Photo critiqueHere is where you can display your images and seek the comment, advice and, maybe, constructive critique of your work. Only post your images here if you are happy for frank feedback. If in doubt, use the beginners board instead. Only post your comments here if you feel you can make a constructive and polite contribution in response to what is, for some, a leap of faith in exposing their work to your critical comment.
Hi all,
Here is a macro shot of a dahlia taken hand held on a day trip with the family, (Nor tripods allowed) it was a breezy day so had to wait a while for the breeze to drop, which resulted in earache from nearest and dearest (just for a short while).
Comment, tips and critique welcome as usual.
Tinka, what you have here is a pleasant picture of a beautiful flower. The tight crop on the dahlia gives us a pleasing radial pattern created by the petals, and of course the lovely sunburst sort of effect of the colours.
If I was going to be critical, which of course you know I am I would have to say that there is little going on with the image, there is no drama, and sense of having created a composition within the frame. Part of the problem also is that the lighting seems to have been fairly flat and therefore the flower lacks punch. Also if you could have given it a little more depth of field so all the petal tips were in focus, that also would help.
As the picture stands I would be inclined to add a slight vignette by adding some darkening to the corners and some contrast as well. I have attached a quick example to show what I mean.
So far as a composition is concerned, I think you should consider using more than one flower in the picture, so that it becomes less of a specimen shot, and more a scene that you have created. I'm sure StuartR won't mind if I use some pics he uploaded yesterday as an example.
Well, I think it is a super shot. I like the treatment Stephen has given, it has definately improved the shot.
However, as a single flower, I think it works perfectly. I am reminded of a firework exploding (alliums are another good species for effects such as this) and as such, you are left with a spectacular single bloom before you.
I think if there were more blooms, the effect would be lost with this flower.
The focus could do with being a little broader if I was to be uber critical, as some of the forground petals are a little out of focus. Other than that, looks super to me!
Nice shot Tinka. My first thoughts were that it is just a touch pale. Perhaps that is what Stephen is talking about when he says that the lighting is a bit flat. I like the composition and you have inspired me to have a look at some I think I took on holiday.
Hi Stephen and all,
Thanks for the extended and in depth critique Stephen and the comments and critique from you all, it is what I need to inprove, the light on the day was very overcast and dull with a stiff breeze, the colors of the flower are soft and muted and a true reflection of the flower/s themselves, however I to like the treatment given by Stephen. There are others in my gallerie.
All comments, tips and points duely noted and greatful thanks to all.
Hi Stephen and all,
Thanks for the extended and in depth critique Stephen and the comments and critique from you all, it is what I need to inprove, the light on the day was very overcast and dull with a stiff breeze, the colors of the flower are soft and muted and a true reflection of the flower/s themselves, however I to like the treatment given by Stephen. There are others in my gallerie.
All comments, tips and points duely noted and greatful thanks to all.
As someone that likes doing this type of work , here is my twopence worth.
I like very much the tight crop, I think though I would try and clone some extra petals in to lose the black in the background.
The tones I find delightfully delicate, the flat lighting emphasizes these tones beautifully IMO. I can visualize this being printed on a good art paper, that would make better use of the delicacy of the tones. Computer monitors IMO thrive on punchy pictures and don't do much for images such as this. Stephen's suggested darkening the corners a touch I would agree, I do this routinely to most of my own pictures.
As someone that likes doing this type of work , here is my twopence worth.
I like very much the tight crop, I think though I would try and clone some extra petals in to lose the black in the background.
The tones I find delightfully delicate, the flat lighting emphasizes these tones beautifully IMO. I can visualize this being printed on a good art paper, that would make better use of the delicacy of the tones. Computer monitors IMO thrive on punchy pictures and don't do much for images such as this. Stephen's suggested darkening the corners a touch I would agree, I do this routinely to most of my own pictures.
Patrick
Thank you Patrick, I may well try to print some of my images onto art paper, your point on cloneing is duelly noted.
Thakyou.
I recently played about with a couple of my daffodil shots in Optik verve, with a vignette & sepia tones. This I printed out & made a triptych & framed it, to hang in our dining room, near the computer. This isn't a great shot of it, but gives an idea!
Last edited by Jocelyn Walker; 27-09-07 at 06:57 AM.
Thank you for inviting us into your Australian Dining Room Jocelyn. I love seeing other people's homes. Your vase of tropical leaves looks so attractive together with the lush growth outside!
Back to your picture. As this is a critique forum, I will add my view. I like the idea of the triptych in the various toned colours, however, I think that the ellipses should not have flat sides and that they all should be the same size, on this occasion.
In order to get them all the same size, I think before making them into an ellipse, you need to extend your canvas, top and bottom to give room for the feathering. I have done what you have done many a time (thinking I have a perfect ellipse) only to find that there is a flat edge. Best thing is to have a little practice before combining them all.
Finally, the overall effect achieved within the room, does work for me and the colours blend well within your colour scheme.
Hi Autumn & thank you for your comment. Yes, I did & do battle with getting ellipses that aren't flattened top & bottom! I have not tried extending canvas & not quite sure how to do it, but it's worth looking into, as it would make such a difference. We have been renovating our house for the past 6 months! In Melbourne it's customary to sell by Auction, with open for Inspection or Open hse for 3 weeks prior. We go to auction in 2 wks time! So that's why I made the triptych, have flowers everywhere etc. etc! I'm glad you like my decor Audrey, thanks!
Hi Jocelyn,
Thank you for suggestion and your posting, your home looks very nice, I do like the way you presented your flower images and will have a go at tryptics myself, regarding your problem with oval vignettes/ellipses, you really do need more canvas area or unneeded picture area you can elimenate, so as to prevent the flattening effect. Idon't use your program but I usually enlarge the canvas and fill it with a color or white or perhaps on rare occasions with suitable images, a copy of the image which is resized to fit the enlarged canvas. Anyway, I will certainly have a go at your tryptic idea, Thank you.
I certainly will give the enlarging canvas bit a go when I work out how to do it! The vignetting or using ellipses is quite new to me, practice & learning is very necessary, so any advice is most welcome, thanks!
I would have to say that there is little going on with the image, there is no drama, and sense of having created a composition within the frame. Part of the problem also is that the lighting seems to have been fairly flat and therefore the flower lacks punch. Also if you could have given it a little more depth of field so all the petal tips were in focus, that also would help. 
Lou
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