Critique on a dragonfly

[JenGrace]

I like this shot - the silhouette of the dragonfly and softness of the background work for me - but I can't decide which version looks the best. I've also tried some different crops, but here I've only posted different color treatments. I know some of the stems on the left and right of the photo are distracting, but when I crop them out I lose some other elements of the photo I like. I'd really like some feedback on these. Thanks. :cool

Here is the original straight from the camera.
http://flipography.smugmug.com/photos/390407689_y2zHA-L.jpg

This one has some slight WB adjustment.
http://flipography.smugmug.com/photos/390407138_wzQcJ-L.jpg

This version has the WB adjustment plus some vignetting.
http://flipography.smugmug.com/photos/390406564_PUxxY-L.jpg

[DaddyO]

I've come back to this shot several times. If pressed to say of the 3
takes presented I guess I would have to go with #2. Though I like the
vignetting in 3.

That said, and I understand you like the silouette of the dragonfly, I
am not fully understanding what it is about this shot that is charming
you so as is full frame.

I think the higher value, if it were to be had, would be a crop of somekind.
:D Just my two cents. Micahel

[JenGrace]

Thanks for your input. Here are a couple of crops.

Crop 1
http://flipography.smugmug.com/photos/390784661_66MgK-L.jpg

Crop 2
http://flipography.smugmug.com/photos/390785201_cU9kL-L.jpg

[b8264d]

I really like that second crop. Makes the story of the drgonfly a little more clearer. Very nicely done, cropped or not.

Jeff

[DaddyO]

You sure got good sharp on the dragonfly. What lens?

One of the first things I noticed about this shot was of
the challenge to end up with a good enough composition
from a crop. This, I think, is a tough one.

Your crop 2 leaves in some pleasing stuff while taking out some
things not so needed. But the in your face and higher detail
of crop one is pretty nice save for losing all the things in the
picture that you like. So its maybe #1 that is in a decent
crop range?

I did a crop from your first image that may also fall into the
potential range. With a quick BW just to see what if.
Hope this is ok with you? :D Michael
http://daddyoh.smugmug.com/photos/390723762_o6Wqg-L.jpghttp://daddyoh.smugmug.com/photos/390819718_NivpT-L.jpg

[JenGrace]

I really like the portrait style crops. Thanks for your help! :) BTW I was using the 70-300vr, which did really well considering I was leaning over my husband who was in the driver's seat of our car and the engine was running.

[iamprof40]

I am no expert, but I would use a longer lens and a flash if possible
but them what do I know?

[JenGrace]

You're right, those things would have made the dragonfly closer and more visible. Thanks for the comment. :)

[DaddyO]

I really like the portrait style crops. Thanks for your help! :) BTW I was using the 70-300vr, which did really well considering I was leaning over my husband who was in the driver's seat of our car and the engine was running.

Tough way to get a shot. :wink That particular lens did very well for you
given the situation. It would be nice to see your final with this
particular pic. That is if your going to do a final. Have to admit a BW
looking dragon fly against color is bit peculiar. But hey, different can
definitely be a good thing. :D

[david-low]

I liked the portriat version in B/W.

[JenGrace]

I did finally decide to go with portrait style crop, and took other advice to clone out some distracting elements. I appreciate everyone's help in making this a better photo. :barb

http://www.flipography.com/photos/391171492_CRWR2-L.jpg

[DaddyO]

Looking good Jen. :thumb:D

[JenGrace]

Thanks! :)