Spring Crocus

At least for today Spring has sprung. After all the rain and snow the last week or so some early bloomers came up with the sun. Pentax K10D and DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited.

Nice flower, but it's quite underexposed (see the histogram in your image editor).
Using your on-camera histogram in the field would have helped you maintain proper exposure ( ..see 'Expose to the Right' for details). Shading it from direct sun may have helped maintain proper exposure, as well.

Thanks for your C&C John. I did know to give the image more exposure, +1 EV, but it obviously wasn't enough and I didn't catch it on the histogram as I should have. I'll give it another try tomorrow if the sun comes out again.

Steve, be sure and check out the Flora gallerey for the best flower shots on the planet. I have picked up some great tips on shooting flowers over there. I really like the dof, and the comp, and the comments here good to help you with your shot. And the best flower shots are sometimes when the sun doesn't come out. No harsh lighting.

Hi Steve, I agree with Morris about checking out the flora site. I know I have learned a lot from those folks over the last year. John is right on the mark with shading it from direct light. Changing your exposure doesn't really solve the problem here because the shadows would still be there. You might want to consider carrying a portable reflector that has a translucent shade. Here is an example of one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/358606-REG/Impact_R1122_5_in_1_Reflector_Disc_.html

This will allos you to get ride of the shadows so you can beter expose the image. Hope it helps!!

Kurt

Actually, the time you want to try this shot is when the sun isn't shining. You'll get much better results as the lighting will be much more even.

Thank you Morris, Kurt, and Guy. Crocus seem to open only when the sun is out and it was the best day I had. I'll try shading them the next time if they don't croak in the snow forecast for the next few days.