Untouched Weekly Review – 28 December 2025,

This week’s set feels like a quiet walk through observation, closeness, and endings. There’s a strong sense of encounter—with animals, flowers at different stages of life. Across the panel, photographers are clearly responding to what is in front of them, rather than imposing heavy technique, which suits the “untouched” brief well.

Key Learning Themes

• Proximity changes meaning – moving closer (physically or emotionally) often reveals the strongest images.

• Mood comes from light and timing, not processing – especially evident in the monochrome studies.

Vic Steadman – (Soft-focus rose, monochrome)

Description: A rose rendered in soft-focus black and white, surrounded by blurred foliage.

Positive Comments:

Gentle, romantic interpretation.

The softness suits the subject well.

Lovely tonal gradation.

How it Could Be Improved:

Decide whether softness is intentional throughout; a touch more clarity at the core could anchor the image.

Simplifying the background further may enhance calm.

Vic Steadman – (Red rose on dark background)

Description: A vivid red rose isolated against a dark, subdued background.

Positive Comments:

Striking colour contrast; the red is controlled, not overpowering.

Classic, timeless composition.

Excellent subject separation.

How it Could Be Improved:

Ensure reds are not clipped—fine tuning saturation may help.

Consider a slightly off-centre placement for added tension.

Vic Steadman – (White lily arrangement, monochrome)

Description: A monochrome still life of a lily surrounded by textured natural elements.

Positive Comments:

Strong central form with excellent highlights.

Rich textures add depth and interest.

Feels carefully observed rather than constructed.

How it Could Be Improved:

Watch highlight detail on the petals—very fine control here will pay off.

A slight crop from one edge could improve balance.

Diana Ross – (Alpaca at the glass door)

Description: An alpaca peers through a glass door into an interior space.

Positive Comments:

Humour and surprise make this image memorable.

Strong storytelling: inside vs outside, human vs animal world.

Clean framing and good use of reflections.

How it Could Be Improved:

Check highlights on the glass to avoid distraction.

A fraction more space above the head might improve breathing room.

Diana Ross – (Close-up alpaca eye and faces)

Positive Comments:

Very engaging and unexpected viewpoint.

The eye reflection draws the viewer in immediately.

Strong example of how proximity creates impact.

How it Could Be Improved:

Depth of field is tight—decide whether you want more clarity or lean fully into abstraction.

A slight crop could strengthen balance.

Diana Ross – (Alpacas gathered with handler)

Description: A closer, busier scene with alpacas clustered around a person in the yard.

Positive Comments:

Excellent sense of interaction and curiosity.

The animals’ expressions create narrative and warmth.

Good use of natural light despite a complex scene.

How it Could Be Improved:

Consider isolating one key interaction to reduce visual competition.

A lower shooting angle might enhance the animals’ presence.

Diana Ross – (Alpacas being herded past the barn)

Description: A small herd of alpacas moves away from the camera alongside a farm building, guided by a handler.

Positive Comments:

Lovely sense of movement and routine.

The line of animals leads the eye naturally through the frame.

Strong environmental context; this feels like a moment observed, not staged.

How it Could Be Improved:

Slightly tighter framing (or a step forward) might reduce empty foreground space.

Watch verticals on the barn edge—minor correction could strengthen structure.

Vic Steadman – (Wilted flower head, monochrome)

Description: A decaying flower head rendered in black and white against a textured surface.

Positive Comments:

Beautiful tonal control and texture.

The form feels sculptural and contemplative.

Very well suited to monochrome.

How it Could Be Improved:

Slight adjustment to background contrast could separate the subject more clearly.

Consider whether a tighter crop would intensify the form.

Vic Steadman – (Fallen rose with scattered petals)

Description: A spent rose lying on the ground, petals scattered around it.

Positive Comments:

Strong symbolism and emotional resonance.

The scattered petals lead the eye gently back to the flower.

Excellent use of negative space.

How it Could Be Improved:

A subtle lift in midtones might reveal more detail without losing mood.

Explore alternative angles to vary emphasis.