Kansas Ranch

[Olivia Price]

I'm just wondering what you think about the composition of this photo...and any other CC you may have for me



Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T3i
Lens Type: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 320

[Doug Sundseth]

I like your foreground quite a bit. The tree has interesting details and texture and the light is very nice.

Your background is much weaker. For me there's either too much detail or not enough. If the background were empty prairie, that could have worked to focus attention on the tree. Alternatively, a few soft-focused cows or an old tractor in the middle ground could have provided a balance to the tree that might have worked well.

As it is, you have a power line (we hates them forever) running across the middle of the background and a pond (?) with something orange that draws my attention away from the interesting stuff.

You might try shooting from a lower angle to get rid of the pond and orange thing and a move just a bit to the right could get rid of the power line tower, at least. That would leave cloning for the power line itself, which isn't too hard. These would make the photo stronger, but I still think you need something to balance the tree.

[mwanafunzi]

I agree with doug, in that there background does not add to the photo.

I feel that the tree should be centered so as to emphasise the texture and detail on the bark.

[Olivia Price]

Thank you for your replies, I honestly didn't even notice the power lines. I really do need to spend some more time working on my composition!

[Doug Sundseth]

Been there, done that. Probably more than once in the last week.

I like to do critiques because it encourages me to look at all photos, including my own, in a different way, and I think it helps me to be a better photographer.

[Krusty79]

I agree with Doug. Unfortunately, I don't find the background interesting and the power lines should be cloned out. I don't think the tree branches are adding much to the photo either. I'm also not sure if your horizon is quite level. The only part that holds my attention is the detail on the bark, but it feels like it's a little too far away. So, I would recommend zooming in more on the interesting bark.

I like the suggestion to move down lower because I think other compositions and angles might work better and cut out some distractions. Even getting really close to the tree and looking up might be a good perspective. You do get points for not shooting in the middle of the day when the light is harsh.