LuAnn Thatcher
About the Image(s)
I am pursuing my adventures in still life photography and having fun learning the genre. I also submitted a black and white image in Group 62 this month of a Romaine Lettuce head; check it out if you have a minute.
I originally shot around 280 photos of this apple before coming close to what I was looking to produce. I started with a single apple, then added a single leaf but wasn't happy with the results. This particular shot is an accumulation of 18 photographs and then focus stacked with Helicon Focus software. After seeing the stacked images, I noticed the apple was not focused, so I stacked three more photos and blended that result into the original.
I positioned a 3' x 5' softbox to the left of my camera and had diffused late afternoon window light on the right with a white pleated cloth window blind. The tabletop was a footstool to raise the subject to more eye-level, and then I used black foamboards on three sides and one on top of the scene. The biggest challenge was getting the light right. Most of the images I took showed the white rectangle evidence of the softbox on the side of the apple, which I did not like. So I had to figure out the rule that says the angle of reflection is always equal to the angle of incidence; not an easy task.
My camera was Fuji X-T4, 80mm macro lens, ISO 160, 1/125s shutter, f/6.4.
I look forward to our discussion!
This round’s discussion is now closed!
14 comments posted
LT   Posted: 11/02/2021 20:32:16
Your photo editing is above my pay grade. The result is beautiful.
I use LR-6 and wonder if "focus stacked with Helicon Focus software"the Helicon software would work on my 2009 Apple mack.   Posted: 11/07/2021 09:33:32
I am glad you like my photo!
You could email Helicon Focus support to see if it is compatible with that year's iMac.
Regarding the right side of the apple, I did replace the original apple photo above correcting the spot Michael pointed out; it was just a spot I missed. Thank you for the compliment on my editing; I don't always get it right but I do my best.
Have a great weekend,
LuAnn   Posted: 11/07/2021 09:42:23
I have been working on a single flower for a minimalist photograph I have always wanted to try. But I seem to be struggling greatly with it. I seem to be a million miles away from figuring it out; I am just baffled. Some days, photography can be quite an exciting roller coaster ride; some images are easier than others to produce.
Have a great week!
LuAnn   Posted: 11/13/2021 19:59:02
In this image, the light setting (soft box, black foams) and your post processing (focus stacking, Helicon focus) have not given a perfect still life apple yet. I agree with Michael that the light has created some dark traces on the right hand side of the apple that make it look dented and not quite a fresh fruit. I also found one yellow spot on the top left of the apple, and the 3 leaves on the left have either a hole, a dark spot or torn that need to be fixed in post processing. I'd prefer to have only one leaf attached to the apple stem rather than many leaves in the background. I appreciate your sharing of technique, and I'd want to see more of your still life images.
  Posted: 11/14/2021 06:07:01
The apple appears to look dented and not quite fresh, and yes, there is a yellow spot on the top, and the three leaves have insect bite marks, all evidence of the history of this apple; this is realism, to me, and I am glad you notice them. My artistic intent was not to photograph a perfect apple and green leaf. If it were, I would have photographed a plastic apple and leaf, but that was not my intent.
Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect. These are three truths of the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi which I stumbled upon and became interested in the concept a few years ago. My interest in my photography is to embrace perfectly imperfect subjects, to be different and unique.
I guess I can sum up this response to say some people are by nature driven to perfectionism and others are not. If we all create the same work, then no one will stand out; I am an individual and see the world through an individualist's lens.
  Posted: 11/14/2021 10:57:36
Have a wonderful thanksgiving!
LuAnn   Posted: 11/18/2021 09:44:53
(Group 85)