Neon Spiderby
NuzzerComment by Neil: Greetings from the Critique Club:
This is a very nice shot overall; I really like the "expanding" look (perspective) of the bokeh. And congratulations on your top 15 image!
COMPOSITION: As I said, I really like the composition you chose, the perspective, and the look of the bokeh, is great.
EXPOSURE AND SHARPNESS: Exposure seems to be ok. Contrast is good in the center by the spider and in the sharper areas, but overall, the photo has a bit of a flat look--I think because of the colors. If you had shifted these to more contrasting colors, it might have been more striking. Sharpness and clarity seem ok at this size, but not exceptional.
AESTHETICS: I think the photo has everything going for it in aesthetics (outside of being a shot of a spider which some people fear!). But overall aesthetics don't work for me, despite the great subject, and excellent bokeh. I believe it's the colors--they don't appeal to me (whereas they do in the shot you were emulating). Or it might be the "negative" look (whether created or somehow natural; perhaps indeed it's the colors that say negative to me).
This is of course all subjective opinion! But perhaps it will help you in trying alternative post-processing, or just for the next time you try this!
Photographer found comment helpful.