Lynne Hollingsworth  


Frozen Pink Flower by Lynne Hollingsworth

March 2020 - Frozen Pink Flower

About the Image(s)

Thought I would try something a little different, so I made an attempt at frozen flower photography. I'll say this - it's not as easy as some photographers' images make it look. Finding a suitable container with no pattern or severe indentations on the bottom was first. Then finding the jug of reverse osmosis water with no added minerals was next. Time to choose the flowers, which couldn't be too long because they had to fit in the container without bending or being too close to the top.

Finally finding the right flower, I placed the flower into the container, then poured a small amount of RO water on top. The flower was arranged into somewhat of a position, then gently placed in the freezer in order to set. After about 2 hours I placed more (cool) RO water on top to further set. If the water is too warm it will melt the initial layer. RO water is supposed to help the ice be clear when completely frozen.

When taking this particular image, I used a 105mm macro with 2 extension tubes on a tripod, lit from behind. Then cropped and applied some targeted adjustments to bring down distracting highlights. What do you all think?


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




Charles Ginsburgh   Charles Ginsburgh
(Group 63)
When I first saw this image, I was wondering if the whole flower was actually encased in the ice, or if we were looking at a flower through a separate ice layer (or filter). Your description put that thought to rest though, and attests to the concept that "things often are not as easy as it may seem". I was unaware that there was a movement of photographers taking these types of images and will need to look into that.

I love the image, and the discontinuity of seeing a "spring-like boom", in a "winter-like" setting. The detail associated with the bloom as a great as it needs to be, and you even have differing levels of detail associated with the differing flower depth within the ice. I am also enjoying the detail at the ice surface, and think that you did a wonderful job is balancing the tonal range here. There are not a lot of intense hot spots in the ice, something not easy to accomplish here.

Very imaginative and nicely captured.
  Posted: 03/10/2020 14:34:27
 
Thank you for the feedback. I've a more subtle bouquet for April and I'm interested in your thoughts regarding how the two images compare..   Posted: 03/28/2020 09:03:44



Peter Newman   Peter Newman
(Groups 20 & 79)
I think you produced a beautiful image. the concept of a fresh spring blossom in ice creates a neat ying and yang effect. I like the angles which give a dynamic feeling. I agree with everything Charles said about your image.

Just wondering if you could use steam distilled water, which would not have any minerals either. Depending on where you live, it would be much easier to get, for under $1.00 a gallon.   Posted: 03/19/2020 21:16:48
 
I'll try to find the water - I'm in Florida so fingers crossed.   Posted: 03/28/2020 09:06:37



Nice frame and colours, I really like the softness of this frame. This definitely makes me feel cold.

The only thing which I do notice is the noise in the image, I am not sure if its just me or is it the case in this.   Posted: 03/20/2020 09:34:45



 
Very artistic image.
I was at macro workshops twice with this kind of frozen subject inside and also visited an ice house that produce these frozen cubes. They use a special procedure to get rid of air bubbles so that the images are more see through but this image let us see the bloom behind a veil of bubbles..mysterious ! ! !   Posted: 03/24/2020 13:52:12
 
When I first thought of trying to photograph frozen flowers, I thought the hardest part would be choosing and arranging the flowers. But that's the fun part! Getting rid of the stubborn bubbles is the challenge..   Posted: 03/28/2020 09:19:21
 
Flower arranging is another one of my hobby. There are pin frogs that can be use to anchor the stems and large foliage that might make it easier to get the subjects to "behave " in the way you like .   Posted: 03/28/2020 09:39:33
Comment Image
 
Angela that's a great idea! I have a couple of these at home - Thanks!   Posted: 03/28/2020 12:21:28



I love the colors and the distortion caused by the bubbles. I would think that if you had totally clear water that the effect wouldn't be of a frozen item, but a floating item and it might lose some of it's impact. Another idea to put on my list of to do's! Thanks!   Posted: 03/31/2020 13:57:40