Orchid

Hi Govind! Where in Utah do you live? My family and I live in Lehi.

I like this photo - especially the shape of the stem through the frame and the black BG. I do wish those foreground blooms were a bit sharper.

Nathan

Hi Nathan:

I am in Salt Lake City - moved here couple of months ago.

Thanks for your thoughts on the image. The oof parts does take something away from it, especially at top of the image - not sure how to get all of it in focus given the depth of the stalk other than go to focus stacking (something I haven't tried so far).

I like the colors here, but the oof parts do distract and the dark leaf lr doesn't really add to the image, I think.

Govind - Nice scene with loads of colors and contrast. Many suggestions have been made already and good ones.

I think it may not hurt in trying f/22 or even f/32 (stacking being the better option if possible) since at this magnification the effects of diffraction may not really mean much.

I like the dramatic presentation, Govind. In addition to stacking and stopping down more, you could try repositioning the stem to try to line the flowers up in the same plane of focus. Also, try utilizing hyperfocal techniques (focusing 1/3 of the way into the subject).

Thank you all for your feedback. Appreciate all the suggestions for the image. Definitely helps me learn and improve.

Ram: I have another image of the same setup with a higher f-stop (f/10, I think) where the front part is more in focus. I have not had good luck getting sharp images at f-stops higher than f/16, so am hesitant to go that far. But it may be worth trying.

Scott: I did consider repositioning the stem when I made this image, but could not find a way with its crooked shape (other than maybe weigh it down a little bit).

I agree with almost all the suggestions Govind. I like the supporting leaf and the composition.
Bob & Charly