Ants and apples

[rabidcow]

I have mixed feelings on this issue. I really like the offset of the apple in the first image (apple_1.jpg), but I also know that this is purely subjective. What I like may not be what others like.

Normally I would not care one bit what others think, but one of these is going in my portfolio and I could use some help figuring out which one.

I thank you in advance for your opinion.

http://www.3dfightclub.com/~sgt2187/uploads/apple_1.jpg


http://www.3dfightclub.com/~sgt2187/uploads/apple_2.jpg

[Meerkat17]

I would go with number one as I find the leaf distracting in the second image also I feel that the apple is too central in the second photo - not sure how I feel about the image - it's the Natural World so you accept it - certainly wouldn't hang it on my wall! LOL
Regards

[Hellashot]

#2 definately. #1 seems off balance.

[MCB]

I like the offset look of number 1. I agree with Meerkat17. That leaf is a bit distracting. I think your image is about the apple and the ant. The leaf just gets in the way. But I would like the apple offset from the center even if there was no leaf to crop out. Maybe leave just a little more to the left of the apple, just enough to see a blade of grass or two on that side. But leave the apple off center.

I would kind of like to see a little more space around the top and bottom of the apple as well. Not a lot, but just a slightly less tight crop. There's a little space above the apple in the first picture. I'd like to see about the same amount of space below it.

Actually, if I was going to do this (and obsess over it for days) I would get a new apple. Leave enough red skin that you can see it poking up above the grass (there's a hint of that in number 2). Then you have a nice contrast with the green grass framing the red apple. You have a little of that now on the top, and I think it works well. But it works well enough that it might be even better if you have it on the bottom, too.

I think your choice of dept of field is good, and the lighting seems natural. If you reproduce this picture, it might be nice to take a few pictures an hour or two apart. One with freshly chewed white apple and one with brown, oxidized apple might be an interesting comparison. I know the old apple look might suit your theme better, but the fresh, white apple might have better contrast. Have you tried this in B&W or some other monochrome? That could be interesting. I know people see it as a gimick, but a touch of selective color there could be interesting. A brown monochrome with a hint of red for the bits of apple skin. And print it on that metallic Kodac paper. :)

But that's all just my opinion. I'm certainly no judge of great photographic art. good luck! :)

[BrandonSi]

I'm with Meerkat, as usual.. it kinda grosses me out, not your photograph of course, you did a good job, but the subject.. I could take a picture of a dead skunk or something but who would want to look at it. :)

[Spirit]

If you moved the apple from #2 to the first picture (I like that you can see the bottom corner of the apple), it would be perfect.