I really thought this would do better. I actually planned for this picture, and stalked this octopus for hours trying to get a decent shot in the dark with the enormous crowds that day. I was really happy with how it turned out and I'm not worried about the score. I was especially thrilled to get the face reflection right where I wanted it. I just want to know what turned people off about it.
Technically, the shot isn't bad. It doesn't have that DPC colour pop to it; you know, keep pushing up that PS slider until the octopus is luminous cartoon orange.. :)
The face reflection isn't noticable in the thumbnail, and takes searching for in the main image. 99% of voters aren't going to inspect the image that closely, and I'd bet nobody actually did see the reflection (not having access to the notes during voting) - You could have left that out and saved yourself some effort.
On the subject of effort. You know that you spent hours on the shot, but nobody else does. As far as the voter is concerned, you were in an aquarium, spotted the octopus, and took a shot. Sometimes it works out like that (shots that you spent the most effort on don't look like you spent any effort on them, and vice versa)
I don't like this shot very much. The light is off and there's no composition - the octopus fills the frame. It fits the challenge but it's not enough to make it a good shot. Sorry for being so straightforward :)
Hi Kelli. My eye was caught by the 3 vertical elements, especially noticeable in the thumbnail. I'm still wondering what is that vertical tree-like thing in the FG? I never saw the person. Just now I looked for what seemed like a long time until I found it.
I gave it a 5 for the composition and the light... It's risky shooting an octopus you can't control... So for a smacking score either buy one or steal one and light it yourself! :)
Hi Kelli. My eye was caught by the 3 vertical elements, especially noticeable in the thumbnail. I'm still wondering what is that vertical tree-like thing in the FG? I never saw the person. Just now I looked for what seemed like a long time until I found it.
That's his garden! LOL! I'm really not sure what it's called. Most things aren't identified there for some reason. It's probably a type of coral or something.
And here I was thinking I'd enter this thread and it'd be a beer or restaurant recommendation. I don't think I'm a very good litmus test for what the masses perceive as good photography around here.
I just like to reward people who either take cool photos (anything I haven't seen a million times before, "Here Comes The Sun" in this challenge) or people who take chances.
And here I was thinking I'd enter this thread and it'd be a beer or restaurant recommendation. I don't think I'm a very good litmus test for what the masses perceive as good photography around here.
I just like to reward people who either take cool photos (anything I haven't seen a million times before, "Here Comes The Sun" in this challenge) or people who take chances.
I was just being silly. Hopefully, I didn't offend you. ;D
I just like to reward people who either take cool photos (anything I haven't seen a million times before, "Here Comes The Sun" in this challenge) or people who take chances.
I think it's a very cool shot, and know how tough both octopus and aquarium shots can be. It's an awesome choice for a Beatles challenge, though!
Technically, for me the lighting is too even overall, as if taken with a flash, and yet of course it wasn't because there's no reflection. It also seems harsh somehow, rather than emphasizing the creature's soft, oozy qualities. But most of all, it's all too mushed together, so it's hard to tell he's in a garden, much less enjoying it :-)
Just so you know, and in case anyone is still interested, I sent a copy of the image to the aquarium back when this thread was started asking them what the "tree" looking thing was. I received a reply today. "Just got confirmation from our husbandry department. The "tree" looking thing is actually an animal (who'd have guessed?!): an Invertebrate called a frilled anemone."
