"MACRO AND CLOSEUP PHOTOGRAPHY" Visual Critique
May 2021 - by Robert Chaplin
Critique Approach:
Keeping with the critical approach consistent with previous digital challenges, the critique below includes comments on the fundamentals of photography and ways I see to improve the image. Keep in mind the idea of enhancing your photo to my aesthetic may be different than what you intended. If it misses the mark, disregard the comment.
I have often said; image titles lead the judge to what you are trying to express. So, with that in mind, I may comment on some of the image titles as part of this critique.
Also, keep in mind that, if provided, the visual critique was performed on a jpeg. It may not be perfect but is intended as a visual aid to express the written critique.
The scores will reflect judgment based on the technical, processing, artistic and emotional impacts and challenge requirements.
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Breakfast
Barbara Thompson
Score 93Well done macro shot with good timing. See the visual critique for potential processing ideas.
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Dancing Legos
John McKnight
Score 79Simply stated closeup. The focus and depth of field seem appropriate. See the visual critique for a processing idea.
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Follow the Lines
Inna Malostovker
Score 84This is a typical composition of a butterfly (profile with wings closed); what adds some interest is the stem (line) across the upper right corner of the frame. This image gives a frame-within-a-frame feel. See the visual critique for processing ideas.
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I see Yellow
Inna Malostovker
Score 87Good composition and the focus and depth of field are appropriate. See the visual critique for a processing idea.
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In the Look Out
Ada Ruth Casal
Score 69There is nothing neutral in an image. Elements will either contribute to the visual statement or detract from it. See the visual critique for composition and processing ideas.
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Looking for Aphids
Yevette Shapiro
Score 82Common composition for an insect. The leaf seems to be sharper than the ladybug. A tighter crop, a little more depth of field, and a better focus on the ladybug's head would have strengthened the shot. See the visual critique for the composition idea supporting the closeup challenge and for a processing idea.
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Organic Lunch Time
Ada Ruth Casal
Score 87Well composed with appropriate depth of field. See the visual critique for a processing idea.
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Pink Torch Ginger
Rolando Prol
Score 89"The Ant and Pink Torch Ginger" would be a good name. Did you see the ant? See the visual critique for processing and sharpening ideas.
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Red Flower
Rolando Prol
Score 78Red is a dynamic color, and the background is appropriate for this dramatic image. However, there seem to be some inconsistencies with focus and sharpness. There are also some unnecessary elements entering the edge of the frame. See the visual critique for examples.
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Spilt Salt on Penny
Ivan Prasin
Score 75Interesting idea, although I'm not sure what the artistic statement is. The image also seems to be over-sharpened. I would not expect the penny to show that much gritty texture. See the visual critique for a processing idea to tone down the grittiness.
"SEASONS" Visual Critique
June 2021 - by Robert Chaplin
Critique Approach:
Keeping with the critical approach consistent with previous digital challenges, the critique below includes comments on the fundamentals of photography and ways I see to improve the image. Keep in mind the idea of enhancing your photo to my aesthetic may be different than what you intended. If it misses the mark, disregard the comment.
I have often said; image titles lead the judge to what you are trying to express. So, with that in mind, I may comment on some of the image titles as part of this critique.
Also, keep in mind that, if provided, the visual critique was performed on a jpeg. It may not be perfect but is intended as a visual aid to express the written critique.
The scores will reflect judgment based on the technical, processing, artistic and emotional impacts and challenge requirements.
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Frittilary Summer
Yevette Shapiro
Score 82Good composition and appropriate crop. See the side-by-side visual critique for processing ideas. What do you think?
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Spring Snow at the Great Sand Dunes
John McKnight
Score 80It is tough getting a great photo in midday light. This image reminds me of a been-there-done-that vacation photo. See the side-by-side visual critique for processing ideas. Notice where elements close to the edge were cleaned up and how contrast was added to enhance the feeling of depth?
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Summer Blessings
yevette Shapiro
Score 90Strong composition with an artistic feel. This shot has minor flaws inconsistent with the rest of the image. See the side-by-side visual critique. Can you find them? This attention to detail is what separates the good from the great. And before I get a comment about pixel peeping, let me say if a printer (the printing equipment) can see it, it's not pixel peeping.
