pine cone

[Bambi]

it's been a while since I put one in this section. So in addition to the general critique, my question is 'does the blurry foreground work?'

[Iguanasan]

It's well exposed, seems to be in fine focus and the blurry foreground totally works. The composition seems a little weak to me though, Bambi. I'm thinking rule of thirds might have helped here and you might save it with a crop.

[Mad Aussie]

I'm going to say ... sweet stuff all! I like this fine as it is and really have nothing to offer Bambi. I'm happy with the composition. The DOF has kept a full line of interest across the photo and the bokeh being a major part of the composition really gives the feeling that we are on tippy toes to see over this branch.

Good work! Another fine example of your 'step up' lately!

[edG]

works for me!

[Bambi]

thanks everyone for the input.

Iggy I knew I was breaking the rule of thirds but I wanted to keep both the cone on the right and the branch on the left (and you know I like symmetry-which is something that doesn't always work ). I will try the crop and re-post. If I have to pick I think I will lose the other pine cone and keep the branch.

[casil403]

I am with MA on this one B.....I like the comp and the blurry foreground....the fact that the pinecone is nice and sharp draws the eye right to the image. And I LOVE the Bokeh in the background. To me it tell a story of the viewer finding a special something in the forest...I like it and I really like what you did with it.

[Bambi]

thanks C.

[Fortytwo]

First of all: yes it works. By giving the foreground a little lens blur, you've given the picture a very nice feeling of dept and 3D. Something that is definitely the sweetest feature of this picture. Without it, the pictures wouldn't have been as strong in my opinion.

By putting the cone in the middle, and the fact it's sharp and of a different color, you've really given good attention to it. The branches help by creating lines that direct you to the cone as well. The blurred background also doesn't distract and looks generaly pleasing. Shooting the cone from this angle has created some nice shapes.

So, just a big "well done" from me. Really nice work here...

[Bambi]

thanks 42.

[Iguanasan]

You've officially crossed over.

Everyone is in agreement that there really aren't any technical issues with this shot. I'm not fond of the dead centre positioning but others like it. This is the difference between the art and the skill. You now have the skill, the taste for your art will vary and there is absolutely no way to make everyone happy.

Congratulations!