Action and Macro - inviting critique.

[rcheshire (Rowland)]

I'm submitting these as two of my better photos to-date.

The bird - Canon 1000D, lens 200mm f/4.0 1/400 sec, iso400 - hand held.

The flower - Canon 100mm Macro lens f/8 1/25 sec iso100, flash - tripod.

Processed with Pixinsight.

[bloodhound31]

I think I like the flower best, because of the lovely detail and focus of the water drop, however the bird is a great action shot frozen in time. Perhaps you should enter it in this months challenge.

Baz.

[rcheshire (Rowland)]

Thanks Barry. Any thoughts on cropping and colour management - particularly to bird image? I guess I'm interested in identifying any processing artefacts faults etc. Happy to post the originals if need be.

[Octane (Humayun)]

I might come across as harsh, but, you've invited critique, so...

I think the biggest problem with the first shot, at least, is that it lacks composition and therefore, as a result, interest. Allow me to explain: it looks like a snapshot of a flower with a water droplet and doesn't really convey anything.

There is a disconnect between the blurred petal in the foreground, the in-focus droplet, the blurred flower and the creamy bokeh of the background.

You need to be able to find a way to bring all those elements together to make a compelling image. Most of the time it is to do with subject matter, but, every now and then a crop can make the world of difference. I would suggest perhaps that a horizontal crop, removing the blurred foreground at the vertex of the ">" shape that the flower makes with the background, for the bottom half, and, where the petal starts turning over itself on the top, would make a big difference. The rest of the composition then becomes redundant. By doing this crop, you would also ensure that the water droplet falls somewhere near, or on, one of the lines of thirds, at least longitudinally and immediately becomes more visually pleasing.

I think it's important to tackle the aesthetics first before moving on to the processing side of things.

I hope that didn't come across too badly, but, gives you something to think about? It's all part of the learning process.

H

[Icky (Ian)]

Great timing on the wattlebird photo! I assumed it was a duck or another waterbird before I opened the file. Must have been a hot day; or maybe it was just bathtime! Well done.
Ian

[rcheshire (Rowland)]

I hope that didn't come across too badly, but, gives you something to think about? It's all part of the learning process.

H. Not harsh at all. Frank, to the point and educational. I'll work on those points and post a later date, as time permits. Many thanks - valuable insight.

Thanks Icky. I watched him take a couple of baths in the same spot - very quick. This was its last - the wait was worth the effort. Still lots to learn about these action shots.

[ving (David)]

the timing on the wattle bird is great but the shutter speed is too slow me thinks. there is a bit too much blur there

[rcheshire (Rowland)]

I think so too. More aperture needed in a shaded location.