Which?

[Chunk]

I'd appreciate a review on these shots and I'd also like to know which you prefer.

Thanks

[mtbbrian]

I'd say the bottom one is the better of the two Chunk.
The background is less cluttered and distracting.
Hope this helps.
What was your intent with these images?
Brian

[Chunk]

I'd say the bottom one is the better of the two Chunk.
The background is less cluttered and distracting.
Hope this helps.
What was your intent with these images?
Brian

Thanks Brian. My intent was just to capture the elegant curves and curls of the fronds and the repeating patterns.

[gahspidy]

Chunk, I would agree the bottom one is better. It is focused more sharply on the leaves and there is less distraction in the bg. Also, the lighting is stronger on the leaves in the bottom shot causing them to stand out more from the bg.

[Lara]

I like the second one best. Makes me want to go out and buy one! It does have an elegant look.

Interesting though, the pot is so reflective in the first pic. I can see you taking the shot.

[Nina]

I prefer the bottom one. You did a great job at capturing the light and curvy textures of the plant, plus the color has such a full look to it...

[Steph_B]

I am also going with the second pic. The green and red are complementing each others well. The light was also particularly good for an indoor shoot. Did you use an off-body flash?

[Chunk]

I am also going with the second pic. The green and red are complementing each others well. The light was also particularly good for an indoor shoot. Did you use an off-body flash?

Thanks to everyone who commented. I agree with everyone's assessments. I kinda wondered if not including the base of the plant in the second shot was a problem.

Steph, the shot was taken with available light coming in through the south facing window wall of the lobby about 10 feet away. As you can see in the reflection in the pot in the first shot, there is a strong light reflecting off the polished lobby floor that I think is the main source of illumination. Thanks for calling this to my attention. I didn't really think about the lighting enough probably although I don't think I would have changed anything.

This was taken during the Chicago get together last Saturday. All day I was surprised about the light bouncing around into the canyons of the skyscrapers and lighting things in unexpected places.

[pez31]

Hi Chunk,

I too like the second image better. I like the lighting, how it’s lit from the bottom, and agree that the background is less distracting. I don’t know if it would be possible to remove the background objects so you only have the leaves and pot. It would help enhance the contrast between the green leaves and rust colored background, (at least this is the way it appeared on my screen). My only other thought is their seems to be a disconnect between the leaves and the pot. There is nothing that connects the two and to me it feels awkward. I guess I would like to see at least a portion of the plant in the pot to pull it together. Just my two cents. Good job.

Regards

Phil

[shesells]

Hey Chunk... I haven't been on PR since Friday except one time at 3am for a few secs.. so this is the first view I have had of your shots. The first thing I have to say is that the colors just Pop POP! The lighting is delicious and both pics are rich looking.

The second thing I have to say is that if you took these on Saturday.. then our minds are in sync because Sat morning I took an extremely similar shot in my house. My subject was the reflection in the pot and the shadow on the screen. I'll show it to you if you like. Anyway.. thats why I love the first one, because of that reflection and also the rich green color combined with the black and red. I can't say I love it more than the second though, which is appealing for its design and the curl of the leaves.. it kind of reminds me of those head pieces that you see on show girls in the 20's. lol I think one needs the other. They are a set and would look great framed in black laquer with a crisp whit mat. They are very "Palm Beachy" looking, which is the look I was going for in the one I took. I think yours say it better.

Can't wait to see your Chicago pics along with everyone elses. They may already be up so I'm going to look. oh one more thing.. there is a small reflection in the first pic up in the right hand corner, i actually like looking at it but it does draw my eye up when I'm trying to concentrate on the reflection in the pot.
Beautiful work,
Kit

[Chunk]

Hi Chunk,

I too like the second image better. I like the lighting, how it’s lit from the bottom, and agree that the background is less distracting. I don’t know if it would be possible to remove the background objects so you only have the leaves and pot. It would help enhance the contrast between the green leaves and rust colored background, (at least this is the way it appeared on my screen). My only other thought is their seems to be a disconnect between the leaves and the pot. There is nothing that connects the two and to me it feels awkward. I guess I would like to see at least a portion of the plant in the pot to pull it together. Just my two cents. Good job.

Regards

Phil

Thanks for taking the time Phil. I don't think I'd be up to taking out the background stuff without the shot looking over manipulated. Good Ideas.

[Chunk]

Hey Chunk... I haven't been on PR since Friday except one time at 3am for a few secs.. so this is the first view I have had of your shots. The first thing I have to say is that the colors just Pop POP! The lighting is delicious and both pics are rich looking.

The second thing I have to say is that if you took these on Saturday.. then our minds are in sync because Sat morning I took an extremely similar shot in my house. My subject was the reflection in the pot and the shadow on the screen. I'll show it to you if you like. Anyway.. thats why I love the first one, because of that reflection and also the rich green color combined with the black and red. I can't say I love it more than the second though, which is appealing for its design and the curl of the leaves.. it kind of reminds me of those head pieces that you see on show girls in the 20's. lol I think one needs the other. They are a set and would look great framed in black laquer with a crisp whit mat. They are very "Palm Beachy" looking, which is the look I was going for in the one I took. I think yours say it better.

Can't wait to see your Chicago pics along with everyone elses. They may already be up so I'm going to look. oh one more thing.. there is a small reflection in the first pic up in the right hand corner, i actually like looking at it but it does draw my eye up when I'm trying to concentrate on the reflection in the pot.
Beautiful work,
Kit

Thanks Kit. I hope you post your shots so we can see them. I think Nat and another view took some shots here and I hope to see theirs as well.

There's a Chicago Gathering thread that's ben 'stickied' in the Viewfinder forum. I imagine there'll be more shots showing up as people get home and settled and have film developed,etc.