Mike Walker  


Moth Orchid by Mike Walker

July 2017 - Moth Orchid

July 2017 - Mike Walker

Original

July 2017 - Mike Walker

Original 2

About the Image(s)

One of my favorite flowers to grow and photograph. This is a single shot. I had hoped to work on a focus stack image, however, the trial of the software I was using didn't want to render the front of the image sharp in the saved image - a slight problem and I'm waiting for a reply from the company to see what's happened.
5D MkII, Sigma 150 Macro at f8, 1/6th second and ISO100. All processing in LR CC and I used a radial filter to lighten the centre and add a little more sharpening. The lighting is backlit from our front window with a diffuser between the window and flower.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted




 
I have found a work-around with the stacking software and Original 2 is the result. My question is this, just because I can now stack photos and create a sharp image - does it enhance the subject or not? Which do you prefer - the main image or original 2?   Posted: 07/07/2017 15:41:17



Linda M Medine   Linda M Medine
(Group 77)
Mike, I can tell you it is not easy to photograph orchids. I volunteer to take pictures of the AOS (American Orchid Society) winner flower. I feel like you did an excellent job on this one. Like the back lighting of the flower. I looked on Youtube and got the instructions to focus stacking. I tried it and it works. I used Photoshop CC. I would not change anything.   Posted: 07/09/2017 16:53:08



Mark McKinney   Mark McKinney
This is excellent and it certainly caught my attention. I didn't realize at first I was looking at the center of an orchid. These lines and subtle colors are gorgeous. I know this sounds stupid but the center looks like a cat.   Posted: 07/09/2017 19:23:28
 
I agree with you Mark, that was my thoughts as I framed the image in camera!   Posted: 07/28/2017 19:27:03



 
Your Original 2 is definitely more desireable with brighter colors, saturation and sharpness in the red areas. There are no distractions in the white background which holds the eye on the yellow and red portions of the image. Great photo.   Posted: 07/16/2017 14:57:46



Harley Rubens   Harley Rubens
I also prefer and like Original 2. It is sharper with various tones of white. The final looks like detail is lost in the Whites. I love the way you got the bottom two ed parts of the flower sharp and with the center also in focus. It contrasts nicely against the yellow. Very pretty and delicate.
  Posted: 07/22/2017 19:58:24



Lane B Lewis   Lane B Lewis
Lovely image and I like the 2nd. Perhaps a tighter crop, I don't think you need all the negative space on the left.   Posted: 07/24/2017 09:10:38



 
Gorgeous shot. I prefer #2 due to brighter image. I also saw a tiger/cat in the flower. Love the photo. I may agree with Lane regarding cropping tighter, but such a lovely photo I am not sure.
  Posted: 07/24/2017 13:59:48