While critique is being given out...

[welly]

I wanted to get some feedback on the following image:



I don't normally like to draw attention to my images but this is probably the first large format photographs I've shot that I'm actually really happy with. Everything seems to have come together for me with this one. I feel like I've got the depth of field and the exposure pretty much nailed. I scanned it as is with VueScan, brought it into Lightroom, toned it and that was it. I actually really like this image - bugs, muck on the leaves and all. I know it's not "Moonrise over Hernandez" but I'm going to print it and hang it on my wall all the same!

[ImSoNegative]

I like it, what kind of plant is it exactly?

[welly]

I like it, what kind of plant is it exactly?

Thank you! I'm not entirely sure what it is. I'm trying to find out!

[Greg Miller]

In terms of image design, the viewer's eye tends to go first to the brightest objects and areas with most contrast. The lower left had corner is the largest bright area and happens to be out of focus. So that i probably not a good thing. You may want to consider a different crop that eliminates the lower left, and emphasizes the repeating patterns of the palms, which I find to be the most interesting element of the image. In the attached image I also increased contrast a bit. You should also notice in my crop that the diagonal lines of the palm pull the eye into the frame better.

[Brian Ellis]

Nicely composed, exposed, and printed. You mention that you got the depth of field right so I assume you mean you wanted it to look as it does. However, as I'm sure you can see, the lower left quarter and the upper right quarter of the plant are both soft. If that's what you wanted, fine. My personal preference is to usually have the near sharp since a soft near tends to be distracting but not always, just depends on the photograph and what the photographer wants. Anyhow, congratulations on making the first LF photograph that you're happy with and hopefully many more will follow.

[Vaughn]

The out of focus area does not bother me. But I did a quick burn just to see what it looked like:

[Harley Goldman]

I am liking Greg's crop. I find it really strengthens the image.

[welly]

In terms of image design, the viewer's eye tends to go first to the brightest objects and areas with most contrast. The lower left had corner is the largest bright area and happens to be out of focus. So that i probably not a good thing. You may want to consider a different crop that eliminates the lower left, and emphasizes the repeating patterns of the palms, which I find to be the most interesting element of the image. In the attached image I also increased contrast a bit. You should also notice in my crop that the diagonal lines of the palm pull the eye into the frame better.

Hi Greg,

Thanks for your feedback and I totally agree, your crop is much stronger. I think I shall have to crop it like this when I print it out. Now I see it like that, perhaps I should have captured it with more depth of field. It's only a 2 minute walk up the road, I can shoot it again!

[Mike Anderson]

I like it, what kind of plant is it exactly?

I think it's a fan palm. Great image, Welly. What lens did you use?

[Lachlan 717]

...what kind of plant is it exactly?

It's a Cotton Palm; one of the Washingtonia species. Possibly a young Washingtonia filifera.

Nice shot, by the way!