Priscilla Farrell  


Purple Pansy by Priscilla Farrell

August 2019 - Purple Pansy

About the Image(s)

How I Did It: The image was taken on "Nature Day" several years ago. Processed with PSE and Nik software.
Camera settings: f4, 1/1000 sec. at ISO 100


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




Murphy Hektner   Murphy Hektner
Hi Priscilla: I like to photograph pansy faces, they are always interesting. The entire flower seems soft in focus, even the central part seems a bit off. With this type of a close in portrait in my opinion you need really good sharpness. I would think f/11 or even f/16 would bring the entire flower into really good sharp focus. At this magnification your focus has to be perfect, did you use a tripod ??   Posted: 08/13/2019 01:18:09
Priscilla Farrell   Priscilla Farrell
Hi Murphy, Thanks for your comment. You are absolutely right. As I said, this image was taken several years ago. I don't remember if I used a tripod. Now days I use a small aperture when photographing flowers so they are sharp. Most times between f16 and f22 and on a tripod using live view. I hope that indicates my flower pictures have improved.
You mentioned to Dan to use a paint brush to clean up a background. I have never used the brush tool. Would you mind giving me an explanation?   Posted: 08/13/2019 08:49:51



Murphy Hektner   Murphy Hektner
Hi Priscilla: I use the basic brush tool to mainly tone down distractions in the background, it does take a lot of practice. I believe you use Elements as I do, so will explain briefly. The tool brush is a small icon in your list of tools; click on that tool and you may have Smart Brush and Detail Smart Brush come up, so hi-light those. Then push the B key and your Basic Tool Brush should appear, this is the tool you want to use. It works much like the cloning tool in a lot of ways; I use the soft mechanical 300 size brush at low opacity set at 15%. Do not attempt to use the hard mechanic brush as it will not work. You can find used Elements how to books on line, they go into great detail, much more than I can explain here. Hope this helps!!   Posted: 08/13/2019 19:41:47
Priscilla Farrell   Priscilla Farrell
Thanks Murphy for your instructions. I will follow through.   Posted: 08/19/2019 07:59:39



 
Just don't call this one Purple Passion :). I like the color the hint of yellow really makes this for me. I like the focus of the lines in the Pansy. Great photo. I noticed on Murphy's photo you had a comment about attending a Photoshop class for a week. When and where was that? and do the have more classes?   Posted: 08/15/2019 13:14:04



Lisa Cuchara   Lisa Cuchara
(Groups 41 & 44 & 46)
missing my macro group, had to check in. Love the yellow and purple! The bottom 2/3 holds my interest, you might crop more off the top.

regarding the PS conversation
I use a brush quite often to lessen or remove distractions
two new layers, one opacity set to 20% and the other the blend mode changed to color. I then paint on each layer to paint over areas that are too bright, too distracting or have other colros...   Posted: 08/18/2019 23:17:25
Priscilla Farrell   Priscilla Farrell
We miss you too. I checked your other groups......WOW you are really inventive and creative. Always knew it but you shine when given free range. Thanks for the advice; will work on it!   Posted: 08/19/2019 08:02:35



 
Hi Priscilla,
I like to see creative compositions that have the main subject in the very center of the image (against the 'rules'). That said, I like your composition, as well as your selective focus. For me, the blurry atmosphere gives a special character to the image. The exposure is just right, and the complementary colors work well. Good job.   Posted: 08/21/2019 20:56:54



 
I like your photograph as shot. The softness of the flower draws my eyes to the more focused inside.   Posted: 08/29/2019 12:43:00