Three Bears

Gallery: FloraPosted January 1, 2013183 views11 comments

Sony A77
Minolta 200mm macro, CPL
ISO 400, 1/125 @ f10

I always try to make an image or two on New Year's day but today was kind of dim and dreary as was my mood. I decided to stop being a curmudgeon and so went for a walk in a small park near our house. While walking along the trail I spotted these China Berry tree leaves so I went back to the house, gathered up camera and lens and came back for a shoot. I had a great time. The subjects and comps were practically limitless. When I saw this little group I thought immediately of the three bears; Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear. However, I did not catch a glimpse of Goldilocks. I debated removing the twig but decided to leave it as it was. Happy New Year to all who post and comment on the finest Flora gallery on the planet. All comments welcome.>=))>

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Pat Sampson on January 1, 2013 at 7:00 PM

Great textures and clarity Bill with your typical strong composition. Masterfully done.

pat

Registered on May 19, 2007, 953 Posts, 15989 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Cothran on January 1, 2013 at 7:32 PM

Well processed. I'm so glad you chose full DOF for this.
It does look like you're shooting at an angle to the subject, rather than perpendicularly. You didn't mention any focus stacking, and with a shallow 200mm macro @ f10, your DOF came out pretty good I'd say.
FWIW - images like this are always good candidates for "creative" processing. Be fun experimenting.

Registered on December 5, 2012, 31 Posts, 730 Comments

Comment posted by Eirini Pajak on January 1, 2013 at 7:38 PM

I am glad you left the twig...yikes this image is so sharp you could slice vegetables with it! It is amazing what you can do with one shot if you know what you are doing! I use stacking like a crutch I think because I don't know how to use one frame like this! Nice work!

Eirini: I'm basically too lazy to stack; I enjoy the challenge of the capture more than the processing but that doesn't mean I think my way is superior. The results you and others get with stacking are amazing. I think the key to using one shot is consistent use of the DOF preview and hyperfocal range of the lens you're using at the particular setting. One feature of the DOF preview on the A77 that I really like is that it will show me what the shot will look like when it is finished and at full brightness. On a conventional optical viewfinder DOF preview the image looks pretty dark, especially when using real small apertures. It does take some practice but I encourage you to give it a try since you may encounter subjects that may be difficult to stack. . . . Bill

Registered on December 13, 2011, 216 Posts, 1671 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on January 1, 2013 at 8:41 PM

Such a crisp and clean image, Bill. Love the light, and your triad of colorful leaves with raindrops is excellent use of your compositional talent.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Yeoh on January 1, 2013 at 9:58 PM

Happy New Year Bill

Fabulously sharp and beautiful composition. Love the texture you have captured.

Registered on September 1, 2009, 588 Posts, 8184 Comments

Comment posted by Yun Gao on January 2, 2013 at 12:23 AM

Bill, I was amazed at the sharpness too. Thanks for the technique explanation. Lots to like about this one: colors, composition, water drops. Happy New Year to you as well.

Registered on September 11, 2012, 267 Posts, 1621 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on January 2, 2013 at 6:42 AM

Nice one, Bill. The comp is excellent with the three colored leaves standing out, and the water drops put it over the top. Well seen/captured.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on January 2, 2013 at 9:58 AM

Jeez, Bill, according to my wife, I've got curmudgeon patented.

This is a beautiful micro view with the strong diagonals of the three leaves and the stick for counterpoint. The warm colors of the three bears and the water drops on the center bear make this special.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Ramamohan Pai on January 2, 2013 at 10:23 PM

Bill - The sharpness is what caught my eye too ~ certainly rivals what stacking might have achieved. I like the colors and particularly the very nice arrangement for the leaves with the diagonally placed Lichen infested twig.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 550 Posts, 9037 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on January 3, 2013 at 4:30 AM

This is very beautiful, Bill - an image of pristine clarity and a wonderful range of tones. I'm with you on the twig - the mottled textures are a bonus.

Registered on May 18, 2007, 1108 Posts, 7647 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on January 10, 2013 at 11:45 AM

Sweet shot Bill. I love the crispness and the wonderful detail. I really like this; my only nit (minor) is that it feels a little tight on the left side.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments