Natalia Mamaeva
About the Image(s)
I took this photo during vacation in Thailand… A little piece of heaven on Earth :-)
Canon EOS 600D + Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
8 comments posted
The shell-covered coconut is certainly an interesting subject and immediately caught my attention. I like the use of shallow depth of field to separate it from the background. My main suggestion would be to simplify the composition. The swimmers, horizon line, and large area of empty sand compete for attention and take away from the unique subject. A lower camera position, a different angle, or a tighter composition could have isolated the coconut more effectively and created a stronger visual impact. Softer light, such as early morning or late afternoon, would also have enhanced the texture and added depth to the image.   Posted: 08/01/2026 01:36:46
Sophia, thank you for the advice!
I intentionally left the sea, the sea horizon line, and the swimmers in the frame in order to preserve the connection between the coconut and the sea in which it had drifted for a long time. If the image were cropped, only the coconut with sea shells on its husk would remain.
Thank you for the idea about the lighting! Yes, you are right - if I had taken this photo in the evening, the shot would have been better...   Posted: 08/03/2026 07:46:36
I intentionally left the sea, the sea horizon line, and the swimmers in the frame in order to preserve the connection between the coconut and the sea in which it had drifted for a long time. If the image were cropped, only the coconut with sea shells on its husk would remain.
Thank you for the idea about the lighting! Yes, you are right - if I had taken this photo in the evening, the shot would have been better...   Posted: 08/03/2026 07:46:36
Hi Natalia. I think your lower viewpoint is effective. I can see what Sophia is saying but I'd offer a slightly different view (which I know is not always helpful when you receive contrasting feedback!). I like the fact you have included some of the environment for context. It shows us where it is and that it's not on a remote island. I do agree about the light. I think slightly softer light would really lift the image. But for me, personally, I like the composition.   Posted: 08/02/2026 05:14:04
Suzanne, thanks a lot!!!   Posted: 08/03/2026 07:46:58
Hi Natalia, I like the idea behind the image. You are giving us an alien form resting on a beach and watching what humans do on vacation. I think the POV works well for this as we see the visitor and the subject of its interest   Posted: 08/03/2026 01:02:43
Mark, thank you :-)   Posted: 08/03/2026 07:47:37
Natalia, the context of the ocean and sky work well for me. I do, however, think that it would be feasible to remove the tiny swimmers, but keep the largest one for balance and to tell the story. With that in mind, I played with your image. At the same time, I attempted to highlight the wonderful coconut even more. Your thoughts?
  Posted: 08/03/2026 13:23:01
  Posted: 08/03/2026 13:23:01
Hi Oliver! Your version is really nice! :-)   Posted: 08/24/2026 08:03:35
