Serrated Geometry

Image Critiques
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FEBRHSWS23_0013 - Parry's Agave (Agave parryi).jpg
FEBRHSWS23_0013 - Parry's Agave (Agave parryi).jpg3190×2127 2.87 MB

Critique Style Requested: In-depth

The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.

Self Critique

I like the monochrome — it suits the subject and really brings out the textures and those serrated edges. The centre draws me in well and the overall shape works. The only thing I’m unsure on is the shadow between the “petals”; it adds depth, but feels a bit heavy in places, and I had difficulty lifting those shadows despite the image being correctly exposed.

Creative direction

I wanted this in black and white to emphasise the bold shapes and textures, especially how the centre opens and pushes outward as new leaves form. More about structure and form than anything else.

Specific Feedback

The shadows do help separate the layers, but I’m questioning whether they’re a bit too deep. I wasn’t really able to raise them without affecting the image, so I’m unsure whether they work as they are.

Technical Details

Camera: Canon EOS R7

Lens: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Focal Length: 100 mm

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec

ISO: 400

Exposure Compensation: 0.0

Techniques:
Shot using a tripod. Manual focus

Processing:
Processed in Adobe Camera Raw. Adjustments included noise reduction, saturation decrease to black & white, channels adjusted and shadows lifted as best. Overall exposure and sharpening.

Description

I was contacted as I knew one of the deputy editors at PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, and they needed a last-minute fill-in for the “apprentice” after a cancellation. This was taken at RHS Wisley, where I was invited to use different subjects and scenes for macro/close-up photography that I wouldn’t normally consider doing.

2

Hi Matthew,

I like this image, and especially the dark crevices and the black and white treatment. Funny how I can still feel the green.

For me, the thing that gets in the way of a big “wow, I love this” is the right side feeling cut off. Not sure whether you have other frames or cropped this to get it less centered, but I think the symmetry is important here, and we lost a bit of that.

ML

3

Matthew, this shows off the spines and the structure of the plant very well. The dark areas, especially the spines set off the rest of the photo well. I agree that it feels a bit cut off on the right, but drama is good.

4

Matthew: Really nicely processed and I’m OK with your crop although I do see Mark and Marylynne’s point. The lines within carry the day for me to give a fine result. Well crafted from concept to capture to presentation. >=))>

5

Very Cool Image. I love the tone and the vibe you have captured !!! Really Nice !!!

6

@Marylynne_Diggs - Unfortunately I don’t have any other frames and it was due to how the plant itself was positioned and how limited access I had. I agree I would have liked the extra “petal” on the right.

@Mark_Seaver - Thank you! And yes I agree about the cut off on the right.

@Bill_Fach - Thank you!

@Gill_Vanderlip - Thank you!