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| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 87 |
Jan 22 |
Reply |
Your comments raise a question I've wondered about - how important is focus stacking in macro/tabletop photography?
Two experts in this area seem to have very different points of view - Mike Moats (https://www.tinylandscapes.com/blog/the-book-group-f64 and
https://www.tinylandscapes.com) never focus stacks (he shoots with small f-stops and sharpens in post, if needed) - and Don Komarechka (https://skycrystals.ca/snowflake-gallery/) will take 50-100 slices through a snowflake and spend days manually merging them in photoshop. Both have spectacular images!
I wonder if Will shot his single best picture of the rose and compared it with a focus stacked version - which would we think was sharper? And which would we think was more aesthetically pleasing?
Focus stacking is getting easier to do ("in camera") - and definitely helps in some situations. I wonder if we're over using/teaching it - since it's cool/easy? I took a 6 week macro class last year - and half the sessions were about focus stacking.
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Jan 15th |
| 87 |
Jan 22 |
Reply |
Either a tiny rose (I had no idea they could be that small) or an enormous finger. Tx for posting! |
Jan 11th |
| 87 |
Jan 22 |
Reply |
My mistake - I thought from the image title it was more recent! Great job getting rid of the person in the background. Perfect! I believe Chan uses the RP that has the same focus features as your camera. He may want to comment.
I use the Canon 6D (an older DSLR) and the R5. With the R5 it took me significant time to get the focus right. I was frustrated and called Canon to explore sending it back to the factory to be checked - I could have done that, but in the end concluded that it was "pilot error" and the camera was working properly. These cameras have so many focus modes - that the trick becomes knowing which mode to use when - and then using it properly. Esp in the mirrorless world - there is little to align/adjust with the focus system. If I was taking this picture - I would have focused on the man's face - and ensure that the focus point that the camera locked on was the man's face. You can do that in a variety of ways . . . If his face was tack sharp - most of the rest of the image would be acceptably sharp. Manual focus is another option - but I would not do that for an image like this - the autofocus systems is going to be better!
You could also try shooting at f5.6 or f8 (if light allows) - where the lens is going to be a bit sharper.
Keep shooting. |
Jan 9th |
| 87 |
Jan 22 |
Comment |
Great job freezing the fishing line in the air! The blue shirt really pops against all the green!
This image has many bright/dark areas. It feels like the interest/action is in the lower two thirds of the frame. I'd consider brightening the fisherman, darkening some of the brightest grass - and cropping 16:9 (example attached, low res).
Glad to see you taking pictures again! |
Jan 9th |
 |
| 87 |
Jan 22 |
Comment |
Beautiful shot - AMAZING that a wild bird would land on your wife's hand for some seeds. Definitely a photographers paradise. Nicely blurred background and sharp subject.
I wonder if there is some opportunity to tone down the bright spots on the hand/thumb - and increase brightness of the bird - so it would pop more.
Do you/others think the ring helps or hurts the image? I know it's reality and was there - but for me it's vibe is different from the remainder of the serene/natural image. |
Jan 2nd |
| 87 |
Jan 22 |
Comment |
A bit abstract for my palate - and I see the opportunities to present such an image in sections - whether with folds/bends - or separately framed parts. I could also imagine three square sections stacked vertically. I appreciate that you introduce different techniques to this group! |
Jan 2nd |
| 87 |
Jan 22 |
Comment |
My first impression of this image - was that the bear was devouring something - and I was trying to figure out what dead animal was in his paws. Upon further inspection I see that he (or she) is sleeping - perfectly warm/at peace lying on that frozen tundra. The exposure is perfect - capturing the white snow - and enabling the bear to nicely separate from it.
Not sure I can appreciate a smile on his face . . . . might just be dreaming about the New Year. |
Jan 2nd |
| 87 |
Jan 22 |
Comment |
I like your rose! In my experience - there is a poor correlation between images that I enjoy/make me happy/proud - and those that do well in competition. It's almost two worlds - and I'm most content with images I like! I derive more satisfaction from them than those that have won an award.
Your judge was tough - but i agree with his comment that shooting lower might have improved the image. Your detail/sharpness is great (and not over-done). I almost feel as though I could touch the petals and appreciate their texture.
Interesting that the rose appears more "open" in the reflection; likely due to the camera location/angle stretching out the reflection more than the object. That adds some interest. |
Jan 2nd |
| 87 |
Jan 22 |
Reply |
Thanks! I recently reviewed my favorite 2021 images (N=30); they were all taken within 20 miles of my home (almost half in my basement!) - so Serengeti Park seems far away. It's a trip I'd love to make someday - although not something of interest to my wife. |
Jan 2nd |
| 87 |
Jan 22 |
Comment |
Kudos to you for having your camera in your hand - just doing that probably allows you to find some interesting shots! I need to do that more.
I really enjoy your image - I like the flat/low key/low contrast appearance - for me that creates a feeling of calm/warmth. I imagine Dale is a warm/friendly person - easy to talk to.
The bright window doesn't bother me - although it's the brightest spot and right at the edge. For me - it's part of the place - perhaps Dale's face is interesting enough that it holds my attention. In my opinion, toning it down slightly as Lance has done keeps the feel of the place - and improves the overall image.
I think Lance's square crop is too tight . . . misses the place and also part of Dale; right down to his shirt pockets and fishing logo - all of which contribute to who he is. |
Jan 2nd |
6 comments - 4 replies for Group 87
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6 comments - 4 replies Total
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