Delicate creatureby
MattOComment by CEJ: Hello from the Critique Club!
I have studied your image and have the following to offer:
Composition/perspective - the subject to frame size ratio is very nice. Placement of the subject within the frame is excellent. The DoF applied here is also very well done. There is nothing in the image to detract from the subject in the least - nice timing of capture as well. Having the subject as a profile is another strong point in the composition. Focus is good - although crisp detail in the subject is there, some sharpening would have made the wings really stand out. Very well done!
Color - the muted colors of the flowers the subject is sitting on as well as the greens in the background could have allowed for a nice contrast with the subject's colors. A boost in saturation and contrast would have helped to bring this out more. The colors in the subject seem a little pale. Time of day may have contributed to this some.
Lighting - natural light is excellent as a light source, but time of day has a lot to do with how effective it is. This appears somewhat bright like it was taken either in mid day or with the sun almost directly on the subject. I realize a butterfly is not going to cooperate and arrive at the right time of day just for your picture, but the overall brightness fades the colors in the wings. Processing could have helped to bring this back (see above).
Challenge requirements - the detail in the wings helps quite nicely to the delicate feel of the image. This is also helped by the flowers being the type they are - not large petals/leaves but small and 'frilly.' It meets the challenge requirements well.
Overall/my opinion - since this was taken in bright light, post processing could have helped to make it a much stronger image. The colors seem a little pale and a boost in contrast may have helped to recover them. Not sure how the viewers feel, but I think it loses some of its strength by using the challenge name in the title. It doesn't make the image more delicate looking, but does seem like you are trying to force the impression. I think the image and subject are strong enough to have titled it differently. Just my opinion.
Photographer found comment helpful.
