Rain Dance & Re-Post

The composition here is very nice and I love the moody clouds but the lupines seem somewhat bland and drab.  I don't know what they look like in person because we don't have them where I live but I might consider dodging them a bit and/or increasing the saturation on them a wee bit.

I really like your idea here, Harry. However, in my opinion, the large lupine on the left unbalances the composition. I am curious as to how the image would look if it were cropped out? The color and detail is much better in the large version. I really like the light, and the sky adds to the drama. You made a great effort, here, and the blend looks good to me.
--P

I do see what you mean Preston, that one bends in a direction opposite the others.  Also, the curves aren't as sweeping as the others.  I think it could work, especially if you don't have this to compare it to.  Thanks!

Harry,

Comparing this to your previous post is a bit unfair since they are essentially different images - despite the same location. But it's hard not to compare... ;-)  This one here is accurate and reflective of what I would expect if I were there.  I say that because not only of the color balance and the late, warm light, but for me it's the direction of light.  Not only are the colors warmer, but also flatter due to the front lighting. It's neither bad, nor necessarily good, but just different than the "open shade" or diffused lighting you had in the previous post - which brought out the colors more - of course.  A round about way of saying I like the previous version better due to rich color and diffused lighting. ;-)

Technically, I can't see any flaws in your construction of the image.  Kudos for pulling this off.  Perhaps it means more to you as the photographer because of the difficulties of creating the final image?

Lon

Wow, you had some terrific conditions. The lupines are very appealing and the clouds add some great drama. I would suggest dodging those darker lupine in the back left. I think it would provide more depth to the comp. Personal preference, but agree with Bill, on bumping up the saturation of the lupines a smidge.  

Click image for Large version

Using some of the suggestions of brightening, slight increase in contrast in the sunlit flowers, and cropping off the left stalk.  A little sky was cropped also to improve the balance of the overall image.

Lon - The lighting was more dramatic during this image, so I think the emotional pull for me was during this part of the shoot.  Comp wise, maybe not as overall appealing as the previous one, as you said.

Oh yeah! Love the repost. 

Perfect title. Those lupines really do look like dance figures. It's amazing how the warm light has changed the color of the flowers. I do think the repost is a stronger composition. My only wish is that there was a bit more space below the lowest flower. BTW, these are some healthy lupines. I've never seen them that big in California.

I think you nailed it with the repost, Harry. Cropping off the lupine on the left along with the increase in contrast pulled everything together IMO and the blending looks good to me. You captured some wonderful drama in the sky and the late afternoon lighting showcases the lupine very well in the repost. Nicely done.

Ed

Harry, Your repost works great for me. I too like the drama the clouded sky adds to this. Clicking on the repost really brings this one to life.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.