I was out shooting birds with my 150-600, when I saw these reeds on the bank of a very small lake (actually more of a pond). Took the widest shot I could, and cropped it to get a tight panorama.
Actually I use it as a desktop background on my ultrawide monitor, that's why the original resolution is 5120x1440. Just imagine the effect when I close/minimize all my apps ;-) .
All feedback appreciated !
Hi Ian, thanks for posting. I am always happy when folks get out there shooting and are enthused about the results.
As you asked for feedback, let me start with my own mantra - you are shooting to suit your own taste and the only opinion that really matters is your own.
That said, if I'm honest this image does little to appeal to my personal taste. You have succeeded in creating depth but the subject is out of focus. I wonder if this was taken at the 600mm end of your lens and we're seeing camera shake.
I will leave you with a quote from someone that provides me with the confidence to be myself (Cole Thompson). I also have a blog entry featuring Cole my website if interested.
"My success is no longer measured by the length of my resume, but rather by how I feel about the art that I create. While I do enjoy exhibiting, seeing my work published and meeting people who appreciate my art, this is an extra benefit of creating, but not success itself."
Hi Alan, thanks for you honest feedback !
It was actually taken at 150mm.
I'm tempted to blame the fstoppers resizing algorithm for the blurryness, as I notice it too when i look at the image here on the site. The point of focus was actually the reed on the left side. If I view it on my pc at near 100% it is sharp.
For my use case (desktop background of virtual dual monitor setup), the left side is the most important one, since that is my primary 'monitor', the out-of-focus-ness on the right side is intentional.
All above is purely explanation, not defense. I totally agree with the Cole Thompson -qoute !
Your 2nd image is much better (provides greater balance and context) but as with Jennifer I can appreciate your specific need for a panorama.
Just a thought - have you tried cropping from the top? That would make the shot a bit more minimalistic and keep the eye on the reeds.
I added 2 more, each cropped a bit lower. I still like the original one best, especially for desktop use. However, the last one seems to be the most minimalist crop ..
I like in the original one that you can see the other side of the pond, gives more depth to the image imo.
Reeds are a difficult one. I tried to photograph them a few years ago, but I wasn't happy with the results. Your color theme provides a warm, inviting feeling. Inviting being said, I would love to be able to engage in more of the photo on top and bottom, but I do understand the issue with having to fit it on a 5120x1440. You inspired me to revisit that location where I tried reeds before. This time, I may try some of the techniques I learned here (ICM, ITR) to see what comes of them. Thank you!
Thank you !
I'm happy to have inspired you ! I added the uncropped version, which I also like, but doesn´t have that minimalist feel to it (for me).
Your right about the lack of minimalist feel. It's too busy down below. I guess a little PSing would clean it up, but still a pretty image.