Are these photos good?

Question

I was messing around today, experimenting with lighting and contrast. Are these any good?

http://sappygolucky.deviantart.com/art/Ivy-Detail-93487175

http://sappygolucky.deviantart.com/art/Valentine-93487089

Answer 1

I would not be satisfied with the leaf positioning or the crop on Ivy.   That little dark spot at the top is a distraction.   There are too many lines leading my eye around, perhaps a simpler arrangement?   The lighting is pretty good, though, and I like the B&W conversion.

The rose appears to have a large blown area,  but I do like the  soft filter (film grain?  diffuse glow?)   I do like the contrast between the dark half and the light.  Did you try any without the plastic?

Answer 2

OK, since you ask about "lighting and contrast" I will try and keep my comments to that effect rather than if I like the picture or if it is interesting. Please remember this is only the OPINION of a srudent and not a pro.

With that, I like the lighting in the rose picture better only because to me it is more interesting and appealing . BUT, I think the ivy picture has good lighting it just doesn't "pop" of the page for me.

As for contrast I like how you used a light colored rose against the black background. And with the ivy I enjoyed how you lifted the light to illuminate the back leaf leaving the front leaf darker. Good job.

Now I know I said I wasn't going to do it but I just can't help myself.

The Ivy -This to me is an intersting picture in the fact your looking at all the "veins" in the leaves. I would have liked something different underneath for texture as the carpet or cloth you used just doesnt work for me. It almost looks like sandpaper. I also liked the front leaf starts out out of focus which is a nice depth of field item.

The Rose - I don't care for this becasue I did not lie the plastic on the flower. The ribbon is nice the flower is nice the lighting and contracting background is nice but the plastic ruins it for me. It seems you were going for a "softer" look for the rose and you edited it that way or even took it out of focus. Good idea but I think you may have gone a little to far for me.

Overall my favorite of the two is the ivy.....

Decent pictures.. keep shooting and practicing....  

Answer 3

I like the first one alot the second seems a little plastic

Answer 4

looks good.

Answer 5

i agree... the first one is real good but the second one could use some work :-)

Answer 6

Yes they are and I wish they were part of my portfolio.

Good Job!

Answer 7

they are good.  Not very interesting, but good from a technical point

Answer 8

looks pretty good