[don_bertone]

This is my first ever post. I took this with a canon 350d and the 18-55mm lens(I'm getting a 100mm macro USM soon).

[stepheno]

At first I didn't notice the water drop so at the moment it isn't the main focal point - plus it looks a bit bare on the left third. I don't kow what the 18-55 is like for this type of shot but if you get the 100mm you'll certainly notice the difference.

[Charlotte]

Hi Don + to pixalo.

You've captured the lovely colours + shapes of these pretty leaves

Since you've placed your image in the critique section, I assume you're after constructive criticism ... very brave for your first post so here goes :

Although your title is "Pearly Tears" I can only see one droplet, but I can't see it very well because it's obstructed by a leaf. The droplet looks nice + sharp, but I would've liked to see it perhaps from a slightly higher viewpoint, so it's all in view.

You have a very shallow DoF here so that not much of the foreground leaves is in focus, which I would like them to be.

Your composition is interesting, but you have a lot of "dead space" on the left side of the frame which is not contributing to the image, so I would crop that out.

I love the bokeh - the out of focus leaves + background - which has pleasingly subtle colours, although the black patch is a bit distracting.

Those are my thoughts on the image, others may view it differently.

Good first post Don, hope to see more soon

[skipper954]

Hey Don

I agree with all that Charlotte and Stephano said, including your braveness in posting here. Remember all that is said is honest and there is no intent to be hurtful.

So, in addition, I am just not sure that this deserves a picture. While the colors and pattern of the leaves are gorgeous, for me there is little to hold my interest. There usually should be something upon which the eye can focus on first, and then be drawn to other elements of the image. Here that doesn't happen for me.

Perhaps if you could have moved a bit closer and/or increased the focal length with your lens, then changed the angle a bit so that the water drop was clearly the focal point, and near the "thirds", that may have made a better image.

Interestingly, however, in spite of what I just said, I find this a pleasing picture....weird....not exactly sure why....on the whole, it just feels serene, I guess.

Looking forward to more from you.

skip

[nichpr]

At the risk of being a "ditto head", I concur with Charlotte's and Skip's comments. So, all that leaves me to say is Welcome to Pixalo!
- Paul

[Boofers]

Well you certainly are going after the right colors, I find the colors very attractive for the shot you are after,,keep up the good work

[don_bertone]

Thank you all for your critique. I am fairly new to photography so I'm trying to get as much criticisms as possible so I could improve. I am here to learn from the experience of others and I will have more pictures to share later on. Personally I can't wait for the 100mm Macro lens.

[fionaB]

Hi and welcome to the site...........

as has been said this is critique but please dont take it personally........

i think there is too much dead space on the left. The point of the image seems to have been the water drop but to be honest there isnt enough of it in the image. or enough of them? perhaps with more it would have been better

however lovely colours and terrific control over DoF. so well done

Fi