If this image were to appear in a challenge for still life, how would you rate it (1... 10):
I am looking for criticism (more bad/some good) to improve.
Thanks.
ETA: Embedded the actual image instead of a URL.
I don't want to sound rude, mean, harsh, or whatever else fits into that category, but I'll be honest.
From 1-10, I'd probably give it a 3 or 4. It's not entirely 'focused' on your subject, and it seems to have been a bit over-sharpened. The noise in the background is a bit distracting. To be 100% honest, the image isn't very "appealing".
The washed out leaves/stem of the flower distracts me, and the crop isn't exactly fitting for the composition.
Overall, I think you have a nice eye that just needs to be worked more. Keep practicing, and keep trying. Make sure you are focusing on your subject, and try different compositions/crops. Watch out for over-sharpness for it will cause grain to be seen easier.
Watch the direction of light, and don't allow it to take over certain parts of your image. Like the overexposure of the stem/leaves. Perhaps block the light using a black "de"flector to stop light from hitting sensitive parts of the scene.
I hope I didn't sound too harsh. It's not that easy critiquing a photo and trying to sound helpful over a forum. But I hope I could help.
Probably a 3, maybe a 4. (I give a 3 for the average snapshot, and a 4 for a good effort with major problems.) It strikes me as overexposed, a bit soft, and oversaturated well over-something-or-other. Not a lot of detail showing between the issues.
I agree, the lighting and post-processing seem rather harsh/stark for the subject -- roses are usually associated with "softness" ... if you want to go this direction, you might consider going even further, reducing the leaves/stem to virtual outlines, and giving the rose a metallic/artificial look (there's a Tutorial on achieving a metallic look here) ...
Just for comparison, here are some of my most recent rose photos:
If this image were to appear in a challenge for still life, how would you rate it (1... 10):
I am looking for criticism (more bad/some good) to improve.
Thanks.
ETA: Embedded the actual image instead of a URL.
I don't want to sound rude, mean, harsh, or whatever else fits into that category, but I'll be honest.
From 1-10, I'd probably give it a 3 or 4. It's not entirely 'focused' on your subject, and it seems to have been a bit over-sharpened. The noise in the background is a bit distracting. To be 100% honest, the image isn't very "appealing".
The washed out leaves/stem of the flower distracts me, and the crop isn't exactly fitting for the composition.
Overall, I think you have a nice eye that just needs to be worked more. Keep practicing, and keep trying. Make sure you are focusing on your subject, and try different compositions/crops. Watch out for over-sharpness for it will cause grain to be seen easier.
Watch the direction of light, and don't allow it to take over certain parts of your image. Like the overexposure of the stem/leaves. Perhaps block the light using a black "de"flector to stop light from hitting sensitive parts of the scene.
I hope I didn't sound too harsh. It's not that easy critiquing a photo and trying to sound helpful over a forum. But I hope I could help.
Good luck, and continue to show us your shots!
Best wishes,
-AC
Thank you very much. No you did not sound harsh at all... in fact you were very honest..exactly what I need. I have noted every point that you mentioned, except that I didnt understand the one about black deflector. I will do a search on that.
Probably a 3, maybe a 4. (I give a 3 for the average snapshot, and a 4 for a good effort with major problems.) It strikes me as overexposed, a bit soft, and oversaturated well over-something-or-other. Not a lot of detail showing between the issues.
Thank you for the comments. It is out of focus, over exposed, and not well balanced (all un-intentional and need improvement).
I agree, the lighting and post-processing seem rather harsh/stark for the subject -- roses are usually associated with "softness" ... if you want to go this direction, you might consider going even further, reducing the leaves/stem to virtual outlines, and giving the rose a metallic/artificial look (there's a Tutorial on achieving a metallic look here) ...
Just for comparison, here are some of my most recent rose photos:
I think the flower is in focus and the composition is nice, but like other have said the highlights are a bit distracting. During the last month when taking pictures for the Flowers side challenge, I used a translucent reflector, to diffuse some of the light, it really helps. Also, try different apertures, to blur the background a little bit more.
I think the flower is in focus and the composition is nice, but like other have said the highlights are a bit distracting. During the last month when taking pictures for the Flowers side challenge, I used a translucent reflector, to diffuse some of the light, it really helps. Also, try different apertures, to blur the background a little bit more.
Thank you for the analysis, and about the aperture suggestion; much appreciated!! I will try the translucent reflectors.. time to save for them:-)
To touch on another aspect of your photo--- Keep in mind that most of your viewers have seen a rose; show them a different angle, environment, etc. Yours is a pretty standard view, makes me say, "Pretty, a rose with water drops," but it doesn't cause me to stop and linger. A new composition/view on a oft-photographed subject such as a flower is challenging and I'm no expert. But, if you want to see flowers done differently visit ursula or dax 's portfolio. They are both excellent at flowers. There are others but these two come to mind quickly. Also, really watch your BG so you have out of focus objects that direct emphasis back to your subject, or at least don't distract.
my .02. :)
eta; Dax is gone? Or at least her stuff isn't there. :( Maybe i've got her username wrong...
To touch on another aspect of your photo--- Keep in mind that most of your viewers have seen a rose; show them a different angle, environment, etc. Yours is a pretty standard view, makes me say, "Pretty, a rose with water drops," but it doesn't cause me to stop and linger. A new composition/view on a oft-photographed subject such as a flower is challenging and I'm no expert. But, if you want to see flowers done differently visit ursula or dax 's portfolio. They are both excellent at flowers. There are others but these two come to mind quickly. Also, really watch your BG so you have out of focus objects that direct emphasis back to your subject, or at least don't distract.
my .02. :)
eta; Dax is gone? Or at least her stuff isn't there. :( Maybe i've got her username wrong...
Thank you very much for the advice.
I understand that besides all the technicality, there are also the aesthetic and originality aspects to a good photograph. This one is a mediocre picture as I am convinced now, and I hope to improve slowly.
somehow my actual challenge entries never seem to rise to the same level. ;-)
Seems to be my issue as well. I think participating here has improved my photography, But my scores don't show it. What it has done is to enable me to recognize and capture the interesting shot. Creating a killer shot for a given topic still often eludes me.
Not very good focus and a little over-sharp. Alot of noise takes your attention away from where you want it to be.
There seems a huge lack of color and looks blown/washed out on the lower parts of the leaves.
You could have gotten a better or different crop..alot of open space right now.
I also think there is a little too much water..looks very "busy".
I do the same things all the time, and try to learn from what comments I get. It is a learning experience for us all. I'm seeing that leaving comments and viewing/commenting on other peoples work, will help me grow and see things that I often do myself, but seem to block out.
I'm seeing that leaving comments and viewing/commenting on other peoples work, will help me grow and see things that I often do myself, but seem to block out.
Not very good focus and a little over-sharp. Alot of noise takes your attention away from where you want it to be.
There seems a huge lack of color and looks blown/washed out on the lower parts of the leaves.
You could have gotten a better or different crop..alot of open space right now.
I also think there is a little too much water..looks very "busy".
I do the same things all the time, and try to learn from what comments I get. It is a learning experience for us all. I'm seeing that leaving comments and viewing/commenting on other peoples work, will help me grow and see things that I often do myself, but seem to block out.
overall rating: 3-4
Thank you for a detailed comment, I appreciate it. I agree with all of your observations... hopefully I will pay more attention to these in future:-)
