Reflections

[kkraczek]

I'd like opinions on this photo... is this a good enough representation of reflection to be used as a photo class project? Thanks!

[PuckJunkey]

Yes, it is good enough for a classroom example of a reflection. Not sure what you mean by "project", but as a single shot example, it works.

The composition is pretty well balanced (next time I would move back a step or two and to the right, in order to keep the green reeds away from the center of the shot). It also has a really nice blend of colors, and the image is generally sharp enough to work for a "reflection shot". Even so, I think it could be a tad sharper. Maybe shoot it again with a tripod / or take some selective USM to it in Photoshop (if allowed).

I would also say -- again, only if your instructor allows it -- that you should perhaps clone out that twiggy thing reflected water on the right side of the image. I would also crop out about 15 px worth on the top, to get rid of that relatively dark area at top right.

...but in general this is a good shot. Next time around keep an eye out for small items that might work against the purity of the shot / reflection (i.e. the afore-mentioned "rogue reeds" and "twiggy things"). I just wish the colors in my neighborhood were that varied right now. You're lucky to be in sunny FLA this time of year.

;)

[kkraczek]

I probably will edit it in PS post-class, but unfortunately it can't be edited for the project. (It's a film-only class) I scanned it for this forum. I appreciate your comments, as I'm a beginner and am eager to learn!

As far as the project, we were asked to take a reflection photo, with the main subject being the reflection. That is why I wasn't sure if it works... I felt that there may be too much going on in the photo to draw the eye specifically to the reflection.

Thanks again for your help... BTW I do consider myself lucky to be here- Florida is a great place to live!

[PuckJunkey]

You bet. Even if you can't edit it for the class I still think it should work well as a reflection piece. Meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing your next batch of wetland reflections / landscapes... these are among my favorite subjects to shoot.

[kkraczek]

Thank you! Here is the vertical pic I took... I almost liked it better because of the extra reflection on the bottom, but I would have to crop out the top part of the picture to make it work. What do you think?

[Sebastian]

I dunno, neither of these is as much about the reflection as they should be, IMO. They are nature shots that also include reflections. Try croping out almost everythng except the reflections, see how you like those.

[PuckJunkey]

While I can see his point, I think the second one might even be more compelling than the first, once you crop out the top 30 pixels or so (all the sky and anything immediately bordering it, basically). Unfortunately you can't alter the shot via Photoshop or I'd recommend removing the clover-like leaves at bottom right as well.

In general I think they have "enough" reflection, particularly the second one. You just have to convince your instructor that not all reflections are the same. When photographing nature you have to work within the larger context for the reflections to really have a strong impact (that's MO of course, but I think it's a logical enough argument if anyone asks).

I think you should use them both if you're allowed to. Maybe take a third and make a triptych out of it (two horizontals with the vertical in the middle)... that'll earn you some bonus points, eh?

[kkraczek]

I'm going to give it my best shot... it's an "S" or "U" graded class anyway, so at least they can't flunk me! ;)

[PuckJunkey]

I don't think you're going to get a U, let's put it that way.

[Sean Dempsey]

I think it is fine for the project. If it were me, I'd crop out the sky and such, and then present the picture upside down.