Echeveria flowers

[pittbug]

I'd appreciate any comments or critique on composition please. I was trying to follow the rule of thirds by placing the group of three flowers in the top right 3rd intersection, then have the other flowers moving away from that point.



Camera Nikon D90
Exposure 0.04 sec (1/25)
Aperture f/22.0
Focal Length 105 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash No Flash

[bbtom10]

I have to say that it feels more centralised than I think you were hoping - it is a beautiful shot but perhaps the centre flower (the one pointing upwards) should be the one in the thirds intersect...

Generally I presume you aren't quite happy with the shot, hence your request? I would be very pleased with this one myself, although perhaps I would have messed it up by overcropping to achieve the copmposition I am suggesting.

Tom

[pittbug]

Hi Tom, thanks for the comments. Yes you're right, I'm not 100% happy with it. I think the problem is that there's not much depth to the subject and no variation in size, so I think the flowers tend group together to become one object. This issue is probably magnified because there's nothing else in the photo, apart from the dark, contrasting background. Still learning...

[brun0sa]

Hi,

Looking at the photo I didn't notice that there was 3 flowers.
But, the photo is good. I like it. Very sharp and nice colors.
Perhaps, the rule of thirds should be used here. Honestly, I don't know, but you can break the rule

You can try to play around... You used a f/22, that gives you all the flowers focused. And, why not a much bigger aperture... in which you get one flower focused and the others on the DOF.

Cheers

[LeeR]

By applying the rule of thirds you have used one of photographies most time honor rules, though there are hundreds more. Another rule says, "eliminate everything that doesn't need to be there." This rule is a bit challenging because there are times when empty space can work for us and even make the difference between a good photo and a great image. So how do we know whether to cut or not? Unless you have had loads of experience, I know of no other way than to try it. (Actually, I do have loads of experience, but I stilled tried it to confirm my suspicion.) I don't think the space on the left is helping you. As a matter of fact, I'm going to suggest you go with a square crop, taking off most of the left and a bit of the right. The rest of the image is spot on; the lighting is perfect, the background is sufficiently dark and out of focus, the flowers are razor sharp, and the colors are saturated till they nearly scream (might want to back off on that just a tad.)
Overall, an excellent image. Just try the crop for yourself and see if you don't agree.

[pittbug]

Thanks for the comments guys. @Leer, for some reason I never even considered a square crop. I exported the pic again with just a little rotation and a square crop, but no exposure or color alterations at all.



I think I agree with you, I like the square crop much better.