The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
After too long, I finally got back to Sonoma Botanical Garden yesterday, and had my fingers crossed for the long-blooming Magnolia delavayi. There was one blossom, luckily well in reach, but it was just thinking about opening and on the rare cool, cloudy day, it was getting nowhere. But I found this leaf next to the flower (but not close enough to include both in a composition).
Specific Feedback
All comments welcome!
Technical Details
Minor global tonal tweaks in LR, thanks to lovely cloudy light. Into Zerene for a focus stack, intentionally limited. Into PS for NR (not really needed) and very minor BG retouching.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
A beautiful find, Diane. For my taste, a bit more depth of field would be nice. I’d like continuity of crisp focus from the tear in a direct line to the lip of the curled leaf. In terms of composition, this works, but I find myself wishing I could see the source of the dead part of the leaf at the top. I could also see a composition encompassing just the tear and a bit of area around it.
Thanks, and stand by, @Dennis_Plank! I’m heading back this morning to see if the flower already opened – probably has and they are pretty for about the first 5 minutes after opening. But this leaf will be the same and I’ll play with it again. Clouds are supposed to clear about the time they open at 10:00 but there was a very light shower last night so water droplets might be good subjects or grace notes today.
Diane: Interesting subject and I’ll be interested in what you come up with. I’m kind of with Dennis regarding the DOF. The sharp parts are attention grabbing and worthy of exploring but the focus fall off feels a little awkward. I wonder if stacking has become a new standard that makes us want to demand clarity throughout the frame. I find myself considering stacking subjects that I in the past I would not have ever thought about working that way. Anyway, good luck with the magnolia. >=))>
