JD750 Loc: SoCal

Late afternoon at the Conejo Botanical Gardens.

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I love backlighting! There's a lot of interest here with the light, the flare and the vertical columns of prickly cactus. I've come back to it a few times because I've been trying to decide what the "problem" is. For me it's simply too busy because of the background trees and bushes. IMO a crop on all sides (removing a lot of the white sky also) makes the image more about the light and the attractive cactus.

Another story would be if this were shot in a wider view, with the setting as integral.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Thank you Linda! And I appreciate the critique. You are right I can see that clutter now. I didn’t see it earlier. Thank you.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Something other than a white sky would probably be an improvement.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I appreciate what you accomplished with the lighting. I think the "clutter" brings reality to the photo otherwise it would be "Oh look, what a great PP job, what a seamless composite." The only criticism I have is a personal one, I tend to not like pictures where the top and/or bottom is the image is cut off.

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

I like all your comments Linda. I re-read your comments 3 times agreeing, yes something could enhance the picture but what is it. I didn't want to go to great lengths to try different things so I decided to try my new Luminosity 4 and see how the sky replacement would do on this picture. WOW! So easy and just about perfect for all but the pixel peepers.
So yes the sky replacement does enhance the picture and as it does the background trees and bushes become a lesser annoyance.
Curmudgeon mentioned he likes to see the top and bottom of the images. In this image if I saw all the tops of the cactus I think the cactus will have a less impact of height and indicate a small plant

As you see I used "I" several times in my comments. These are my views and comments and others may, and will, have different opinions. There is no right or wrong just another persons take on an interesting picture.
Jim

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thankfully, the majority of us here understand and embrace that concept

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Thank you to all who have looked and commented.

dansmith Loc: Southwest Alberta Canada

Looked at this one at length last night. These prickly critters don't grow around here and I found out how difficult they are to photograph on a trip South awhile back. By their nature they seem to always be a combination of old and new growth. This, and your choice to backlight (makes the spines look so nice) limited your shooting angle choices so hiding the parts of the plant that were less than photogenic was next to impossible. A tad more blue in the sky was mentioned, blues make nice complimentary backgrounds for greens. Think that given the subject and the conditions, you achieved transitioning your concept into an image quite well.