The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Found what appears to be a kind of jelly fungus on the underside of this fallen tree. It was backlit so beautifully that I got right down in there. It’s so delicate - like tissue paper. And the colors just knocked me out, especially with the sun behind and a relatively clean background (which took a little contorting to pull off). I didn’t have the macro lens with me, so did my best with the medium tele, which doesn’t focus as close as I’d like, but what can you do?
Specific Feedback
I had a heck of a time trying to decide how much log and how much snow to include so feedback there is good.
Lr for everything including a crop, wb and calibration adjustments to get colors more realistic, also did some work to increase luminosity in red and yellow just a bit. Texture & sharpening as well as denoise and some sharpening.
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:
That fungus is utterly gorgeous backlit against the snow, Kris. While the log is interesting academically, it’s rather unsightly compared to the fungus, so my take would be to remove a fair amount of it. If you want to maintain the aspect ratio, you can take a bit off the left. A wonderful find and very well photographed.
Kris, the details and glow in the fungus look great. I think you’ve got things well balanced as presented, when the fungus emphasized, especially against the light blue of the snow.
Kris: I’m going to speculate on the inspiration for your title by suspecting you were hiking along in a good rhythm and, BAM, you spot this. Of course I may be all wet and/or goofy; just let me know .
What a great find and certainly worthy of further examination and the effort to get this POV. Just looking at the thumbnail my first impression was, “Why is this upside down?” I’m kind of with @Dennis_Plank wanting less log but I’m getting over it. The contrast between the delicacy of the fungus and the solidity and substance of the log tells a nice story in itself.
On your lens selection, I also suspect that you don’t want to be burdened with a lot of gear. You might consider taking along an extension tube to get you closer. I used to hate using tubes on a zoom since you had to change focus when you zoomed but now with AF systems being so good and fast that problem has pretty much gone away. Most of the floral images I’m shooting with my 70-200 are made with a tube aboard. Just a suggestion. Whatever you did here obviously turned out pretty well. >=))>
Thanks @Dennis_Plank, @Bill_Fach& @Mark_Seaver - it is a cute little thing and I there is something so unexpected about finding mushrooms in winter, aside from the persistent polypores, etc. Nope, it’s right side up with the fungi on the underside of the log. I’ll leave it as is for the moment.
I have taken extension tubes out before, but agreed, I’d rather take a macro lens as I did today and it almost never left the camera.
You’re partially right on the title, Bill. Mainly because the fungi looks like it’s mid-dance and then the freeze came. Literally.
Oh, what a great find and capture, Kris. The it looks so delicate. @Bill_Fach suggestion of extension tubes to carry along is a good idea. I have to admit I don’t usually think to do that myself. I’m hoping to get out more for Macro photography this year, but who knows. Already thinking of some more home upgrades so those projects may keep me tied down again this year. Excellent eye to catch sight of this and a great job capturing it.
.