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Bandon Beach Springtime
Pilar Geada
Score 86This is a dynamic image with contrast and colors. It seems like the photographer tried to include too much in the image and crowded the edges. Notice the village on the upper right side of the frame is dark and close to the edge. A minor touch-up with the processing would have given the photograph some pop. See the side-by-side visual critique. What do you think?.
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Feeding The Family
Rolando Proll
Score 77This is an interesting and challenging photograph to create. The image is overexposed, and there are a lot of distracting twigs. Next time try underexposing 1 to 2 stops from the camera's metering. The slight underexposure will darken the sticks in the nest and should still give you room to open up the anhinga. You could have handled the distracting sticks in an image processing program. See the side-by-side visual critique.
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Peace at the Japanese Garden
Pilar Geada
Score 92Compositionally strong, and the Koi in the reflection is the anomaly that adds interest to the photograph. See the side-by-side visual critique for processing ideas. Did the minor touch-up help?.
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Rainy Season
Inna Malostovker
Score 93This image is well exposed with an appropriate depth of field. See the side-by-side visual critique for a crop ratio idea. Did changing the orientation from square to 4x5 strengthen the statement?
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Spring Migrant
Yevette Shapiro
Score 95Well composed with good focus and appropriate depth of field. See the side-by-side visual critique. Did darkening the stick and background make a difference?
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The Greening Season
Doris Kraus
Score 87This image has an appropriate orientation and depth of field. See the side-by-side visual critique. Notice how I toned down the bright areas and opened the lizard's head? Did it help?
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Winter Storm
Inna Malostovker
Score 94Compositionally strong with an appropriate depth of field. The placement of the trees within the frame feels right. See the side-by-side visual critique. Did brightening the photograph enhance the feeling of a winter storm?
Upcoming Events
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📸 How well do you understand your camera? - Hosted by Robert Chaplin
May 23rd - 6:45 PM at Suniland Park
A camera is only a tool. We are visual artists who must understand how to use this tool to its maximum effect for our self-expression.
Understanding your camera is extremely important for our creativity and finding our style.
Join us for an interactive discussion where we'll explore various camera settings, from Auto and Program modes to Portrait, Sports, and Macro modes. We'll then delve into the intricacies of manual and semi-manual modes."
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Photo Challenge - JUNE 2024 - REFLECTIONS
Submit by midnight June 11, 2024
📷 Welcome to the "Reflections" photo challenge! In this challenge, we invite you to explore the mesmerizing world of reflections. Look for surfaces such as water, glass, or shiny objects that create stunning reflections of the surrounding environment. Capture the interplay of light, colors, and shapes as they transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual compositions. From urban landscapes mirrored in skyscrapers to serene nature scenes reflected in still waters, the possibilities are endless. Get creative with angles, compositions, and perspectives to showcase the unique beauty and captivating nature of reflections. Let your photography reflect the wonders of the world in a whole new light. Happy capturing! 📷 🌟📸
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Photo Challenge - JULY 2024 - TREES, PLANTS and FLOWERS
Submit by midnight July 09, 2024
📷 Welcome to the "Reflections" photo challenge! In this challenge, we invite you to explore the mesmerizing world of reflections. Look for surfaces such as water, glass, or shiny objects that create stunning reflections of the surrounding environment. Capture the interplay of light, colors, and shapes as they transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual compositions. From urban landscapes mirrored in skyscrapers to serene nature scenes reflected in still waters, the possibilities are endless. Get creative with angles, compositions, and perspectives to showcase the unique beauty and captivating nature of reflections. Let your photography reflect the wonders of the world in a whole new light. Happy capturing! 📷 🌟📸
Online Photo Contest Voting
FLOWERS AND PLANTS
Voting open through February 12, 2023
Flowers are a naturally photogenic subject matter — a joyful expression of colors, textures, and shapes. Flower and plant photography celebrates their natural beauty and is an effective way to improve various photography skills
PRIZE WINNERS OF A 12" DIFFUSER/REFLECTOR KIT
Yevette Shapiro
Lewis Wilkinson
Pilar Geada
Rolando Prol
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