Yellow On Red

[JimFred]

I would love some critique on this shot...good, bad, or anywhere in between. EXIF info: Canon EOS 40D, 135mm, f 5.6, 1/250 sec. ISO 100 This is not really my favorite type of shot, but I like to experiment with things like this every once in a while. Thanks.

[FrankMi]

Hi Jim, it is always good the experiment and learn new things. You not only learn what works well but you may also learn what doesn't work so well.

What are you trying to achieve in this image? That is, what was it about the scene that you liked when you looked at it and convinced you to snap the shutter?

Different folks like a wide variety of different looks in images and for me that is usually a simpler image with a relatively clear separation between the subject and background. There are several things that can provide that separation; color, contrast, focus, size, vibrancy, busyness, etc.

Here you clearly have a focus separation but for me there is still a lot of competition from the background with very similar color, contrast and busyness. So for me it works, but the separation could be more apparent and possibly work better.

[Geoff F]

I think, Jim, I would try a crop from the top and right side to give more prominence to the intended subject.

[JimFred]

I think, Jim, I would try a crop from the top and right side to give more prominence to the intended subject.

I think you are right about the crop... I think it does look better.
And to answer Frank, I wanted the yellow leaves to stand out nicely from the red leaves in the background. I would have liked to have a little more blur to the red leaves, the the lens was wide open already. Thanks guys.

[Daisy Mae]

It certainly looks better without the frame which adds yet another dimension.

You do have the focal seperation at my maximum tolerance here and I am afraid it makes me a little dizzy.

[JimFred]

Thanks for your input, Sharon. As far as the frame goes, I think I am a lousy judge on when to use one or not. It's just hit and miss with me. I hope the dizzy spell has subsided by now. LOL

[escaladieu]

It certainly looks better without the frame which adds yet another dimension.

You do have the focal seperation at my maximum tolerance here and I am afraid it makes me a little dizzy.

Me too

J

[FrankMi]

I think you are right about the crop... I think it does look better.
And to answer Frank, I wanted the yellow leaves to stand out nicely from the red leaves in the background. I would have liked to have a little more blur to the red leaves, the the lens was wide open already. Thanks guys.

The crop and removal of the border has certainly improved the image in reaching your goal Jim. There is sufficient separation to make a statement and more importantly, to get folks to explore the image in depth.

[JimFred]

The crop and removal of the border has certainly improved the image in reaching your goal Jim. There is sufficient separation to make a statement and more importantly, to get folks to explore the image in depth.

Thanks, Frank. Appreciate it very much. Thanks for your input, too, Jeff.

[Ken Curtis]

Jim, I thought your original version was as acceptable as any cropped versions or versions without frames. To me there is not enough separation between the foreground yellow leaves and the red leaves, which make it difficult to see the yellow leaves without really staring at the image. The yellow leaves are still lost within the red leaves. If it were my image, I would try to significantly darken the red. That may defeat your objective.