ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Since I had my camera still mounted on the tripod from last night's attempt at stars, I decided to try a composition in my dining room early this morning. I used a flashlight and about a 5 second exposure with my 11-16 lens. Used some NIK filters in processing. Might have to try this with real flowers. I don't usually have roses around the house; but I could buy some and give them to my wife. She doesn't have to know that they were purchased as a prop for a photo. Any thoughts?

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Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

If your happy with this look ebrunner then you’ve succeeded. I feel there is too much darkness within and around the arrangement and the light vignette is not working for me with this shot. I can not tell if they are real or not and defiantly will keep quiet about their authenticity.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

You and I are thinking along the same lines. When I saw the photo posted, my first thought was that it was a bit too dark. I was trying to preserve the "before sunup" look to the scene; but might have gone a bit too far. I think the give away to the "authenticity" of the flowers is the rose in the front bottom. It is a color; but there is no detail that would be found in a real petal. Thanks for looking. I also appreciate your comments.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

There is drama to the lighting that I find very appealing. I like how most of the roses look, as well as the cloth on the table.

I don't like the busy-ness of the rest of the frame, especially the glass pieces above. Would love to see in a more streamlined setting.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I think it may be more practical to use flowers of a color other than deep red... red tends to over-saturate and blow out very easily.

A nice example of light painting you have here. I feel the urge to try it my hand at it too!

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I thought that the glass would be more reflective and interesting. As shot, I tend to agree with you. I do, however, like the carved wood in the furniture. Rumpled tablecloth came out much better than I expected. I like the early morning light on the table coming in from the window which is on the left. Without the flashlight, though, the flowers were basically a silhouette and that was unappealing. This shot begs to be redone several times until I get what I really want. Used one of the filters in Nostalgic photo in NIK. I think I used film type no. 5. Midnight might also be an option; but that does make things quite dark. I'm sure that I will do more of these. Thank you for your input, Linda. You always make good points that bear consideration.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Good point. There is a lot of red in the scene anyway with the walls being maroon and the wood has some red in it as well. Maybe some different flowers. I encourage you to play around with this type of shot yourself. It is not that hard to do and it is a lot of fun. I suggest you shoot in RAW so that white balance is easy to adjust. Then it does not matter so much what kind of flashlight you use. I used a mag Lite for this shot.

jim hill Loc: Springfield, IL

Hi Erich,

Fascinating image, for sure.

I f you centered the bouquet and took out the stuff above and then make more of the formation below, which in thumbnail looks like dark mysterious and sinister roots, it would be even more so.

That's my only thought.

(Edit: After looking again it might be helpful, if you were to make anything from my option, to take out , or subdue, the pedestal support. Or wrap a root or two around it.)

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I like the idea of centering the bouquet. Might make it more appealing composition wise. Thanks for the suggestion.