The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Back in September, I posted a set of images of this spider. (See post “Star Weaver”) As she was making her web at Boyd Pond Park, I put on my long lens and played around with some ICM – from abstract to, well, more abstract. Not sure how many “rules” I am breaking here using my 100-400 for macro ICM work. But hey, isn’t that what this is all about? (Because of the ICM, I decided to put this in abstract and not macro.)
Specific Feedback
Do these get to be too abstract? I was thinking about a tighter or even looser crop, but it felt as though the spider needed some room to move – or fall.
Technical Details
Canon EOS R
ISO 400
1/16 sec at f/12.8
100mm-400mm at 325mm (I guess I could have zoomed in more, since these are about 25% of the frame.)
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Wow!! These are amazing! You have captured lovely colors and wonderful action. The first two are the teasers to set the stage and then the third is BINGO!!
I think they are totally suited to Abstract Nature. I love my 1000mm almost-macro lens!
Not too abstract at all - there’s a wonderful sense of movement and playfulness here along with a smidge of purposefulness, too. Spiders are so energetic sometimes, especially when building or patrolling a web. Break all the rules you want to make photos that are fresh and vibrant! The last one is especially effective because of the wider dynamic range and greater saturation.
PS. a 100-400 makes a great macro lens. Check out the spider I shot with mine in the macro category. Another tireless orb weaver.
The only rule I know for abstract is interesting composition, Patrick, and I think you’ve succeeded there in all three. I find myself preferring them in order of degree of abstraction; thus #3 first and #2 second, though part of that preference is the lighting on the web and spider in the third which really appeals to me. I do find myself wishing the red spot wasn’t there-maybe a little careful color cloning?
Thanks @Dennis_Plank, @Diane_Miller and @Kris_Smith for checking this out. It’s funny, I thought for sure the 3rd image wouldn’t work for people. So, glad it does. In the whole frame, that red area and some others work. But I think you are right, in these frames it’s a distraction. Hmm, will need to figure a good way to remove it. And @Kris_Smith YES, I loved your image and that great story on your little friend. I didn’t notice the lens, until you said so now. I’m glad these longer lenses can be used for more then just birds and sports. Thanks again.
I don’t mind the red blob – there is a subtle white one and a vague greenish area that makes it feel like normal BG. But removing it will be easiest with a technique called Frequency Separation. No time to explain it here but a search will turn up what you need to know. Kinda magic.
Patrick, these all look very good. My favorite is #1 because her web shows clearly and she’s well positioned in the frame, making it a good mix of real and abstract.
Thanks again.