Charissa Lansing
September 2023 - Cut Flowers
About the Image(s)
Specs: Canon EOS Xsi (with the EF 24-105 f/4L IS USM lens used with a circular polarizing filter and hood) set to achieve a focal length of 65mm, exposure 1.3 sec, f/13, ISO 200.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted
Nice photo, Charissa! I like the composition and especially how you arranged the flowers in the vase to have separation between each of them. Aside from wishing to see it in color, my only suggestion would be to add a bit of canvas to the top of the image to give the flowers some breathing room and also to balance it more with the space below the plate. You don't say much about what you envisioned when making this image so I'm not sure whether your intention was to reflect the shadows on the backdrop. If I were making this image, I would have moved the entire screen forward a bit to have less shadows on the backdrop, but that's just a personal preference. Posted: 09/07/2023 07:16:52
Hi, Karen!
Somehow the title, "Cut Flowers 3"and my very brief description with the specs that I submitted didn't appear with the photo today. I found your comments and those that others provided on my image last month very helpful and the feedback encouraged me to rework the image and submit it to the group this month.
Your points about breathing room and the shadows are well taken. I'll try to explain why these aspects were intentional. To me, seeing the haphazardly arranged flowers casting a shadow with little breathing room in the frame, and the anticipation of another flower stem being severed, all worked together to elicit a somber mood for me. I thought color would detract from the possible emotional value of the image. I realize, however, my interpretation may not be shared by others.
Thanks again, for your helpful feedback on my work. Posted: 09/07/2023 09:04:42
Somehow the title, "Cut Flowers 3"and my very brief description with the specs that I submitted didn't appear with the photo today. I found your comments and those that others provided on my image last month very helpful and the feedback encouraged me to rework the image and submit it to the group this month.
Your points about breathing room and the shadows are well taken. I'll try to explain why these aspects were intentional. To me, seeing the haphazardly arranged flowers casting a shadow with little breathing room in the frame, and the anticipation of another flower stem being severed, all worked together to elicit a somber mood for me. I thought color would detract from the possible emotional value of the image. I realize, however, my interpretation may not be shared by others.
Thanks again, for your helpful feedback on my work. Posted: 09/07/2023 09:04:42
Hi Charissa,
I love that you put 5 flowers in the vase and left 2 out with leaves thrown about. Together these, along with the soft shadows on the wall, really create a somber effect. I would probably like to see less in the composition. My eye is drawn to the white plate since it is the brightest element and the hard shadow the plate makes, seems to distract from the composition. Since it's all about the flowers, I would like to see them a little sharper perhaps f5.6 or f8. A portrait view might strengthen their character. I'm so glad you're sharing your steps with us. This is a very interesting project. Posted: 09/14/2023 15:49:16
I love that you put 5 flowers in the vase and left 2 out with leaves thrown about. Together these, along with the soft shadows on the wall, really create a somber effect. I would probably like to see less in the composition. My eye is drawn to the white plate since it is the brightest element and the hard shadow the plate makes, seems to distract from the composition. Since it's all about the flowers, I would like to see them a little sharper perhaps f5.6 or f8. A portrait view might strengthen their character. I'm so glad you're sharing your steps with us. This is a very interesting project. Posted: 09/14/2023 15:49:16
Thank you, Doris, for this helpful feedback. I had hoped keeping the round cutting board (which I usually use when working with flowers) would help isolate the shears. I now agree that it is probably more of a distraction and doesn't work well here. I experimented with higher apertures but selected a lower one to direct attention to the shears. Thanks again for sharing your ideas with me. Posted: 09/14/2023 17:46:50
I like this a lot. It tells a story of how this still life was set up. What decision were made when the flowers were put in the vase. Makes me want to look around the photo for all the particulars in it. I agree that the plate distracts, you might try one without the plate to see which you like. Also I think the the lines on the backdrop and the wrinkle on the table cloth distract from the story. Maybe you could soften them up. Looking forward to your next one. Posted: 09/19/2023 23:32:58
Charissa, I was intrigued by your comment about attempts to draw the viewers attention to the shears. When I look at this image, my attention goes to the shears immediately. I find myself asking the question, "Is she going to cut that stem and if so, where is she going to place the flower." I agree, the plate is an issue, but I have not resolved that as yet. Is your focal point on the potted flowers or on the plate? Have you thought of exposing the image wide open with the focal point on the plate, softening the vase. This still life has so much potential. I love your train of thought. I can't wait to see the next installment. Posted: 09/20/2023 20:33:24