DrAndrei on DeviantArthttps://www.deviantart.com/drandrei/art/Some-Red-Leaves-427359148DrAndrei

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Some Red Leaves

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Published:
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Description

Leaves fading and turning red photographed in an autumn evening.
Image size
900x900px 564.98 KB
Make
Canon
Model
Canon EOS 550D
Shutter Speed
1/60 second
Aperture
F/5.6
Focal Length
55 mm
ISO Speed
400
Date Taken
Oct 19, 2013, 6:06:22 PM
© 2014 - 2024 DrAndrei
Comments13
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JenFruzz's avatar
I think this shot has potential :nod: I like the reds and I think the decaying ends of the leaves are a nice touch. You have good focus in the foreground and the darker tones around the edges look fantastic.  But I also think that this piece calls for more dramatization- it feels like it is lacking a main point of interest. Because the red leaves occupy most of the space in the frame--and are similar in size, shape and color--it's hard for your eye to focus on any one, single aspect.  I think you could work on this though and without too much difficulty :)

Like I mentioned above, just add some drama! :la: When you're working with a photograph that lacks a unique subject (since in this case both the foreground and background are leaves), you need to find a way to get the viewer's attention and keep it. 

Here are my suggestions:
1.  Use a depth of field filter and blur that background some more - make it obvious that your eye should only focus on those red leaves. 
2.  Make the greens in the background more dull... Some of them are a bit too bright and draw your attention away from the red leaves.  Allow those reds to really pop and stick out! :nod:
3.  The two green leaves in the foreground at the top left corner should be cropped out (essentially, I think it would look better if it appears that the yellow/red leaves are crawling into the frame from that top corner). It will add some movement, a point of interest that will draw your eye from the corner, down the branch of red leaves.
3a.  However... at the same time be careful with cropping this as it is already a small image.  If you have an original version that shows more of the image- keep some of the space on the bottom and right sides of the frame. If you are not familiar, there is a photographic technique called the Rule of Thirds that aids a photographer in drawing interest to their photo's subject. It's an incredibly handy tool and very simple to utilize. I suggest reading up on it if you haven't already!
4.  Adjust the brightness and contrast of the red leaves to enhance the decaying edges. I think that's your good focal point here. You have life in the red and death in the gray- a common, but powerful, theme in art.

I hope you find this helpful.  Just play around with it and have fun!  Each photograph, no matter how experienced or inexperienced the photograph, is a learning opportunity.  Experiment with difference settings and ultimately, as the artist, yours is the opinion that matters most.  Personally, editing is my favorite part :) Nice work on this one and feel free to let me know if you make any changes and I'd be happy to take another look! :highfive: