Lines to Heaven
by geekssweet

Comment:
This is nice composition, but it suffers from a lack of contrast. It's also pretty dark overall. Check out my contrast discussion on Subtle Beauty at Rest.

Subtle Beauty at rest
by geekssweet

Comment:
I would've voted this a 4. Now as to why ...

The butterfly isn't too sharp. That'll almost always knock a point of of my vote. Were you using your camera's macro mode? If it has one, that will let you get much closer to things and still get sharp photos.

The composition is very centered. When you're zoomed in on something, that can work well, but this isn't. It's usually more interesting to have the subject off-center. Look up "rule of thirds" on Google for ample references. It's not a 100% thing, but it's a good place to start.

Also, with closeups, you're often better off filling as much of the frame as possible with the subject.

The multiple grass blades distract from the butterfly. You've got a natural frame around it, but the stuff outside that just carries my eye away.

Combining cropping tighter, using the natural frames of the blades, and moving at least the body off-center, here's an alternative:


The next issue is contrast. Often images right out of the camera are low in contrast, so the colors are kind of dull. It looks like there's a layer of gray over the whole thing. That's not your fault; it's related to how digital cameras work. Even with a minimum of post-processing knowledge, though, you can make some improvements. Here's what I got simply by playing around with the brightness and contrast sliders. You usually need to reduce brightness and you increase contrast to keep the whites from being "blown out" meaning they lose all detail.


See how that makes the butterfly stand out against the background?

I'm starting with the low-resolution image, so these aren't fantastic, and I'm not saying that my alternatives are going to win ribbons. But I hope they give you some ideas. Cropping for composition and enhancing contrast are steps I take on almost every image.

You can also search Google for "photoshop curves" and "photoshop levels" to find good tutorials on those. They're better tools than the contrast slider.

I hope this is helpful!

Day 13: Missed a Spot
by Art Roflmao

Comment:

Originally posted by yanko: Actually, I thought the blinds were real and you created yourself in photoshop. :P

You mean he's real?!?

Level 6
by ShaneBlake

Comment:
This kind of photo inspires me to develop my eye for what's already around me. Thanks!

Speak no evil
by amandalore

Comment:
Gave this an 8. Yet another creative, well-done shot from you. You're definitely demonstrating repeatedly why you're on my favorite photogs list. :)

And that was before I even realized the connection between the title and the crop!

Obelisking
by yanko

Comment:
One word: how?!?

Rock On
by -Bec-

Comment:
Great shot. :) I considered something like that with my daughter. Your cropping is very nice, too - her outstretched hand fills the space nicely.

LIghting is great, her expression's terrific, and her hair is ... wonderful. 9.

The Man on the Flying Trapeeze
by pinetree3

Comment:
Incredible shot. This is the kind of action shot I aspire to. Focus, composition, stopped action. 10.

Dude!
by zardoz

Comment:
Incredible shot. This is the kind of action shot I aspire to. Focus, composition, stopped action. 10.

Get set.....GO
by ivarg

Comment:
GREAT shot.

Some will probably say you should've put him on the left side, but I think action shots work well with the person moving out of frame. To me, it emphasizes his speed.

Your focus is terrific, and the color composition is very nice.