Sylvia, I really like your photo. The simplicity, beauty and softness of this composition are very appealing to me.
The single use of the blossom, stem, glass container, and color are done well. I am curious about what is supporting the stem so straight and did you use a filter to create the yellow color? .
I was never proficient in the use of artificial lighting, so sorry to say no recommendations from me in that regard. Would creating more distance between the background and subject make any difference regarding some of your shadow lighting concerns? The color seems uneven across the entire background and one spot on the middle left side of the blossom is a little soft and seems to lack some detail, maybe the result of your lighting set-up. Overall, I think you met your challenge very well, really a nice mage.
  Posted: 01/09/2025 22:15:16

Sylvia, You have chosen a color that is difficult to set in scene. You've done a good job with your composition and I think it's good that you haven't positioned the vase in the middle. The flower head breaks up the austere composition with the individual petals. A good contrast!
Setting the light is not easy, I keep trying until I get it right.
Sometimes I only use one light source to deliberately create a shadow.
I'm still interested in whether the vase is transparent and also appears yellow as a result of the image processing. Or is the pillow shining through? Interesting in any case!
I would raise the saturation a bit to make the image a little more yellow and stamp away the shadows.
But that's just an idea.
  Posted: 01/13/2025 13:02:27

Sylvia, I like the composition of your photo. Placing the vase and flower off center works for this. The detail in the flower is good and provides a good focal point in the photo. And, you succeeded in having a dominate color! I am also trying to learn to use artificial lighting and have had similar problems with shadows. Were the lights set the same distance from the vase with the same power levels? Were you using some sort of soft box or umbrella on the lights? That may help soften the lighting to reduce shadows. Keep working with this, you'll get it. Some subtle changes could make all the difference.   Posted: 01/14/2025 01:07:13

Sylvia, Happy is what yellow signals! The gradient background compliments the graduated colors of the vase. You did a great job with lighting. I also applaud your creativity. You and Sabine have inspired me to try some of these lighting techniques. Especially in this cold weather. Great job!   Posted: 01/15/2025 16:53:46