Gauss Loc: Earth

Shot late afternoon under overcast sky.
f5.6 @ 1/160 iso200 55mm

Looking for general critique, suggestions. I like shooting flowers and wondering if you think I'm on the right track. :thumbup: :| :thumbdown:

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I'm (personally) not crazy about the POV, i.e. shooting straight down on flowers-- prefer a more "intimate" view. JMHO.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I like the perspective, particularly that you can see the stem and leaves at bottom. Not sure if the yellow flowers add or compete. The brightness does take my eye away from the star of your show. Would be interested in seeing a version with them cloned or toned down.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Scott: I clearly disagree with shooting straight down on a flower of this type. Rather than interject my own photos or opinions, I'll leave you with this link. There are many others out on the web. Here's the link: http://digital-photography-school.com/10-tips-for-improving-your-flower-photos.

Good luck

ReFlections Loc: From LA to AL

You are on the right track. Bokeh is good. your main subject seems to have some competition with those yellow flowers. My eyes went to the yellow spots first. They were distracting.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I don't have a problem with the point of view. Without a straight down shot you wouldn't get the pattern of the leaves. That being said I would get rid of the yellow flowers and crop this one so as to put it more to the left.

Gauss Loc: Earth

Not a problem; I'm posting in this forum to get feedback like this, and I appreciate your input. :thumbup: Studying the image more, I'm guessing one reason this perspective isn't the best is it flattens the flower. A lower angle of view would have added some height and given the petals more shape.


Thanks for this link. I read it and bookmarked it. Just have to wait 3-4 months for spring to apply it. :|

Gauss Loc: Earth

Thanks for the comments.

I like a bit of yellow as a complementary color, but I agree they're too bright. Here's another version - same crop - with the yellow areas subdued - darkened and lowered saturation (LR5 reverse mask).

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

That really works for me. Now you know it's in a garden, but your purple flower is still the star :thumbup:

Nightski

I think you are definitely on the right track. I love the perspective from the top, with the bokeh of flowers in the background. It gives the feeling that this flower grew right up to you, and made it there first. I like how you have the in focus flower placed in the frame.

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

My critique is prior to viewing any others so I apologize for any repetition.

I like photographing flowers also Scott and I think this image is quite nice. You have composed well and the negative space works good here. The diffused lighting is perfect and by using a large aperture you have created a pleasing background with good separation. The background yellow places a frame to draw the eyes to the colorful subject.

A winning photograph in my view. :thumbup:

Gauss Loc: Earth

Thanks for the suggestion to tone down the yellow; I do like it better that way. I like how the yellow complements the subject so wanted to keep it - I'm not one to totally clone out things.


Thank you. I was about 100 meters from the trail head, returning from a hike (RMNP) when I saw this flower. It was the only one if it's kind there and stood alone about knee high. The lighting was OK, however, there was a gusty wind moving through ahead of an evening storm. This is the only shot that wasn't blurred. I couldn't effectively block the wind with my body. I'd never seen this particular type of flower in all my prior visits and had to get picture. I spent quite a while waiting for a still moment. My D40 only has 3 focus points, so I was having a heck of a time getting a hit. So, this is what I got, and I'm happy with it.

Though I'm OK with this perspective on a flower picture, I definitely agree with LoneRangeFinder's comments/input. I'm certain a lower angle - and being a little closer - would show off the intimate details like the stamen and make a great shot. I'm sure I'll be on that trail again, so maybe I'll get another opportunity.


Thank you. I also like the framing by the yellow, another reason I wanted to keep that in.

If you didn't see it, check out the link LoneRangeFinder provided above. It's good info Bmac, for those of us who like shooting flowers.