Michael Moore  

Surfing the Green Wave by Michael Moore

May 2023 - Surfing the Green Wave

May 2023 - Michael Moore

Original

About the Image(s)

Charles Needle gave a presentation to our photo club recently on Creative Macro Photography. One of his concepts was to spend ⬓an hour with a flower⬠to really explore the possibilities and look for a creative angle. He also introduced the concept of using a closeup lens on a telephoto to capture macro images. I purchased the ProMaster +5D Achromatic Close-Up Lens he recommended and used it with my 24-105mm lens to capture my image for this month. Charles pairs this close-up lens with a 200mm or 300mm telephoto but I was interested in seeing if it might provide me with a nice portable macro solution with my ⬓walk around⬠general purpose lens. The image is of a flower arrangement on my dining room table with natural light. I used a tripod and shot at f6.3, 1/60 second at ISO 2500.

As you can see, there was very little post processing used here. I found what I think is a creative crop, boosted vibrancy and used Topaz Photo AI to sharpen. It looks to me like all these surfing stamen (is that what they are?) have caught a big wave and are heading into the wind. I’m not sure an image like this falls neatly into the fine art category but wanted to share and get feedback. At the very least, I have indeed discovered a portable macro lens which will stay in my bag for those moments when a nice macro shot presents itself.

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

Denise McKay   Denise McKay
I also attended a workshop in the past, where Charles Needle was a presenter. He has a great imagination for macro photography.

I think your image is very interesting, almost abstract. I love the color combination of the pinks and greens as well. I like how you can tell the light is coming from the front, hitting the stamens, and getting a bit darker towards the back. I do find the spots on the petal directly behind them pull my eye a bit. Not sure if removing them would make an improvement or not. Or maybe darkening that area?

If you really want to embrace the idea of abstract art, you could probably play with this more to bring that out. Depends on how inspired you feel!   Posted: 05/10/2023 11:43:31
 
Hi Michael,

I love your image and your unique perspective. It's mesmerizing! You have such a great eye! I am in awe with the way you cropped and turned your image and how you used that distracting green leaf to your advantage by softening it and making it your foreground! Love it!

I agree with Denise; the colors complement each other nicely. The surfing stamens are tack sharp. You've inspired me to get out there and spend an hour with a flower. Great job!   Posted: 05/15/2023 14:50:12
 
Thank you for your very kind words Jodi. The Festival of the Peony at Styer's is underway so can head over there to spend an hour, or several, with a flower.   Posted: 05/17/2023 15:55:16
Connie Reinhart   Connie Reinhart
It looks like you found a sweet combination with the close-up lens and your 24 to 105 mm lens. This is quite an enlargement and the stamens (yes, that's what they are) are tack sharp. The exposure is right on and the DOF perfect. The surfing analogy is spot on. The bright area on the petals to the left look like sun rays. Many people would hang this on their wall, so, yes, it is fine art.   Posted: 05/27/2023 14:05:57
 
Thank you so much Connie!   Posted: 05/30/2023 14:55:23
Carol Watson   Carol Watson
A great macro shot. I like the crop you have chosen and the placement of the stamens in the frame. I think I would be tempted to desaturate the pink in the background a little just to give more separation between the stamens and the background.   Posted: 05/29/2023 05:21:19
 
Thanks Carol. I like your suggestion and will absolutely give it a try.   Posted: 05/30/2023 14:56:35
 
Thanks Carol. I like your suggestion and will absolutely give it a try.   Posted: 06/02/2023 15:10:42
Mary Hinsen   Mary Hinsen
Hi Michael - what an amazing, creative abstract image. I love it! The stamens are sharp, the pollen clear, and the textures you can still see in the blurred petals and leaf really add to the effect. I'm very curious about the lens combination you've used - thanks for sharing :)   Posted: 05/31/2023 05:33:29