David Terao  


Spiky Leaf by David Terao

October 2020 - Spiky Leaf

October 2020 - David Terao

Original 1

October 2020 - David Terao

Original 2

About the Image(s)

This month, I was inspired by a dried-up leaf I found on the ground. The early morning sun was back lighting the leaf and created a rim light of several light patches along its edge. I took the leaf home to try to recreate what I saw. I shot the leaf on a sheet of black velvet material and used two, snooted tungsten lights - one to create the rim light and one to backlight the leaf (Original 1). Later, I decided to give the image more dimension by separating the leaf from the background surface. To do this, I hung the leaf on a piece of thread above a white foam-core board to get the shadow (Original 2). I then made a selection of the leaf and composited it onto the shadow image using layers in Photoshop to get the final image.


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




 
Now that's an original photo and cleverly done!! The sharpness of the leaf edge is super. I would prefer a little more light on the leaf side. It would help me appreciate more the veins of the leaf.   Posted: 10/02/2020 10:58:23



Phyllis Peterson   Phyllis Peterson
The image "Spikey Leaf" has created some interest and curiosity. I read your description of how you created it and I am taking notes so that I can recreate the idea. As for the image itself, I like the lighting that accentuates the spikes and the stem. It would be good to lighten the dark side of the leaf a bit. But the image captures your attention and makes the viewer want to understand how the leaf is suspended. Well done!   Posted: 10/06/2020 18:18:18



Ray Henrikson   Ray Henrikson
An incredibly mundane subject and very elaborate photography producing a striking example of fine art photography. The lighting and the shadow are especially successful. Use this image in competitions.   Posted: 10/07/2020 08:13:33



Cindy Lynch   Cindy Lynch
How creative and unique! What a wonderful shot with great focus and clarity. The rim light on the spikey leaf is awesome and the composition is successful. I really like this and wouldn't change a thing.   Posted: 10/09/2020 09:06:56



Bai Chuang Shyu   Bai Chuang Shyu
It is a great idea to have such image. I like the surreal impression of the leaf hanging on the air. The leaf is on the backside of the light. But a bit lighten up could see more detail of the vein of the leaf.   Posted: 10/25/2020 05:46:42



Charlie Yang   Charlie Yang
David, lovely image, and marvel at the process and work in this to make it happened. Thought I have already comments on this earlier, sorry about late on this comments.
A great one, won't change any.   Posted: 10/31/2020 13:15:55