Peggy Reeder
July 2017 - Pond Lilies
About the Image(s)
I have tried to shoot pond lilies several times in the last few weeks. And I have not been happy with my results. After my last disappointing shoot, I went over what I have been learning about close up photography and tried to understand what I needed to change. My conclusion was that my ISO was too low (100-200) and that by setting a high shutter speed to compensate for the wind resulted in a much too shallow depth of field and lack of detail or good focus. Well - for this batch of flowers, I finally got my settings right! It was an overcast day with very little wind, and that helped. My settings for this image were f/5.6, 1/125 sec., ISO 400. Shots that I took at f/8 and ISO 800 were even a bit better.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
11 comments posted
I believe you achieved your goal of capturing a perfect photo. The focus is sharp and I think the green background sets off the pink beautifully. You also faced a real challenge -- capturing the extremes between the darker greens and the nearly pure whites at the center. You did both well. The whites in the center are just bright enough that they are not blown out and even reveal the delicate pinks around them. You kept practicing to capture the perfect shot and were rewarded by an excellent image. Posted: 07/05/2017 07:20:38
Thanks Mike. Posted: 07/09/2017 15:31:26
Peggy, I saw that on your phone the other day and the phone didn't do it justice. That is awesome. Perfect with the water droplets. Posted: 07/09/2017 09:48:32
Thanks Glenda! Posted: 07/09/2017 15:30:53
Other than the somewhat minor point that the far right stalk might tend to lead the eye away from the flower, I can't think of any way this image could be improved. Beautifully done! Posted: 07/09/2017 11:41:40
Thanks Jerry. Posted: 07/09/2017 15:31:44
Peggy this is beautiful and an image to be proud of and I agree with all that has been said. The composition the sharpness and the formation of the flower could not be better. I agree with Jerry on the right stalk that can be distracting and you can probably remove it with a simple stroke with the Healing Brush. I would also consider removing the three white spots, also with the same brush. BUT, what I really want to compliment you on is that you recognized you had a problem and you went and found the solution to it. Well done!
Posted: 07/12/2017 15:34:42
Posted: 07/12/2017 15:34:42
Thank you Joe.
Posted: 07/16/2017 14:54:32
Posted: 07/16/2017 14:54:32
Great photo. The only thing I would change is the green leaves. I would make them darker. Posted: 07/17/2017 07:29:00
Beautiful image, Peggy. I'm going to semi-agree with John about the leaves though I would leave the main background leaf as it is because it seems to me to create a "spotlight" for the flower. The side stems and leaves could be darkened.
I also see three white spots on the main leaf that could be cloned out or use the Content Aware tool. Posted: 07/17/2017 10:29:12
I also see three white spots on the main leaf that could be cloned out or use the Content Aware tool. Posted: 07/17/2017 10:29:12
Beautiful photo. Perfectly sharpen detail and soft contrast. nicely done. I agree with Marti's comments about leaves. Posted: 07/23/2017 10:19:57