Need ideas on how to make this photo subject more interesting
May 3, 2019 10:28:22 #
I'm posting this in the PP section because this is where all the creative minds hang out :). I think there is an interesting shot here with this "spikey ball", but I'm having trouble on where/how to shoot it. As you can see I placed it on a large rock. I also tried its "native habitat"- dirt and grass- but did not like it. I was thinking about a dark surface or glass. Any ideas on how to make this more interesting?
May 3, 2019 12:09:44 #
There are so many ways to work with lighting and shadows; a few threads are linked below that came to mind.
I have to say before I go that I really like your posted composition. The stem, the angle of the rock, the dof, the background - very nice!
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-587549-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-583186-1.html#9978170
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-587057-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-587214-1.html
Have fun!
I have to say before I go that I really like your posted composition. The stem, the angle of the rock, the dof, the background - very nice!
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-587549-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-583186-1.html#9978170
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-587057-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-587214-1.html
Have fun!
May 3, 2019 12:09:50 #
I think you have to decide what you want to bring out. Its spikiness? Its contrast with its surroundings. Pain. Individuality. If figuring out beforehand what draws you and what you should then express is not working, do what many creatives do: try a bunch of stuff, wily-nilly no judgments, then spread them out. Next gut-select the one(s) that grab you. THEN try to shoot and process emphasizing those qualities. Has worked for hundreds of students and tens of creative folks I know. Play/Judge as a continuing process.
May 3, 2019 15:07:18 #
Try a straight edit first. Looking at a boosted (possibly even over-boosted) image might help you to see its character and nature. That might inspire you to think of something appropriate for it. Looking at a dull version probably won't be very inspiring.
Being a bit dark itself, the seed-head may get lost against a dark background. The rock seems like a reasonable option.
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Being a bit dark itself, the seed-head may get lost against a dark background. The rock seems like a reasonable option.
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May 3, 2019 19:50:49 #
It's a seedpod from a Liquid Amber tree, used to cover my front yard; hurt when stepped on barefoot.
Try securing it to something that allows you to hide the base in the grass so it looks like an alien plant.
Try securing it to something that allows you to hide the base in the grass so it looks like an alien plant.
May 3, 2019 21:09:22 #
kenievans
Loc: Dallas
If you are looking to bring out the shape I would suggest shooting it against white background, closer in with a strong side light to give it a shadow against the white background. Stem up or at about 10 o'clock. If you want to emphasize it as organic then the picture you posted is a good location. Playing with the lighting as Linda suggested and cropping it closer would give it more depth.
I think Bob and others also gave some excellent suggestions regarding trying different things. Good luck. I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
I think Bob and others also gave some excellent suggestions regarding trying different things. Good luck. I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
May 4, 2019 08:01:06 #
May 4, 2019 10:39:41 #
If you want your subject to be the seed pod and working with the image you already have, you could:
Crop close and rotate to suit your taste. Increase overall exposure a little, brighten shadows, add edge clarity and vibrance. Dehaze or add contrast slightly, adjust color to taste, and sharpen to enhance texture. Remove distracting stem and its shadow.
Finally, if you let your imagination see the evil sweet gum seed pod waiting for its next barefoot victim, you can bring it to life with a set of evil eyes. Something like this (apology if you wanted description w/o example):
Crop close and rotate to suit your taste. Increase overall exposure a little, brighten shadows, add edge clarity and vibrance. Dehaze or add contrast slightly, adjust color to taste, and sharpen to enhance texture. Remove distracting stem and its shadow.
Finally, if you let your imagination see the evil sweet gum seed pod waiting for its next barefoot victim, you can bring it to life with a set of evil eyes. Something like this (apology if you wanted description w/o example):
May 4, 2019 13:43:56 #
SAVH
Loc: La Jolla, CA
MWojton,
You have touched on a subject that has bugged me for years and years. My wife laughs often as I look at a scene and comment, "there has to be a picture in there somewhere." We have returned to a vacation spot for almost 40 years and I have tried every year to "find" that picture in several locations. I keep trying but I have not found "it" yet. So, I keep trying. My answer to those who ask (often) do you need to take so many pictures? is, "when I finally take the perfect picture, maybe then I'll stop." Sure have not achieved that yet.
Scotty
You have touched on a subject that has bugged me for years and years. My wife laughs often as I look at a scene and comment, "there has to be a picture in there somewhere." We have returned to a vacation spot for almost 40 years and I have tried every year to "find" that picture in several locations. I keep trying but I have not found "it" yet. So, I keep trying. My answer to those who ask (often) do you need to take so many pictures? is, "when I finally take the perfect picture, maybe then I'll stop." Sure have not achieved that yet.
Scotty
May 4, 2019 20:30:56 #
rborud wrote:
MWojton Here is a thought for your perusal. RBorud
I like this rendering
May 4, 2019 20:46:51 #
Rick36203 wrote:
.........
...let your imagination see the evil sweet gum seed pod waiting for its next barefoot victim, you can bring it to life with a set of evil eyes. Something like this (apology if you wanted description w/o example):
...let your imagination see the evil sweet gum seed pod waiting for its next barefoot victim, you can bring it to life with a set of evil eyes. Something like this (apology if you wanted description w/o example):
I'm liking this.
ron
May 5, 2019 11:08:39 #
StanMac
Loc: Tennessee
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
It's a seedpod from a Liquid Amber tree, used to cover my front yard; hurt when stepped on barefoot.
Try securing it to something that allows you to hide the base in the grass so it looks like an alien plant.
Try securing it to something that allows you to hide the base in the grass so it looks like an alien plant.
We call them Sweet Gum trees here in the South. And, yes, stepping on one of those seed balls will make you “cuss like a sailor.”
Stan
May 5, 2019 11:10:07 #
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