Hi,

This is my first time posting. All opinions are appreciated. Thank you in advance for your comments and time.

Nirav

Canon AE-1, Canon FD 35-70mm Macro, Kodak Gold 100, Aperture unrecorded.

-- Nirav J. Modi (nmodi@megsinet.com), June 22, 2000

Answers

As a straight image, I think I'd enjoy this more if the flower on the right was fully in the frame and in full focus. As an abstract image, it's an interesting concept shot; pity the bokeh didn't turn out better.

-- Christian Deichert (torgophile@aol.com), June 22, 2000.

I like the idea, but I think it could have been executed better...

I think the out-of-focus tulips should be even more out of focus...does the AE-1 have a dof preview? that could be used to get them enough out of focus not to draw attention from the main tulip, but provide an interesting background. Where in the range of the lens did you take this picture?

Also, there's a tulip right behind the one in focus, and it makes the photo very busy...there's too much to look at for this kind of shot. That would be helped by changing position (if possible) to get only one flower fully in focus.

I agree that the whole flower should be in the frame, as well...I think this would look great if the in-focus tulip was in the right rule of thirds line and the out of focus ones were on the left rule of thirds line (or a similar composition with separation between the in-focus and out-of-focus flowers).

Again, I think this is a wonderful idea for a picture (I love experimenting with dof), but it could use a little work...try again, I'd love to see what you come up with!

-- Jeremy Kindy (kindjd01@netzero.com), June 26, 2000.

Another thing I just thought of (and wish I would think of more while taking pictures) is that you could have shaded the out of focus flowers to darken them...one reason they take away from the picture is that they stand out against the mainly dark background.

good luck!

-- Jeremy Kindy (kindjd01@netzero.com), June 26, 2000.

Listen to Jeremy's feedback. It's well put. Also, watch those out of focus hot spots in the top background that produce light circles. Good concept, keep it goin' !!!

-- Mark LaGrange (mark.lagrange@nml.com), June 29, 2000.