Nightski

After a second attempt to get what I wanted with my Canon 50mm F/1.4 I realized that when I got the DOF I wanted for the flower, I wasn't getting the background that I wanted. I tried it at many distances and F/Stops. So I am not going to post any of those because I was not happy with them. I pm'd lighthouse to tell him of my dilemma and he remembered a thread he started on this very issue with this lens. I posted my experimentation on that thread this morning if you would like to go read it.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-79017-2.html#5257030

Then I decided to use my Canon 100mm F/2.8L IS instead. I had left off using it because I really didn't understand how to focus it last year. But I have learned since then, and I found it much easier this morning. Here is the result.

I am so glad that everyone kicked my bum for my lack of focus. It made me work harder, do some experimentation and now I have learned something about my lenses and I have learned to really think about what I want before just shooting something. Thanks everybody .. this is a great section if you take advantage of the feedback! Even the stuff that's kind of hard to swallow.

F/2.8
ISO 100
1/400 second exposure
I stood in front of the flowers to shade them. I used my tripod and 2 second timer so I had time to get in position.

The Yellow Lady Slipper

(Download)

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

The flower is tack sharp so are we happy now? The background flower still needs the yellow reducing in intensity and you have an annoying blue splodge at the bottom of the shot. You were obviously all of a quiver having got the little bugger in perfect focus and excited to show the eagerly waiting hogs!!!!!
5 minutes in PP equals 10% and we have a perfect shot and our lives can move on!
Very very nice work and reward for your efforts.

Nightski

I gotta get to work, Billy! Give me a break ... :lol:
I was planning on spending a little more time in post after work.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

The entire "slipper", entire central basal leaf, and most of its left basal
leaf are in focus. Its right basal leaf is mostly beyond the far reach of the DOF.

The image is, to my eye, dark and flat, -underexposed and in need of a more restricted tonal spectrum.
The DOF nicely keeps the subject well foreward of the other flower and the rest of the BG.

Impact:3
Tech: 2.5
Comp:3
8.5/15


Addendum: after reading other comments:

Oooops...sorry, thought this was a new "final image" ....didn't realize that the rules of the Section had been suspended regarding posting only "final" images.

Perhaps we need indicate when we are presenting " Steps of a work-in-progress"

Dave

Nightski

It is the final image that will be posted here at UHH. Thankyou for your thoughts, Dave.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I find this one more appealing, partly because more is in focus but moreso because of the different angle, which allows separation of the target flower from the blades just behind it.

I still am not convinced that the other, blurred, flower adds anything. It is just too bright, and vies too much for attention with the main subject. It might respond to subduing in post, not sure.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Sorry; I misinterpreted your statement that you'd " ...spend more time in post after work" to imply that a new, re-worked, improved version" was in the offing.
My mistake.

Dave

Terrym9 Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon

Sandra, I like the color of the first one better and also the look of the extra flower. On this I like the focus better. I realize you will probably not shoot this again. But I did see the flower of Lighthouse that you like. I am wondering if you took a photo from about 45 degrees and worked to get the main focus as it is in the second picture if you could get both of the slim arms to really get out of focus 1 forward and 1 back? just a thought from someone who has never seen a flower like that one.

Nightski

I have so much trouble with the colour when I load to UHH. I have side by side monitors and when this loaded I was stunned on how much it had lost. It looks so much better on my monitor at home. I know I am doing something wrong when I upload pics here, because I see others that look really good .. like yours. YOu have great colour in your flowers. I would have to find a pair that aren't so close together to get the second one more OOF. It's a wild flower and doesn't last long, but I'll be on the lookout. Soon we'll have the Showy Lady Slippers blooming. They are much bigger and pink.

lensbaby007 Loc: Ohio

Hi Nightski,

I prefer the composition in this second image, but I do agree that the background flower needs toned down some. It's a very delicate looking flower, and I like the soft processing of this.

Nightski

Thank you for looking and commenting, lensbaby.