Wow, it's been awhile since I've popped in here! These are just some dandelions I found on the way to the grocery store this afternoon, but they're the first nature shots I've had in a long time! School has been a total black hole where time is concerned, but summer should be much better, and there should be a brand new D80 coming my way very soon.
Becky, you've got an interesting concept started and have proven again that many good images can be found close to home!
Since it is close to home for you I'd like to suggest a "self-assignment". While you've captured some details well, the background is a bit distracting and the lighting is pretty harsh. There's a couple things that could be tried. Come back tomorrow with either a black gatorboard or white foam-core board. Slip them (try one, then the other, if you have both) behind your dandelion (as far in the background as possible) to seperate out the subject better. Another technique would be to try shooting upwards towards the sky (or some other neutral, yet even-toned, background). Use a moderately-wide aperture to help blur the background even more.
Another thing to try is to shoot under more diffused lighting. This can be one of those fancy snap-open diffusion disks, or as simple as part of a bedsheet or translucent ground cloth. Hold the diffusion material as close to the dandelion as you can without it appearing in the scene. This will soften the harsh lighting and give amazing results. Another good way to soften the light is simply shoot before sunrise, after sunset or during an overcast day. You'll actually begin to see small details in the shadow areas that may really enhance the image.
Good luck, and I'll be curious to see some additional dandelion images from you!
Discussion
3 repliesSecond photo here: Dandelions!
Pam
This is a nice CU. You handled the whites very nicely. I do agree with Pam; the shadows (LR, in particular) could be lightened just a bit.
Carol
Since it is close to home for you I'd like to suggest a "self-assignment". While you've captured some details well, the background is a bit distracting and the lighting is pretty harsh. There's a couple things that could be tried. Come back tomorrow with either a black gatorboard or white foam-core board. Slip them (try one, then the other, if you have both) behind your dandelion (as far in the background as possible) to seperate out the subject better. Another technique would be to try shooting upwards towards the sky (or some other neutral, yet even-toned, background). Use a moderately-wide aperture to help blur the background even more.
Another thing to try is to shoot under more diffused lighting. This can be one of those fancy snap-open diffusion disks, or as simple as part of a bedsheet or translucent ground cloth. Hold the diffusion material as close to the dandelion as you can without it appearing in the scene. This will soften the harsh lighting and give amazing results. Another good way to soften the light is simply shoot before sunrise, after sunset or during an overcast day. You'll actually begin to see small details in the shadow areas that may really enhance the image.
Good luck, and I'll be curious to see some additional dandelion images from you!
Regards, Ken