Cliche' Sunflower Shot # 73
by boyte1

Comment by timj351:
Critique Club critique from timj351

You certainly picked a gorgeous flower for this shoot. I don't mind the angle at all. What I don't really like is the background. I think this is because it doesn't appear very natural to me. It serves to only provide a smooth background but it doesn't seem to compliment or support the flower in a visual way. Sometimes what works very well is to use the same colors that are in the main subject as a background. In this case I can image a very light yellow or even green cloth or fabric. This isn't the type of photo that requires a complimentary color for contrast, but rather a similar color, to create a color theme that provides a soft, inviting feel to the scene.

Your use of focus is perfect here. There is sharp, edgy detail in the leaves where it is appropriate and softer detail in the petals where it accentuates the color and smooth lines.

Your use of lighting is good, particularily in the way the shadows are nice and soft matching the flower nicely.

The composition works well enough and I don't have any problems with the downward angle of the flower. I might have tried to emphasise the beautiful shapes of the petal and leaves some more by trying some different compositions and framing it even closer but that's just me and not right or wrong. As it is, it is a nice composition that doesn't detract from the beauty of this flower.

The colors are very natural looking and it is presented very cleanly. I feel you did a nice job with this photo.

Tim Jensen

His and Hers
by boyte1

Comment by Anachronite:
great shot.. looks like it could use a beter white balence though

Half Mast
by boyte1

Comment by lisae:
This is not as good, in my opinion, as the other American-flag-on-a-pole photo. It's hard for me to judge this symbolism dispassionately, as I'm very opposed to the looming war (and I'm not American). But you caught the flag riding the wind very nicely.

His and Hers
by boyte1

Comment by Jacko:
Will you be my Valentine. Ahhh how sweet :) Cute shot. Jacko

His and Hers
by boyte1

Comment by Annida:
Very simple and effective, well done -annida

His and Hers
by boyte1

Comment by jerrft:
Not bad. Looks like two man paws (both yours?).

Half Mast
by boyte1

Comment by peterlilly:
This is very beautiful. I like the pole leading up.

Half Mast
by boyte1

Comment by Gallatin:
Beautiful, thanks!

Half Mast
by boyte1

Comment by PTLParsons:
This looks too much like the freedom photo. You must shoot together. I suggest you use different shots. This is beautiful but is lessened by one so close to it.. It is seriously a beautiful work of art, but so is the other one.

Half Mast
by boyte1

Comment by CreativeFlyPhoto:
i do like the composition of this photo ... i dont like the red border .. i think a black border or even a dark blue would have made this photo even stronger