HDR attempt - What/how do I improve (not just the HDR part)

[PaulE]

Please feel free to comment on any aspect of this photo. The three images used in this HDR are also on my photostream where more EXIF info is available.

Camera COOLPIX P100
Exposure 0.004 sec (1/260)
Aperture f/5.0
Focal Length 120 mm
ISO Speed 176
X-Resolution 300 dpi
Y-Resolution 300 dpi

[windrider86]

Crop!!! If you crop your image down using the rule of thirds it will bring more focus to the dragonfly. As it sits, its lost in all the dead space

[PaulE]

Thank you for both the EXIF info
as well as the crop (even more embarrassed)
Hopefully this is an improvement! Should I crop it even more? Please tell me or if you want to, grab it, crop it and show me.
Thank you for your patience!

[LoveDSLR]

Sample crop (Golden Spiral):

[PaulE]

Thank you for the feedback. I have never heard of this method of cropping or getting to the focus point up till now. Googled it and came up with very interesting reading. Will definitely read more about it. Do you apply this to all/most of your photos or when?
Thank you for your time.

[LoveDSLR]

Just think of the Rule of Thirds or Golden Spiral as a training wheel or teaching aid. It is easier to show you than telling you to crop certain way (that is what they told us in instructor training seminars about using visual aids).

Originally Posted by PaulE

Do you apply this to all/most of your photos or when?

No, I just know what I want after shooting for over three decades. After a while, you will know where to place the subject for emphasis and highlighting it using color, contrast, sharpness, brightness, leading line, frames etc.

[PaulE]

Thank you for the insightful feedback.

[Photologyst]

Nice capture for a first try, Paul.

Regarding the HDR aspect of the photo, I don’t really see that with the usual “pop,” probably because there is not much EV contrast between the original photos. Another issue is that the whole photo is a bit blurry. So here are two adjustments for you to consider as examples:

Regular adjust:




HDR pop:



Such adjustments are a matter of personal taste. For some, they may be overcooked, for others just right.

The irrational mathematical constant or golden ratio/section/proportion/mean has already been addressed. As you can see with proper rule of thirds cropping the eye is led through the photo to the subject. You may have noted that the spiral looks rather like a Nautilus shell. This is because therein is the natural golden proportion.

This mathematical principle has been used since ancient times or for at least 2,400 years. While Phi φ is not the only mathematical principle in the universe it is a major one in Nature. Phi and Fibonacci numbers, closely related can be seen in the formations of space, the human body, plant growth and of course successful architecture, design and even music.

Phi: 1·61803

phi: 0·61803

A simple way to remember is to consider the basic proportion of the credit card or iPhone width to length or vice-versa and you will get the above numbers.


There is a golden ratio calculator widget/app for the Mac: Golden Ratio Calculator

”The Golden Mean is the link between the nautilus shell, the sunflower and the pentagram. Phi is the root-note of the harmony that holds the universe together,...”


There is an excellent video explaining how to use the calipers and the golden mean in many variances. Weirdsky Industries | Golden Mean Calipers

If you are interested in learning more the original book on the subject Luca Pacioli’s De Divina Proportione. There are modern versions and translations of same:

Amazon.com: The Divine Proportion (9780486222547): H. E. Huntley: Books


You may find these links useful:

Museum of Harmony and Golden Section

The life and numbers of Fibonacci | plus.maths.org

There are of course, countless more of the above.

Something else to explore is fractals both natural (sunflowers, etc.) and mathematical algorithms that emulate Nature.

[PaulE]

Wow! Thank you very much for all the effort you put into your feedback! I really appreciate it!
I post all my photos on flickr and some of the feedback, in particular the so called 'rewards' with no personal feedback/expression from the one that gives the award are so trivial, it could just as well not be there!
I never expected such a lot of advice - it sure is a lot of information to go through, but I'll get there.
I only started getting really interested in photography since middle 2010 and it's been a steep learning curve for me.
Thank you all once again!

[ctcook]

I think that all the critique mentioned previously is great. I just wanted to chime in and say keep it up!! You say you've only been really interested since mid 2010. I looked at your Flickr Photostream and you ahve a great eye. Keep up the great work, and keep hitting that shutter release.