Getting to that time of year again

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Things are starting to pop up in the garden already.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Alan,

If you are looking for C&C on this, can I ask what you see as its strengths and weaknesses?

Some questions to ask yourself:

Is everything in the frame positively contributing?
Is anything in the frame diverting attention from the main subject?
What is the main subject?
If more than one main subject, are they all arranged within the frame in a nice composition?
Could it be cropped to improve the composition?
Is the focus in the best place?
Is the Depth of Field sufficient?
Is the White Balance correct or attractive?
Is it properly exposed?

I think this has a few issues, but equally there are some we can answer 'Yes' to.
Can you identify the issues?


However, if it is just a shot to show us what's growing in your garden, that's fair enough.

Cheers, Dave

[AlwaysOnAuto]

I was really just sharing what is happening out in the garden Dave.
DOF is pretty shallow, but I got the bud in focus for the most part.
This is straight out of the camera so nothing was done RE: white balance, cropping etc etc.
I was just excited that I've got some new subjects coming up in the not too distant future.
I'll try to restrain my enthusiasm here and not post any more snap shots.

[IzzieK]

It is how we learn, Alan -- shooting everyday...but I understand. I saw some buds from our magnolia tree at the front starting to bloom again. And at the back and side of the house the tulips are starting to show too along with others I can't identify yet. Very soon, it will be flower shooting season again.

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Here is my 'artistic' shot from this morning's foray into the backyard.
I'd crop it from the right to leave the framing of the OOF leaves as a frame for the emerging bud.

[Shadowman]

Definitely a time of year to experiment and celebrate. Nice efforts.

[Wavelength]

#1 : I think you can trim and take out the central bud in portrait mode as a good image.
#2: an OOF frame can kill the subject, methinks

[IzzieK]

Alan, the framing is a nice touch but but it needs a bit of cropping and sharpening of the subject itself, like this...
Quick 5 minute or less edit..



I think I overdid it a bit and the brighter area needs a bit of softening. I will remove this if you do not want it. Hope this helps to illustrate my thoughts.

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Thanks Izzie, I think the DOF is just a touch too shallow and I missed getting the whole bud in focus. It was kind of dark down in the shadows, and the focus peaking wasn't showing up very well since there's not a lot of contrast down there for it to focus on.

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Well, maybe one more snapshot.