Over the last four years I have been cultivating a native plant habitat in an effort to attract birds and pollinators to our yard. This year the plants are mature enough to bloom and I have set a goal of photogrpahing them as the season progresses. This is one of the earliest bloomers.
I clipped this sprig from the plant, put it on my light pad and photographed it with the Canon R5 adn ref 24-100mm lens. I made five exposures from 1/8 sec. to 4 sec. at ISO 100 and f/22. They were merged to HDR in LR. The origianl image is the HDR without any processing.
In LR I cropped and adjusted the tone curve, then selected the subject and adjusted the exposure, added contrast, clarity and saturation. In the HSL panel I adjusted red, orange and green. In PS I used a soft watercolor brush to paint some areas on the blossom and on the large foremost leaf.
I plan to print this on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Bright White paper, mat it and frame it for on the wall. I hae also made it into some notecards. If you see any additional adjustments that would improve the image please let me know.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 7 comments posted
Ann Brixey
I like this image and how it has been post processed. The colors on the blossom are subtle, and very realistic. I can see nothing needs doing to improve the photo it is lovely. Posted: 05/01/2023 17:32:21
Sharon Prislipsky
Thanks for your comments, Ann, I have been studying the work of Harld Davis (his book is Creative Garden Photography). I want to use his techniques to make a collection of Arkansas native wildflower images. Do you think the copomposition here works? I always think three elements look better than one or two, so that is why I chose this cutting from the larger plant to make this inage. Posted: 05/02/2023 08:42:21
Ann Brixey
This composition really works for me, my eyes rest on the plant, then are drawn naturally to the blossom. I never like even numbers for plants and flowers, so three elements here work perfectly. Any more or even any less, IMHO would be a distraction.
Posted: 05/02/2023 11:46:19
Judith Lesnaw
Sharon, this is a wonderful botanical reminiscent of those by Renaissance painters. The curves lead my eyes all around the canvas, and form pleasing triangular elements. The colors are soft as Spring and really pop against the white background. The detail in the leaf veins holds my attention. It will make terrific note cards, and be eye-catching on your wall. I hope you will post other botanicals from your series. Posted: 05/09/2023 19:14:58
Mike Cohen
I find this image stunningly beautiful. The blossom is perfectly placed and the colors are wonderful. I'd like to see a picture of it hanging on your wall. It will be wonderful. No suggestions. Posted: 05/10/2023 15:50:30
Pamela Hoaglund
Stunning. Your post processing is wonderful. I love the top flower on the right looking down at the bottom flower and the opening flower on the right is a wonderful counter balance. It looks like a painting and will be beautiful on the wall. Posted: 05/12/2023 15:03:31
I love this. Very nice placement of the flower and post processing! Posted: 05/17/2023 09:18:22
