Frosty branch/berries, did I get the ice right?

[precious]

Hello all,

Happy Holidays!

This is my first shot on DPS, first shot of frost/snow. I am looking to improve focus/ picture sharpness and getting the colors right. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks.

Flickr Photo Download: IMG_7602_3

I did not know how to upload with 740px restriction, so I uploaded on flickr. Hope that works ok. This pic is not edited, only minor fixes for saturation and white balance.

Exif:

Canon Rebel Xsi
Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal length: 250mm
ISO = 200
Exposure compensation: 0.7step
Date Taken: 12/24/09
No flash

[dcclark]

Very nice, strong composition... the line of the branch coming through the photo, with the ice (and berries) "dripping" from it are excellent.

The colors seem fine, although it's also a matter of opinion. The colors here are pretty warm, which you may or may not want (since the subject involves a lot of ice). Personally, I like it.

There is a berry poking just barely in on the left hand side, which I would crop out.

The only problem I really see, at first glance, is the general greyness of the background. It feels a bit "empty" or maybe artificial -- as if the branch were in a studio, not outside. If there were something with a little more color, that could be good -- but overall, well done.

As for uploading, you can use the Medium sized photo on flickr -- it's 500px wide, which is large enough to see, but small enough to fit.

[KansaiGreenie]

Originally Posted by precious

I am looking to improve focus/ picture sharpness and getting the colors right.

The focus and sharpness seems good to me. I would like to see the colors a little bit bolder, but that is just my taste.

Well done. Nice image.

KG

[prabbit237]

Originally Posted by dcclark

The colors seem fine, although it's also a matter of opinion. The colors here are pretty warm, which you may or may not want (since the subject involves a lot of ice). Personally, I like it.

There is a berry poking just barely in on the left hand side, which I would crop out.

I'm by NO means an expert (I'm still very much a beginner) but I agree with you on the one berry to the side but disagree with liking the warmth. I took a little liberties with the pic and came up with this variation:

[dcclark]

Wow! Well, you definitely went extreme with the warmth change. I would definitely go for something only a little bit cooler than the photo you gave. The blue is an interesting effect, but too far overboard for me.

[prabbit237]

Originally Posted by dcclark

Wow! Well, you definitely went extreme with the warmth change. I would definitely go for something only a little bit cooler than the photo you gave. The blue is an interesting effect, but too far overboard for me.

That's why you can't ever say "my opinion is right (OR wrong)" but only "that it's mine," simply because what you hate, I might love and visa-versa (And yes, I apply the "right or wrong" to both of us. ) However, after looking at it again, maybe you have a point and maybe I shouldn't have gone quite so blue. But it's all part of the learning process that we're all going through.

[precious]

Merry Christmas! still awaiting mod's approval on my response from yesterday,

wow! thanks for the responses, truly appreciate your time and advice.

I did not notice the berry on the left side, thanks for pointing that out.

about warmth, yes, I felt it was sort of empty too in the background, and would have preferred more color or saturation in the branch and berry.

Color temp: I have not ventured to photoshop yet, to make only parts of the image more saturated, I followed prabbit237's edit (thanks for that) and made it more blue.



Thanks again for the advice.