holly

• reality

  Member

  February 18, 2007 at 8:26 pm

  Just out and about on the weekend. had some nice sunshine to work with, although I probably didn’t make the best use of in the shos.

  Comment would be welcome…not sure of blandness of the shot, interested in botanical shots and really just expanding to range of plants photographed

  
  Not Pete the bloke

  Participant

  February 18, 2007 at 9:26 pm

  Adj. 1. bland – lacking either stimulating or irritating characteristics;

  Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this has BLAND written all over it in capital letters. Think about why you took this shot, and where you took it from, and try to figure out how it could be improved. Could you have got in close to a single holly leaf for a more interesting shot? Could you have taken it when the light was less harsh? (It looks like it was taken in harsh mid-day sun). Was there any way to get a more interesting background, such as getting low and framing against the sky, or against a contrasting colour? Could you have used a shallower depth of field (wider aperture) to throw the background out of focus?
  There’s no point in me or anyone else saying ‘nice shot’ in response to this photo. I suspect from your own comments that you know the limitations of this photo, so I look forward to seeing more from you, as you take these points on board and produce better work.
  my 2c worth.
  Ross
  John Dunne

  Participant

  February 18, 2007 at 9:34 pm

  Ross you summed it all up as i was writing it.

  I am no expert y any means but Reality i hope i can help you a little.

  Most photographers put their cameras away in midday sun. It is morning and evening sunlight that gives a much nicer and more diffused light.
  There are others on here who can explain the scientific reasons for that. When i started out i used to think a sunny day was a great day. Not always true. The white light reflected on the shot has meant you have lost detail and it distracts the eye from the overall picture.

  Also with regards to the background. Try using a shorter depth of field. If you are not confident in doing that, put your camera on portrait mode. That should take care of it. What it will do is throw the background out of focus and stop it competing with the subject for your attention.

  Finally try different angles. Striaght on is most often not the best angel.
  BTW some of your other shots are much better. The carnation one works really well.

  Hope that helps
  John Dunne
  reality

  Member

  February 18, 2007 at 10:40 pm

  This in fact sound odd But thanks John and Ross!!! I am a beginner and appreciate the comments! I have posted a few other pictures but was unsure as to their qualities..mainly due to lack of comment on so was probably pushing the boat out with this one, to be honest.

  Also i would probably be approaching it more from the botanical side of things and this probably doesn’t help from the photographic point, with just over emphesis on ‘a nice plant’ etc rather than taking a mole holistic background approach.

  Thanks again and hopefully can put the advice to good use!!! I WILL TRY! but hopefully will be able to improve

  Ger