Nature Photography Photo Critique
Blazing Sunrise
by Elizabeth O'Brien
Views: 1832
Category: Nature Photography
Canon PowerShot A3100 IS
Lens: Standard: 30-50mm
ISO: 200
Flash: None
Tripod: No
Description: I took this photo because I knew the backdrop would be just absolutely gorgeous! I wa see all >
I took this photo because I knew the backdrop would be just absolutely gorgeous! I was right. I saw the image in my head before I snapped it and it actually came out better than I was hoping for!
Photo Critique Summary
Subject of photo
8
Composition & Perspective
8
Focus
10
Use of camera, exposure & speed
8
Color & Lighting
9
Depth of field
9
General impression
8
Overall Rating
8.6
GuruShots Pro
Subject of photo:
8
You were right. And I like this photo very much. It is mysterious and creates a fantasy environment out of an otherwise simple grouping of plants.
Composition & Perspective:
8
This image could have been a conglomeration of confusing branches had the lighting been less dramatic. However as it is, with the sun a soft blur through what appears to be fog or mist, it creates a soft backdrop that beautifully back lights the detail on the branches giving them an ethereal quality they would not otherwise possess. I love the color as well.
Focus:
10
The focus appears to be acceptable particularly in the fringe detail along the columns of the plants.
Use of camera, exposure & speed:
8
Its difficult to ascertain what the settings on your camera were in order to comment completely, since you do not list them. However it appears that whatever combination of shutter speed and aperture you used worked just fine. The sun, shining directly in the lens did not create blown out highlights or lens flare of any distracting degree. This is probably due to the natural filtering of the sun by the morning marine layer.
Color & Lighting:
9
I like the colors in this image. Morning colors are saturated and brilliant as these are. This could just as easily have been taken at sunset considering the hues. I think the image could benefit from some selective brightening and levels enhancements near the periphery of the image.
Depth of field:
9
The depth of field is appropriate for this image. The foreground is in focus and the background softly muted and soft to create a smooth interesting canvas for the image.
General impression:
8
I think this shot conveys a great moodiness and a sense of wonder. I like the saturated colors and the play of light along the plants.
How to improve your photo
1.
Always use a tripod. Though your image hasn't suffered to any degree from being hand held all your shots will be much sharper if you do. . particularly those in low morning light or sunset images.
2.
Some selective dodging along the plant stems where the light has so brilliantly highlighted them would help pop this image. The same could be accomplished by using a post processing software program, such as Photoshop, to dodge in some of the darker areas near the bottom of the image and enhance the colors there as well.
3.
I would think of cloning out the natural, yet distracting, rock in the mid right section of your image. Its a much cleaner image without it. . but its not a deal killer by any means.
Get feedback on your photos from Pro Don Mace