Photo Critique

photolove8's "Rippled Reflection"
Canon PowerShot S5 IS - 6mm - 72mm lens @ 9mm, 1/60s, ISO 80, f/3.2, w/flash

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Overall
photographylove8 (I'll call her PL8) has been experimenting with a number of photography compositions using mirrors, vials, and other cosmetic objects. This is just one of her photos of a compact mirror under water.

This is a particularly good idea - to show how the motion of water can change the image of a solid subject. At least that's my impression, although PL8 may have been thinking something entirely different.

What's effective in this image is seeing the compact only partially open. This introduces a bit of mystery as to what is hidden behind the rest of the cover.

Composition
This subject is cramped in the frame, with the result that the ripples stand apart from the compact rather than enveloping it. By opening the image to the top, PL8 would:

• give more breathing room to the subject (the open lid pulls the eye upward, so the eye wants that breathing room
  
  
• give a clearer sense of the ripple patterns
  

Sharpness
The distortion of water complicates the sharpness scenario because the curved surface of water acts like a lens. Some of the effect is seen on the lower edge of the mirror. More ripples would add even more interest.

The reflection in the mirror and the top edge of the mirror are the sharpest points in the image, while the lower edge is blurry. While it would be difficult to get the whole compact in focus, a smaller f-stop would increase the depth of field to bring the whole mirror in focus. To do this, set the camera in aperture priority exposure mode. This picture was taken with flash, so light will not be a problem.

Exposure
The compact, itself, is well-exposed, from highlights to dark shadows.

On the other hand, the water presents a challenge. If I were to guess, I'd say that this was taken in a white porcelain tub. The result is extremely white, blown-out whites with gray shadows. Given the opportunity, I'd experiment with colored plastic or cloth, trying both light and dark colors. Or, why not try a layer of beach sand? The goal would be to reduce the starkness of the reflections.

Summary
One challenge with photo critiques is that it's not always possible to respond to the evaluation in the same situation - how often do you get to Loch Lomond, for example? In PL8's case, though, it should be easy to give this one another go in the comfort of her home. If you take a look at her Flickr site, you'll see that she already has a knack for experimentation that will help her improve her digital photography.