What changed: I followed the advice provided with the critiques and cropped the original image from the top and LH sides. It looks a lot beter than the original image.
Added after receiving feedback from the community.
The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic + Technical
About This Image
I have been very busy with a sick puppy dog and have been using the camera rarely during this time. This variable dancer was photographed hanging out near the Duck pond.
Feedback Requested
Would you crop this one tighter? Normally, I’d prefer a much simpler BG, but find the OOF grass acceptable. What do you think about this?
Jim: Fantastic capture. Love the detail in the Dancer and the dew drops are icing on the cake. I do think I would crop this a bit tighter from the top and left, primarily to get the Dancer off center. For me there is a touch too much negative space on the left. I do like the variable BG and think that is a plus compared to a purely uniform one. Wishing you good luck with your dog, pets can be such important parts of our families. >=))>
Wow!! Such wonderful detail in this tiny creature! The dewdrops are perfect, as is the perch grass and the BG. The OOF grass in the BG echoes the perch and adds to the image. My only possible suggestion is to wonder about the shape in the UR corner. If you’re not into cloning, it could be cropped from the top with no problem, and also from the left if you want to keep the aspect ratio. But that is a microscopic issue for a wonderful and strong image!
Jim, this is excellent view with great detail in the damsel and a fine set of drops on the leaf. The colors look good also. I’m with Bill in thinking that moving it off center would be good.
I really like the water drops on the leaf here, and how they complement the details on the wings. I’d crop the left side more, since it doesn’t seem to be adding anything and crop the top part as well. I’d also darken that blade of grass with the light color in the background.
Jim, I’m sorry that your puppy has been sick, but hopefully is doing better each day. Your priority was spot on, take care of the puppy, the camera can wait.
When you did get out you sure got the shot! Those water drops are icing on the cake for sure. I agree with @Bill_Fach about the crop as I think it would improve the image even more. Well done!
Thank you @Bill_Fach , @Diane_Miller , @Mark_Seaver , @canan , and @Shirley_Freeman for your kind words and critiques. Badger has recovered nicely and he is back to his usual role as a canine clown. The crop has improved the image immensely and the resulting comp is more eye-catching. I also like the new critique format for posting images. I also need to thank @David_Kingham for implementing these new changes…Jim
Ooh the revised version is just wonderful. The angles of the elements brings some energy even though it’s clearly a still life at this point. Damsels are so flitty though this is almost the only time you can get a good photo - cold critter. The colors look great together and I especially like the edge of purple/maroon on the edge of the leaf.
