I finally got an opportunity to practice a bit with my macro lens. With the wildflowers blooming around town, I am really looking forward to the opportunity to do some macro work. I learned a lot practicing shooting this morning, and it is definitely a whole different world from landscape photography. Here is one of my better shots from this morning. I would greatly appreciate some C&C and tips on how to improve.
Indeed they are!
I really can't offer any advice on improving this stellar image.
The limited DOF is absolutely perfect here. Just the right petals were thrown slightly out of focus. Luck, or planned that way?
Regardless, like your underwater work, you certainly seem to master different types of photography quickly!
I love those blues against the smooth green background.
My only nit would be the slightly hot highlights.
On such a bright day, you might try diffusing the strong light with some kind of screen, rather than have to deal with it in post-processing.
I love the unexpected perspective that hints at its beauty rather than the typical straight on look at its form and color. Stunning, beautiful work. I can't wait to see more.
Phil Lyon
This is really nice, Koveh. I love the colors and simplicity here. I've been experimenting lately with macros, mostly in our garden. One bit of advice I can offer is to watch your background. You did well here. As a matter of fact, the yellow and blue compliment each other.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on June 5, 2010 at 11:34 PM
This is my kind of flower portrait, well done. I agree with Bill that the highlights are a little hot, but that isn't hard to deal with. One thing you might look at is getting a small reflector. In backlight situations, which are great with flowers, they are handy for getting just a little fill light without using a flash.
Posted by Jack Garrett on June 6, 2010 at 12:45 AM
Great shot Koveh! A good place to practice macro shots is Hudson Gardens off Santa Fe Blvd in Littleton. Lots of different flowers and settings there to sharpen your skills.
Jack, thanks for the heads up, I will definitely check that out.
Kalin, it seems like there has been a shift from using diffusers to reflectors for macro work? I read about these LiteDisc packable diffusers in John Shaw's book, but was not able to find any of those online. Seems like they are only selling the reflectors now. Are those preferred over diffusers? Any advice on a good one that packs small? Thanks in advance!
Very nice Koveh! I've seen a few of these flowers down here, but they've mostly looked past their prime (leaves curled in/dried out, etc).
I carry to collapsible discs, one 12" and the other 32". They fit into their own little pouches and have loops on them that I attach to my bag with carabiners. I got the 12" from Adorama, and the 32" from B&H...here is a link:
Discussion
15 repliesI really can't offer any advice on improving this stellar image.
The limited DOF is absolutely perfect here. Just the right petals were thrown slightly out of focus. Luck, or planned that way?
Regardless, like your underwater work, you certainly seem to master different types of photography quickly!
Very pleasing as the others have said. Not much I could suggest doing with the image as well. Perhaps a posting on flora forum?
My only nit would be the slightly hot highlights.
On such a bright day, you might try diffusing the strong light with some kind of screen, rather than have to deal with it in post-processing.
Phil Lyon
Kalin, it seems like there has been a shift from using diffusers to reflectors for macro work? I read about these LiteDisc packable diffusers in John Shaw's book, but was not able to find any of those online. Seems like they are only selling the reflectors now. Are those preferred over diffusers? Any advice on a good one that packs small? Thanks in advance!
I carry to collapsible discs, one 12" and the other 32". They fit into their own little pouches and have loops on them that I attach to my bag with carabiners. I got the 12" from Adorama, and the 32" from B&H...here is a link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/358607-REG/Impact_R1132_5_in_1_Reflector_Disc.html