing it up very subtly partway into the leaf as well.

3

This is excellent, Jim. I’m glad you left the damaged petal as-is. It works very nicely. Your lighting is superb on this one. I do like how the vignette works with the stem.

4

Jim: Oh this is just brilliant. I love the black BG and your control of the lighting. Beautiful subject and a superbly crafted image.>=))>

5

Jim, this is very nicely artistic. The colors really pop. The bits of damage add a good touch of realism. The long stem creates a sense of elegance.

6

Wonderfully elegant Jim! May I ask what program you did your stacking witih?

7

Thank you @Diane_Miller , @Dennis_Plank , @Bill_Fach , @Mark_Seaver , and @John_Williams for your critiques. @John_Williams , I use Zerene Stacker with the PMax algorithm for flowers. Usually it will provide excellent results with minimal artifacts produyced…

1 Like