An anticipatory form

Charles: Wonderful isolation from the light and DOF. My favorite of yours so far. >=))>

I really like the dof decision in this Charles.

I'm not really connecting with this composition. I think what bothers me is that what I consider the supporting image elements (the leaves) don't seem to me to support the subject. Even the small leaf with the sharp tip seems to me to be echoing the bg leaf shapes and pointing back to them. In my conventional way of thinking about composition - and I'm very much a newbie at this - the image elements should form a harmonious whole. So, if there is a clearly defined subject, as there is here, then the other elements of the image should emphasize it in some fashion. In this case, at least in my mind the other image elements aren't properly subordinate to the subject. I find the image very interesting but strange. That's not intended as a criticism. It's just the way I'm relating to it.

Pat

To me the whole structure is an object in flight towards a goal. A seed. Arcing toward the light. The subject isn't the "head," or even that tiny tip that's really where the optical focus is. The subject is the whole creature. The "tadpole" if you will. Or infant, perhaps. I could clone out that leaf tip behind its "ear," but I don't think it would look as natural then. And I prefer to think of it as the end of its right arm, while the left reaches toward the viewer.

Charles

The explanation helps Charles. I do get the sense of movement and I can better relate to the image once I understand that it's an ontogenic offering. The title should have helped me get there. These are interesting to me. I look forward to more.

Pat

Lovely detail, Charles - the bud is superbly set against the bg.

The sense of anticipation is killin' me, Charles! A very fine shot.