I see you are using a P&S and CS3 for pp'ing, I think it would be helpful for us in providing comments if you might share your experience level with us --- amateur, experienced amateur, etc. (however you choose to describe).
For this image, I like the colors but the blurred foreground, especially at the bottom left, to me is distracting. Also, I'd center the leaf more, maybe evens perhaps a little to the left of center.
It's probably easiest to use the display to compose rather than the viewfinder. I assume the lens was zoomed to some extent, which makes it even more valuable to use the display since you won't see the effect of the zoom in the viewfinder.
Hope this helps and looking forward to more of your posts,
Thanks for the input! I'm glad there are people out there who want to help.
I would say I have a little experience.
I started out with a Canon digital rebel 300d about a year and a half ago.
I now have a canon A710 and a canon 40d that I got last week.
So I have a lot of learning to do!
I was uncertain since the Exif indicates a Kodak P&S but since you have a DSLR the particular composition issues are moot.
# Camera Make = EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
# Camera Model = KODAK Z760 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA
# Picture Orientation = normal (1)
# X-Resolution = 2300000/10000 = 230
# Y-Resolution = 2300000/10000 = 230
# X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
# Software/Firmware Version = Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
# Last Modified Date/Time = 2008:03:26 11:40:54
Here's a variation on the theme. I've trimmed the dark strip off the top because it served no purpose (even though it also didn't hurt). I also trimmed much of the blurred area off the bottom because I thought there was simply too much of it. On the other hand, you may not like the almost panoramic shape of the new image.
Your photo is certainly not bad but I think that the leaf would be better if it was all in focus and not overexposed and not running off the right side of the image.
If you were reshooting it then you might want to reduce exposure or better yet use a circular polariser filter to remove some of the white reflection and reveal the leaf colour underneath.
Know this: critiques are not necessarily right or better than your own judgment. We try to help but in the end it comes down to what works best for you. If nothing else you'll learn a bit about what works for others. The key is to not be upset or disheartened because someone wants to change your images.
cheers, and welcome to FM.
- Alan
[Sorry - Something is wrong with the image upload.]
The highlights are either blown on this or are just too dominating. I find myself craning my neck trying to get a better angle on the leaf so I can see more of its features on the face of it rather than edge-on as in this picture. I'd try this again but at a lazier angle, and watch those hot highlights. Leaves also look really good over saturated and/or over contrasty. I saw one that a photographer used some kind of third party plugin to make it look like it was made of bronze. Very cool.
