Critique Please (1)

Yay or nay?

The flowers and vase are OK, but for me it needs a more attractive/interesting setting. I do like the stately formality of the composition.

I'm gunna say nay, the lighting just doesn't work for me, I like the reflection though

Like John, I don't think the background works. Also my eye went for the highlight on the vase, which is not balanced by anything to bring out the flowers.

Rats

I hope that's not a comment on our critique

No of course not Barrie. Thought I had something going there. I am well used to critique by now!

Its not easy this photography lark.

I agree with the others. Each time looked at the photo my eyes would not see the flowers. Straight to the vase, the lighting on the flowers doesn't seem quite right. Although i nice idea side lighting them with natural light from the window. I think the biggest thing i'm not keen on is the table. Cropping off the table, by accident while scrolling, it looked much better. Just the vase, flowers and grey background. It also gets rid of that shadow caused by the vase, but you lose the nice reflection.

Exactly Russ

Thats EXACTLY been the conundrum in this shot. I cant strike the balance.

What about this mono version peeps?

The basic idea and composition I like. I really like the flowers and the shape of the vase, the colour of the background, the reflection and the space you have afforded the subject.

I think the flowers need a bit of fill light. The processing feels a bit, I don't know, 'glowy' which I think could be reigned in a little.

The vase itself I don't think looks classy enough. The table I don't like. The background and the stately home look seems to me rather at odds with the shiny, modern looking table. The shadow would only work for me with the window in the scene too. The rear right corner of the table looks a bit odd.

So mixed feelings.

Cheers for that.

Ok back to the original shot. How about some more aggressive contrast and boost to the overall colour and texture?

Pleae let me know what you think is best overall because I have to go with tone of them

I would go the opposite and desaturate somewhat, especially the table and pattern on the vase.

my take would be to offset the vase to the left and come in a bit closer so the reflection is in the bottom third of the shot.

ok is this any better guys?

I kinda like the way both shadows sit in the bottom left now

My take would be something like this: