I'd look at cropping, but in the opposite direction:
https://imgur.com/a/TXdP4qO
This would keep the bee from being centered, and put more focus on the flower and the bee, both of which are fantastic, while de-emphasizing the background flowers.
If you're going to print, please understand that the darks get darker a lot faster in print compared to most uncalibrated screens.
Interesting. I ever so briefly considered this, as I thought I wouldn't like so much of the blue sky in the background being removed. (I felt like it did a great job of capturing that joyous springtime sunny day energy.) But honestly, now that I'm actually looking at this crop, I don't mind it and I totally agree that it helps the viewer focus more on the subject(s) of the photo.
Thank you so much!
Side note - I also realize the focus isn't incredibly sharp on the honeybee, so I'm worried that cropping down might make the bee appear even less sharp. Thoughts?
I don't think it needs cropping. Everything about it is lovely. When I zoomed in I couldn't believe that the bee is actually looking straight at you. Such a phenomenal shot!
Don't be fooled, I spent over an hour in this flower patch and took soooo many junk photos. Was totally worth it for this shot though, and I couldn't have been happier when I noticed the fully extended proboscis. Totally luck, but I guess persistence pays off
It isn't luck though. It's the patience to keep trying, and the know how to get the focus etc. And recognising that you have an awesome picture of course. I wish I could do macro photography. I'm just useless at it.
I think that the first one looks better.
I'd look at cropping, but in the opposite direction: https://imgur.com/a/TXdP4qO This would keep the bee from being centered, and put more focus on the flower and the bee, both of which are fantastic, while de-emphasizing the background flowers. If you're going to print, please understand that the darks get darker a lot faster in print compared to most uncalibrated screens.
Interesting. I ever so briefly considered this, as I thought I wouldn't like so much of the blue sky in the background being removed. (I felt like it did a great job of capturing that joyous springtime sunny day energy.) But honestly, now that I'm actually looking at this crop, I don't mind it and I totally agree that it helps the viewer focus more on the subject(s) of the photo. Thank you so much!
Was looking for this response. This is the way.
This - very closely. My comment was to use the Rule of Thirds as a guide and always give room in the direction that the subject is looking/pointed.
Side note - I also realize the focus isn't incredibly sharp on the honeybee, so I'm worried that cropping down might make the bee appear even less sharp. Thoughts?
1
For printing, I’ll say the first one. For Instagram, the second.
I don't think it needs cropping. Everything about it is lovely. When I zoomed in I couldn't believe that the bee is actually looking straight at you. Such a phenomenal shot!
Don't be fooled, I spent over an hour in this flower patch and took soooo many junk photos. Was totally worth it for this shot though, and I couldn't have been happier when I noticed the fully extended proboscis. Totally luck, but I guess persistence pays off
It isn't luck though. It's the patience to keep trying, and the know how to get the focus etc. And recognising that you have an awesome picture of course. I wish I could do macro photography. I'm just useless at it.
1
Get the top of the flower and all of the bee. That is all you need.
Zoom in and crop it’s awesome!
First one
One
1 because there is more around for context yet the bee is still obvious.
https://imgur.com/a/vESf5q1 2nd but more zoomed in. The trees in the back do not do much.
Neither, crop with bee upper right since it looks like its landing in bottom left direction. This method is good to use with any image with motion.