Saguaro West

Here's one from my trip last weekend to Tucson; have lots more to process, but thought this might be an interesting start, to get some feedback? Your thoughts?

I hate being first when I say something like this, but aside from an astute and clean comp, I find nothing particularly exceptional about this shot. The main saguaro subjects look kind of sickly, and whatever those red blooms in the low foreground are are too small to appreciate. Don't even get me started on that blue sky. Not your fault, obviously, but added to the image as a whole, it just doesn't have much of a tug on me. Sorry buddy.

Thanks, Todd... that's what I needed to know. I haven't worked much in the desert, and this is a case where my personal experience on-location definitely influenced my feelings about this photo. From your critique, I will have a better sense of how to evaluate the rest of my shots from that trip. A good reminder that we need to look at our own photos as if they were made by someone else. An amazing experience doesn't necessarily produce an amazing photograph. I appreciate your comments.

Nat, I was along the Apache Trail last weekend and had the same blue skies Saturday eve.
Perhaps with the first or last minute of direct sunlight for a sidelight on the saguaro would have improved the image, as would possibly composing with a saguaro more prominently as a focal point against the ridge and maybe even eliminating the sky. I too had a grand drive, but struggled to come away with a grand image.

I have nothing meaningful to add - but I'm with Todd on this one. It's why I often go back to new places a few times - to give familiarity a chance to improve my images, as I too get easily swayed by that "new place" sense of excitement. That is indeed a good point, and reminder. Look forward to seeing more.

I do like the spot color of red in the FG, and taking it vertically gives it a steadfast feel... it's like they're all standing at attention. I wouldn't trash it. Maybe just have a go with the Crop tool a bit...

When I first saw this my thought was that it's a pretty, well composed image, but it doesn't really excite me. Todd's and Jesse's comments have made this a good learning thread. I will say though, that the foreground shrub is really intriguing.

Nat- if you were down lower and the red flowers were more dominant with just the suguaros on the hillside without the sky you may have a winner. i have been to AZ many times and the first time there the cactus hillsides are captivating. Sometimes it pays to study comps from photographers from a new area before going there to have some idea what they are trying to capture. Just my 2 cents.