Haru Nagasaki
August 2020 - A visitor in the flower
Original
About the Image(s)
I am not sure the name of the flower, 8-9 inches big, with beautiful pink petals.
I was focusing to capture the unique shape of pistil of the flower but a bee visited unexpectedly.
Although I liked the color version with bee’s feather reflection and fresh color of the petals, I challenged to change to B&W to take out all color factors and highlight tone.
I would like to invite all of your comment if this works or not.
D850 70mm ISO125 1/80 f13 tripod
Cropped to highlight the bees and pistil of a flower.
Increased the contrast and dodge and burn.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
10 comments posted
Looks like a cactus flower. Bee is a great surprise, but why did you take ants out? I can imagine why you focused on bee, but less-cropped flower could be better. Besides, leaf venation is not clearly visible. I used PS to re-edit your original copy on attached. Frankly speaking, BNW photos are always cool, impressive and mysterious for portraits, streets and buildings; but nature photos must remain coloured so it means: I enjoyed your original post more. Thanks for sharing Haru. Posted: 08/01/2020 02:01:24
Thank you, Ata for your comment. Although there are categories suitable for B&W, I will keep challenging myself to break it. Going forward I will keep posting B&W nature/landscape image here to invite your feedback, so please be patient with me.
Lastly, thank you for editing my original, understood your points. Posted: 08/01/2020 02:53:06
Lastly, thank you for editing my original, understood your points. Posted: 08/01/2020 02:53:06
Good try converting this image to B/W. You have definitely focus in on the bee and it looks good and sharp, I think though you have over done it with the contrast editing as the flower pistils look the highlights are now blown out. Keep trying as some nature subjects just lend themselves to mono Posted: 08/04/2020 00:43:55
Thank you, David for your message. I will keep trying. I value your comment. Posted: 08/05/2020 23:12:47
Great shot, Haru. Love all the fine detail and texture.
I think that this is a hibiscus. Most of them are red but pink is common too.
Personally I would darken the image a bit so that more texture will show up at the petals.
Yellow converts to a light tone so the end of the stigma seems blown out but I am sure that technically it is not. I try to remember to darken highlights so that texture can be seen. This is good but I am greedy.
I think that the wings of the bee? seems a bit too bright too. (This seems longer than the honey bees I am used to...I am a major bee photographer too because Macro is my other favorite.). May be it is a different specie .
I have no problem trying B&W in nature...I uploaded a water-lily this month too...Ha ha . I think that there are many many branches of arts and numerous interpretations of one single subject .
I am using the images I got from my water drop photography in abstract manipulations too.
I usually do not do the "norm" .
After I learn the fundamental rules of photography and editing, it is time for me to play and create...that is how new concept surface, right ?
I usually say this to newer members of my club when asked :
You do what you are told when you are a Novice or Intermediate comp member.... When you get to advance, you should MAKE the picture, not just to take it.
Sorry if I am too much of a rebel...Just want to have fun ! ! ! Posted: 08/09/2020 07:34:07
I think that this is a hibiscus. Most of them are red but pink is common too.
Personally I would darken the image a bit so that more texture will show up at the petals.
Yellow converts to a light tone so the end of the stigma seems blown out but I am sure that technically it is not. I try to remember to darken highlights so that texture can be seen. This is good but I am greedy.
I think that the wings of the bee? seems a bit too bright too. (This seems longer than the honey bees I am used to...I am a major bee photographer too because Macro is my other favorite.). May be it is a different specie .
I have no problem trying B&W in nature...I uploaded a water-lily this month too...Ha ha . I think that there are many many branches of arts and numerous interpretations of one single subject .
I am using the images I got from my water drop photography in abstract manipulations too.
I usually do not do the "norm" .
After I learn the fundamental rules of photography and editing, it is time for me to play and create...that is how new concept surface, right ?
I usually say this to newer members of my club when asked :
You do what you are told when you are a Novice or Intermediate comp member.... When you get to advance, you should MAKE the picture, not just to take it.
Sorry if I am too much of a rebel...Just want to have fun ! ! ! Posted: 08/09/2020 07:34:07
I like your attitude, Angela!! Posted: 08/29/2020 11:17:28
Thank you very much, Bill. Posted: 08/29/2020 12:19:25
Hi Angela,
Thank you for your comment.
Shine of bee wings is due to dodge effect. I maybe did it too much. I will keep posting flower B&W in the coming month, so please free to comment what you think!
Posted: 08/09/2020 20:04:46
Thank you for your comment.
Shine of bee wings is due to dodge effect. I maybe did it too much. I will keep posting flower B&W in the coming month, so please free to comment what you think!
Posted: 08/09/2020 20:04:46
(Group 36)
By converting to B&W, it is not just another flower macro shot. There is a tension between the insect and the stamen that makes it interesting. We know that they are dependent on each other to survive.
Posted: 08/11/2020 23:31:45
Posted: 08/11/2020 23:31:45
I'm pretty sure we're looking at a hibiscus, and I think the insect is more likely a wasp. I like that you push the envelope on B&W, Haru. Posted: 08/29/2020 11:17:04