The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Taken on an Alaskan Cruise last Summer. I’m relatively new to close up small scenes and plant photography but I love trying my hand at it. Everyday, while aboard the cruise ship we could kayak, take a rib on that day’s adventure or go on a hike. This was one of those days that my wife and I chose to go on a hike. The National Geographic Naturalists made sure we learned all we could while enjoying the hikes.
The plant life in Alaska is so diverse and abundant. From the small flowers that grow in the tundra to the tall evergreen trees, there is plant life everywhere. And everything is wet. Always. While on the hike I noticed lots of ferns just starting to open up. I didn’t have a tripod on this trip so I couldn’t focus stack and I’m glad I couldn’t. I love the mostly blurred out portion of the image with just a few interesting bits that are sharp. I tried to make sure that the background was as similar in color as the plant as I could get and this shot is what came from that hike.
Specific Feedback
I know focus stacking is the rule of the day with plants so I’m wondering if this shallow depth of field image works for you or not?
Composition?
Technical Details
Z8, 105mm f/2.8 Macro Lens, ISO 2500, f/8, 1/800, hand held
This is a perfect shot to keep soft and warm! It’s absolutely perfect with what is sharp and where the focus falls off. You nailed the composition too. LOVE!
Composition and DOF works fine and it enhances the soft light and delicate stage of the fronds. I might have included the bottom of the middle hanger, but it’s SO tough to cut these scenes off as they are so continuous and there can be stuff sticking into the frame that doesn’t accentuate the subject. You must have had very low winds as they are the bane of my fern work personally. Every time I point the camera at one, a monsoon kicks up. A breath of spring that is most welcome so thanks for sharing.
David: Fantastic shot in every way. Love the soft color palette and the complementary soft focus. I like the comp and your framing decisions. Makes me a little green with envy. Really well done. >=)>
I’m just stopping by to say ditto to what’s been said above. Beautiful! I like the fall off of focus. To me, unless it’s a front and center pistil or stamen, a little fall off is good. Helps us focus and makes it feel less like scientific specimen shot.
ML
Beautiful image, David. While some things really like a focus stack, others work better with a single shot approach and this one worked very well. I think your depth of field worked perfectly and the matching background that is so completely out of focus and more or less uniform really made it all work.
One of the great thing about ferns such as this is that there are about a million ways to look at them. First off, the limited color palette means that everything is very harmonious: nothing to distract. The important part of the image is the darker parts, which is refreshing. The composition is wonderfully challenging, with the upper right corner having (to my eye) a lot of weight. It’s supported by the rest of the plant, and the other two darker parts play a role in giving the eye something to wander to before coming back again. The curves are engaging, and the DoF works (for me).
Gorgeous image, David! It has a very pleasing, muted, limited colour palette that I find restful. It’s whispering, not screaming.
The composition is lovely. The leaves on the bottom left anchor the rest of fern. @Gary_Hook mentioned the “darker” parts. They really do tie everything together. The shallow DOF works a treat!
@joaoquintela, @Glenys_Passier, @Gary_Hook, @Dennis_Plank, @Steve_Kennedy, @Marylynne_Diggs, @Bill_Fach, @Jim_Gavin, @Kris_Smith, @Don_Peters, @Paul_Holdorf
Thank you very much for your thoughts on this little fern.
It seems that the depth of field is not an issue for any of you. Great!
Gary, I enhanced those dark spots that mentioned. I’m glad they work for you. I felt the background needed a little diversity particularly in the corner to keep the eye in the frame. I’m glad you caught that.
Don, I don’t have any more canvas in the LLC.
Kris, I tried numerous compositions but to get that little frond you mention sharp it turned the background into something less than appealing. It was a very busy forest setting and even a small movement right or left made the background less harmonious. AND, I hear you about shooting ferns. There is always at least a little bit of a breeze. I guess I just timed this one right.
Thanks again, everyone.
Love the composition and title. Lace/asparagus fern? Normally one would choose a contrasting background but I like the bright green background in this instance. What do you think the plant is saying?
Just as so many have previously said, the soft out of focus contrasts and sets up excellently with the in sharp focus ferns… really peaceful photograph.
A breath of spring that is most welcome so thanks for sharing.
with envy. Really well done. >=)>