Dick States
May 2023 - Milkweed
About the Image(s)
I love to shoot milkweed in the fall after the seed pods open. I like to find a pod that does not have too many seeds showing, or I will remove the seeds I do not want in the image. To my eye too many seeds can make the image look too busy or cluttered and become a distraction. You have to keep things simple.
Taken with my 200-macro lens with a polarizer on the lens. F-25, exposure was 2.5 sec., ISO was 250. After looking at the histogram in my camera I subtracted 1 stop of exposure time to have proper exposure and a perfect histogram and the exposure listed. As always, I used a tripod and cable release.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted
Hi. Dick, I love what you did with this milkweed. I really like the soft tones and the detail in the seeds as well the texture in the dry leaves. You have created a piece of art! well done. Posted: 05/12/2023 05:15:05
(Group 66)
Dick, This is stunning. The tones are so delicate. The shapes are just so interesting. I feel that there are just the right amount of seeds showing, and they do add a pop of color. Love it! Posted: 05/14/2023 10:55:15
Dick, what a fascinating image! I would really like to see your original image to learn how you created this elegant image. I like the diagonal lines and triangular shape leading my eye through the image. The warm, subtle tones add to its appeal. The texture and details add so much interest. I want to reach out and touch those little "wishes!"
How did you create the soft, dark background? I notice it is not stark black. Did you shoot this outside or in front of a background you made? Love it!! Posted: 05/15/2023 10:52:56
How did you create the soft, dark background? I notice it is not stark black. Did you shoot this outside or in front of a background you made? Love it!! Posted: 05/15/2023 10:52:56
I forgot to mention how much I love the golden light on the stems and seeds. Posted: 05/15/2023 10:54:40
Good questions, Jodi. My original image is really no different that this image other than I did sharpen the image and put the stroke in for the border. In NIK software I like to use a filter called structure it really brings out detail and depth. I did not crop this image that I can recall if I did maybe 1/4". I do very little with my images in post. To me it's all about how I capture the original image and get it right in the camera.
I love to shoot milkweed and I will find a group of milkweeds right after they open up to spread their seeds. I then look to find several pods that have the look I am looking for. I shot this image in my garage (my studio).
I use one light with a diffuser on the light. In this image the light source was positioned on the right side of the milkweed. I also used a diffuser called sunlight to bounce some light on the left, it's the secondary source of light which is important. That's my only light in a pitch-dark garage. I am using a very good 200 macro lens with a polarizer attached. This lens has a very narrow angle of view. This is a great lens to produce out of focus backgrounds. This may have been a black cloth background that I was using about 8 feet from the subject. All of my backgrounds, when shooting in my garage, are this distance from the subject thanks to that 200 mm lens. I use oasis to hold my subjects in place. That's what florist use to make flower arrangements in, it holds water. I always use a tripod and cable release and I use mirror up. I also shutter the eyepiece. I also check the histogram to get right exposure.
Posted: 05/15/2023 12:59:49
I love to shoot milkweed and I will find a group of milkweeds right after they open up to spread their seeds. I then look to find several pods that have the look I am looking for. I shot this image in my garage (my studio).
I use one light with a diffuser on the light. In this image the light source was positioned on the right side of the milkweed. I also used a diffuser called sunlight to bounce some light on the left, it's the secondary source of light which is important. That's my only light in a pitch-dark garage. I am using a very good 200 macro lens with a polarizer attached. This lens has a very narrow angle of view. This is a great lens to produce out of focus backgrounds. This may have been a black cloth background that I was using about 8 feet from the subject. All of my backgrounds, when shooting in my garage, are this distance from the subject thanks to that 200 mm lens. I use oasis to hold my subjects in place. That's what florist use to make flower arrangements in, it holds water. I always use a tripod and cable release and I use mirror up. I also shutter the eyepiece. I also check the histogram to get right exposure.
Posted: 05/15/2023 12:59:49
Thanks so much, Dick! Your hard work pays off. The image is a beauty! Posted: 05/15/2023 13:43:42
Beautiful! Perfect lighting and detail. Thanks for taking the time to explain how you captured such a stunning image! Posted: 05/16/2023 09:30:17
(Groups 20 & 39)
A striking image of light and tones. Posted: 05/16/2023 12:35:55