Hello,
I am new, and I was hoping go get some guidance on some tips and tricks on how to improve. I am also looking for guidance on what I am do to improve. Most of these were taken either early in the morning or towards sunset. I have done minimal post-processing.
Flowers and Plants
Great start, Chloe! You have a feel for these flowers. The first image stands out for me (and you did put it first) in its simplicity and complementary colours, the background emphasising the beautiful purple hue. I might have been tempted to put the flower just right of centre, so it "points" into the image, rather than towards its edge.
The second is appealing, & could perhaps have been taken at a smaller aperture to get more of the flower more sharp. It's just a little "flat" and dark, so I'd be tempted to boost the colour & brightness.
It's got that uploading artifact, as have the last two. Maybe you closed down too quickly when uploading? Or the problem could be at FS.
The third is nicely composed, the left side a bit too distracting. I'd at least darken it, or reduce contrast in post, and even maybe do some blurring, but this can look very fake if not done carefully. The flower's not dead sharp.
The final one is appealing, with that stem coming at us, but it's not quite sharp. Ideally the nearest leaves would be sharp, and things behind allowed to blur with a wide aperture (small number) to increase the sense of depth.
I've done a couple of quick edits reflecting the above.
Show us more!
Thank you Chris! I am new to the whole editing idea, and have been very cautious not to over edit. I appreciate you editing some so I have an idea what you are talking about, and I can play around until I find the compatible. As far as the editing artifact, I have no idea where is came from. Thank you for pointing it out, however.
Best wishes.
You're wise about being cautious not to over-edit, Chloe. Many people charge in, and create a mess! Done it myself... ;-)
Speaking of which, here's a radical edit, to illustrate the compositional issue in No. 1
Some people would even flip it, on the basis that images are read from left to right. I would try to compose it that way at the scene, but wouldn't personally flip like this.
Thank you so much, you have been so helpful!
Remember to make comments yourself on other people's posted images, Chloe. All part of the fun!