Denise McKay  


Hard to Let Go by Denise McKay

August 2019 - Hard to Let Go

About the Image(s)

I took this close-up of a flower bud just opening. What appealed to me was the shape of how the petals wrapped around the flower's center and the texture peeking out from beneath. I call this photo "Hard to Let Go" because it reminds me of arms wrapped tightly around a precious object.

Taken with my 90 mm macro lens, in natural light, on a tripod. Settings were ISO 400, F 10, 1/30 sec. This was in a shady area so I made a number of local edits in Lightroom, including increasing the exposure on the flower, decreasing highlights, and tried to de-clutter the background by reducing the highlights and exposure, and increasing the shadows.


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




 
Love this image, the darker background works well against the yellow and purple of the flowers center. Detail and sharpness in the whole image is excellent throughout. Well done.   Posted: 08/04/2019 10:44:17



Denise McKay   Denise McKay
(Group 77)
Thanks John!   Posted: 08/05/2019 06:19:51



Jan Handman   Jan Handman
(Groups 34 & 77)
This is a lovely image. I love the light on the center of the flower. The yellow and purple colors are wonderful and the textures make me want to reach out a touch it. Nice job!   Posted: 08/11/2019 17:49:15
Denise McKay   Denise McKay
(Group 77)
Thanks so much Jan!   Posted: 08/12/2019 06:33:48



 
I like this shot a lot. For me, it's about the contrasting colors that pull the flower away from the background. I know the background's there, but the flower draws all of my attention. Nice composition and it seems a little soft, but I've come to expect that from you, Denise.   Posted: 08/13/2019 11:09:06
Denise McKay   Denise McKay
(Group 77)
Thanks Bill!   Posted: 08/13/2019 17:44:40



Carol Sheppard   Carol Sheppard
(Group 95)
Denise, this is another impressive flower shot. I love this technique you have developed!! It's a winner! Technically, you nailed it. I might suggest that you brush in, very concisely and very lightly, some reduced highlights on the yellows, to bring up more detail and minimize the hotness, but even without it, I think its a great shot!!!   Posted: 08/13/2019 15:21:44
Denise McKay   Denise McKay
(Group 77)
Thanks so much Carol. I will give your suggestions a try!   Posted: 08/23/2019 03:36:13