Dandelion Seed Head: I know this image has been done to death but I still like the idea. The first thing I would probably do differently is to recompose so there is less negative space...

JimmyTB

I know this image has been done to death but I still like the idea.
The first thing I would probably do differently is to recompose so there is less negative space up top. I think that would better emphasize the tall/thin aspect of the subject. Please let me know how I could do better either in the camera or post. My post processing skills are even weaker than my photography skill. I know....... practice, practice, practice.

I didn't see the insect on the stem while taking the shot or maybe I would have tried to get better focus there. Or maybe it should be removed in post since it's not in focus

Canon T5i, Tamron 90mm 2.8 Macro, 1/1250, f/11, ISO200. Off camera flash.

Originally I was going to enter in a local contest for B/W but life got in the way and I never converted to BW and submitted.

Minimal post. If uyou want to see SOOC let me know.

Thank you in advance for any tips and pointers.

(Download)

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Odd to many, a simple subject can turn out a myriad of photos. This image of a simple seed dandelion stem has many possibilities. As presented it is a quiet, yet loud image, allowing us to view an every day object in detail often ignored.

JimmyTB

dpullum wrote:

Odd to many, a simple subject can turn out a myriad of photos. This image of a simple seed dandelion stem has many possibilities. As presented it is a quiet, yet loud image, allowing us to view an every day object in detail often ignored.

Thank you dpullum

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Nicely done. The black background and off camera flash make all the difference..

JimmyTB

starlifter wrote:

Nicely done. The black background and off camera flash make all the difference..

Thank you starlifter.
The black background was just due to under exposure for ambient light

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

I reckon you’ve got a good shot there. Reading your intro I expected the usual image of a seeded dandelion but your lighting has transformed it, giving a contrast of form, left to right, that I find attractive. I also like the colours. Well done!

JimmyTB

magnetoman wrote:

I reckon you’ve got a good shot there. Reading your intro I expected the usual image of a seeded dandelion but your lighting has transformed it, giving a contrast of form, left to right, that I find attractive. I also like the colours. Well done!

Thank you magnetoman, I do like experimenting with lighting. Sometimes it works out and sometimes not. But even when it doesn't work I learn something, which is a good thing.

ECoot

Quite nice. I like B&W it is more dynamic. I had to look for the little bug.

JimmyTB

ECoot wrote:

Quite nice. I like B&W it is more dynamic. I had to look for the little bug.

Thank you ECoot. B&W was my original reason for the picture I just didn't post the B&W version, I don't remember why I didn't. And I didn't notice the bug when shooting, only once it was on the computer.

Hip Coyote

I guess I will be the outlier.

IMO, the photo needs to be much sharper on the left side before the image is ready for display. The fine details are lost. It needs to be crystal clear. I am not a good macro person, but have, on occasion, tried this kind of photography. The challenge is the point of focus with other parts of the image not being in focus. Which is why focus stacking is often used...to get all the object in focus. If there is a main subject in the image, then the viewer should not have to search for it...it needs to be readily apparent.

JimmyTB

Hip Coyote wrote:

I guess I will be the outlier. br br IMO, the p... (show quote)

Thank you for the input Hip Coyote. That's the type of comment I was hoping for when posting in this section. As I'm sure you know, as you get closer to the subject, DOF shrinks. I haven't yet tried focus stacking but it is on my list of things to learn.

10MPlayer Loc: California

That's no dandelion photo. It's a picture of a small green aphid. I wonder how it look in b/w with only the aphid showing any color. Oh, well, it's not my photo is it? Anyway, nice shot.

JimmyTB

10MPlayer wrote:

That's no dandelion photo. It's a picture of a small green aphid. I wonder how it look in b/w with only the aphid showing any color. Oh, well, it's not my photo is it? Anyway, nice shot.

I could try that but it would probably take quite a bit of sharpening. Thank you for viewing and the comment and suggestion