Georges Dormoy
About the Image(s)
This photo was taken quite a while ago, with my first Nikon Digital camera (D90) with my macro lens 60mm with my ring flash at 1/60, f/32 and ISO 200. I found interesting to make it black and white to give more focus on the pattern of the branches of the dandelion.
I am very fond of shooting at this kind of plant because we can make special shapes or contours simply by blowing on it so as to discover the heart of the flower.
It was in an outdoor environment but the f/32 aperture enabled me to make the background quite underexposed so as to be black. I wanted to make the focus on the forefront of the small branches and making the rest behind out of focus.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
11 comments posted
I really like this as a black/white presentation. It brings out the interesting detail at the center. Also having the rim of the blossom very sharp is effective in keeping your attention on the subject.
Nicely done,
Janet   Posted: 12/09/2021 08:10:34
The complexity revealed in this dandelion seed head in the foreground at its center are amazing to me! Great work.
At first I thought this might have been an image that used some focus stacking. This is because after the focus drops from the center it is again strengthen around the rim of the seed head. Can you help me understand how you accomplished this? Thank you.   Posted: 12/13/2021 09:37:36
Thanks for your comment. I am afraid I cant really explain this. I did not used focus stacking, but only a very large depth of field with f/32 and in despite of that, the background, which was just a couple of centimeters further away was out of focus.
The various zones of focus is really determined by the shape of the dandelion.   Posted: 12/13/2021 09:48:38
(Groups 83 & 87)
First, it is known this lens at F/32 severely limits quality do to pixel-diffraction (which all digital sensors suffer from). As a consequence, if you have the opportunity, re-shoot at a larger aperture (F/10 for example). This will yield a far more sharper image, without losing the creativity I am speaking about. Of course, choosing the distance from the object and focus-points go a long way in the creative process from behind the lens....
...Another approach (at our F/10 example) try different focusing-points, and I do mean just barely moving the focus ring (as AF for these types of photography are generally failures). Also, do you have Bokeh settings on your Macro lens? This is also a huge plus in controlling "creative power". Thank you, Georges.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Black & White Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director   Posted: 12/16/2021 10:42:22
I generally opt for maximizing the DoF as much as possible in Macro photography, and I presume it is a rather bad habit from my part.
Yes I agree that leaving a larger area out of focus with a larger aperture could bring a more artistic look and help bring our eyes to what we consider the central point of the picture.
When taking the picture, I also forget often the effect of deterioration in the quality of the image with a too small aperture.
Regarding the Bokeh effect, unfortunately I have no Bokeh settings in the lens. I have not heard of macro lens having the Bokeh effect settings. I will need to investigate.
Anyway, I am learning a lot from your comments as well as those made by the other members of the group   Posted: 12/16/2021 15:10:04
(Groups 83 & 87)
I like to present it in black and white like this, every fine hair on the periphery is clearly visible, which is great.   Posted: 12/16/2021 08:29:24
(Group 65)