Secretsby
rileyComment by Artyste: Welcome from the Critique Club! Your prayers have been answered.
(just kidding)
Initial Thoughts
First of all, I didn't realize you could use a lighting effects filter under the advanced editing. Huh.
Ok, my first thoughts on this shot were that it's a little too dark in areas, but then I thought.. they're mushrooms, it's supposed to be dark.
Other than that, I only thought, "yah, they're mushrooms". :)
Composition / Content
I feel that your composition is weak on the left side of the image. I really like the small grouping of mushrooms on the right, but when they go off to the left, they go a little too chaotic. Perhaps a change of perspective, or more space on the left so the one mushroom isn't cropped off would have helped? As for content, it's a very idyllic little piece of flora, that invokes a kind of fairy tale look.
Background
The background is great, giving a feel of coming upon this grouping of fungii in a secret cave somewhere, with sunlight filtering in.
Camera Work - Technical
Nice focus on the mushrooms. DOF is really nice. The exposure is the only part that is a little weak, as the left side of the image suffers for it.
Digital Processing
The neatimage was applied nicely, as it's not fully noticeable, although I think the lighting effects filter may have aided in causing the lit part of the photograph to be a little too smooth.
Fits the Challenge
Being a Free Study, it obviously fits the challenge.
My Opinion on the Photo
It's really quite a good photograph of mushrooms. Not *my* favorite subject, but you've done a good job, and turned an ordinary subject into something worth looking at.
Photographer found comment helpful.
