Murphy Hektner, APSA  


SEDUM by Murphy Hektner, APSA

April 2021 - SEDUM

About the Image(s)


DATA: Photographed with Pentax digital body and Tamron 90mm macro lens using ground level tripod. ISO 200 --- 1/60 @ f/16 --- cloudy bright --- Photoflex soft-gold reflector --- no wind.

Maker's Aims and Comments: This Sedum species is found in high elevations in the Cascade Mts. in rocky areas. Wanted to show this alpine wildflower in its natural habitat setting. Common local name is Spreading Stonecrop.


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




 
MURPHY,
I'M GLAD YOU CHOOSE TO TAKE THIS WALK AND SHARE WITH US THIS PLANT, AS I HAVE NEVER SEEN ONE, AND I HAVE SPENT YEARS HIKING IN THE HIGH SIERRA'S OF CALIF.

I LIKE THAT THE YELLOW FLOWERS EXPLODE OUT OF THE TOP OF THE RED BASE PLANT, REMINDS ME OF A FIREWORK GOING OFF.

AS THE COMPOSITION GOES, I LIKE THAT YOU HAVE THE LEADING LINE OF THE SUCCLENTS GOING FROM LOWER LEFT UP TOWARDS THE CLUSTER OF FLOWERS ON THE UPPER RIGHT. IT HELPS TO CARRY MY EYE ALLTHE WAY ACROSS THE IMAGE,

THE CONTRAST BETWEEN THE YELLOWS, REDS, AND GREENS, AGAINST THE GREY GRANITE REALLY MAKE THIS PLANT STAND OUT EVEN MORE.
EVERY THING IS IN GOOD FOCUS, WITH JUST A LITTLE FALLING OFF ACROSS THE TOP WHICH HELPS HOLD ME IN THE IMAGE.

THNAKS AGAIN FOR SHARING THIS WITH US   Posted: 04/01/2021 10:03:48



Barbara Asacker   Barbara Asacker
(Group 65)
Hi Murphy,
You have a good eye for seeing interesting subjects. The colors provide great impact. The colors against the grey background is perfect. Good composition. The large rock in the foreground anchors the image and leads my eye in and up to the flowers. Different textures in the wildflowers and rocks keeps my interest. Well done.   Posted: 04/04/2021 09:22:14



Neal R. Thompson, M.D.   Neal R. Thompson, M.D.
Have I not been looking and seeing? This is a spectacular find. I've walked the Cascades for years and have not seen this. What a great capture, well done with sharpness, great color.   Posted: 04/09/2021 12:43:48



Excellent composition, love the colors. I think the best thing about this is the lack of clues as to size. Those blossoms could be 2" across, or 1/2". And there is lots to look at here. The limited color palette is super, as well.

Really lovely intimate landscape. Depth of field captures everything that is needed. I'd like to see a bit of vignette to darken the edges (there are some bright areas), and I wonder what some D&B on the sedum (not the blossoms) as well as the stones would do to add some drama to the image.

Cool find. Well done.   Posted: 04/10/2021 13:56:57



Alane Shoemaker   Alane Shoemaker
Murphy, the colors, shapes, and textures of the flowers against the grey rock really stand out in this lovely intimate landscape. I have never seen this species which makes your image all the more interesting to me.   Posted: 04/13/2021 23:00:32



Priscilla Farrell   Priscilla Farrell
Hi Murphy, Love the colors and clarity of the sedum; it is different than what we see in Wisconsin. I did find a really unusual pair at the bottom of the left corner. Looks to me like two olives with a pimento in the center. Nice bright specimens on the grey background. Focus is right on and the composition and lighting are excellent. White stroke is appropriate.   Posted: 04/19/2021 15:51:35