Red Pearl Amaryllis Post Initial Critiques

Image Critiques Flora Critiques
1

RedPearl3.jpg
RedPearl3.jpg2000×1541 453 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

This is a good example of evaluating critiques and applying the lessons learned for creating a new image. For this image, I researched flash problems with the Nikon Focus Shift feature in the Z9. I found through my research that if Exposure Lock was turned on, the flash fired for the first image and unfortunately no flash for the remaining and ttl was not implemented correctly. So I turned that off, then set the flash bracketing to Background and the overall flash strength to -3ev. This keeps the BG dark and the subject with enough light to prevent it from blending into the BG, The mode for each flash was ttl with main flash setting at -2.0ev, midtones at -2.7ev, and dark shadows at -3.0 ev. At stronger flash settings, the maroon color of the petals washed out to red. Nikon’s use their Creative Lighting System for multiple flashes and this is an example of the results when used correctly. Hope that helps!

Specific Feedback

How do you like the lighting for this one?

Technical Details

z9 60mm f2.8 Micro (1/250 sec at f5.0, ISO 64, 4 flashes (see recipe in Image Description) 40 images stacked with PMax) Levels, reduction in red saturation, increased saturation of purple and blue, rubber stamp tool for BG cleanup, canvas rotation, crop for comp.

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:

2

I like this a lot, Jim. An entirely different feel from the last post. Dark, moody, rich, goes well with dark chocolate and a deep red wine. I might remove the stem and add a thin deep red border.

3

Moody, tempestuous and sensual. As flowers are basically sexual organs, this seems appropriate in tone. I like the deeper shadows that define the curves and hide what daylight might reveal. Flowers at night aren’t something we think of and so these are special for that reason. Quite lovely in all the modeling and texture.

4

Drop-dead gorgeous!! @Kris_Smith said it all! I like @Dennis_Plank’s idea of the understated framing of a thin deep red line.