Bob Benson, FPSA, EPSA
December 2024 - Begonia
Original
About the Image(s)
This is a closeup from a hanging basket in the backyard. I was drawn to this because of the contrast between the yellow flower and the multicolored leaves, but also, due to the weather changes occurring, flowers that were still blooming at the end of October in the Midwest.
f11 1/60 sec at ISO 1600, 100 macro lens, focus stacking 8 images using Helicon Focus. The “original” is the focus stacked version. The final is a bit of wire from the basket cloned out in PS and a copy in LR with cropping and brightening of the flower, with a small bright area above the flower removed.
5 comments posted
Hi Bob, what beautiful results with the focus stacking! Every petal is tack sharp and shows the textures. The multicolored leaf makes a fine background for the flower, and I love the way its veis seem to repeat the yellow tones. I wonder if slight darkening of the leaf in the background might concentrate the attention even more tightly to the flower? Posted: 12/07/2024 20:27:57
Nice image. I haven't had a lot of luck focus stacking flowers outside. The colors are very nice. The saturation is right on for my taste. I do find the white tip of the yellow petal a little distracting. It would be interesting to see as Kirsti mentions a darkening of the leaf although I like it as is. Posted: 12/07/2024 20:54:13
This combination of yellow and red makes for a powerful presentation. The focus stacking makes the image sharp throughout.
Just to be picky - I would darken the one bright spot on the top yellow petal and the bottom left corner. Posted: 12/11/2024 19:02:36
Just to be picky - I would darken the one bright spot on the top yellow petal and the bottom left corner. Posted: 12/11/2024 19:02:36
Agree with you and Terry - The bright spot on the petal needs to go. Posted: 12/11/2024 23:08:10
I have never tried focus stacking, and I don't think I'll do it. But I must admit that it renders very impressive results. Without it, you couldn't get everything tack sharp at such short distance. I like the composition, with the yellow flower supported by the dark red leaf with veins. I agree with others on darkening the bright spot of the main flower. I would also darken the curved edge behind the red leaf. Posted: 12/16/2024 17:09:14