This image, which was part of a large flower arrangement in a hotel lobby, was taken after I noticed this single yellow lily. Initial editing was with Adobe Bridge and Photoshop, then I cropped tightly to fill the frame and create a macro look. Parts of other flowers were cloned out and the burn tool was used to darken the remaining background. Next, the curves adjustment tool along with dodging and burning tools were used to enhance the light on the flower. Since I recently purchased the Smart Photo Editor software program, I wanted tMayo check out some of the creative presets and decided to give this picture an artistic look by using a filter called Sketchy Watercolor. I’m sure this look isn’t for everyone but I wanted to try something a little different!
Nikon D7000, 18–105 lens, 105.0 mm focal length, 1/13 sec, F/9, ISO 1600, Aperture, Spot metering.
9 comments posted
Kurtis Sutley
I think you did a great job jumping in with both feet to find your artistic side. I think sometimes we, as artists, need to try new things and see where they take us. You're right. This look isn't for everyone but if all we ever did was to try to please everyone, we'd never advance our craft. I salute you. To me you had an idea and you acted on it and I'm willing to bet you learned a lot about the software and about yourself. I think you have a very pleasing image that reflects your vision. To me the image properly represents a realistic lighting situation but with the painterly look. I like that you muted the yellow and then created a background that makes the flower stand out. Overall a very pleasing presentation. Very nice. Posted: 05/03/2023 17:54:36
Sylvia Bacon
Kurtis, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement.😊 Posted: 05/28/2023 10:56:31
Art Jacoby
I like the painterly treatment. Keep on experimenting. For me, the border is distracting. I did some playng around for another approach. Posted: 05/06/2023 14:28:46
Sylvia Bacon
Art, I like the darker background better, the lily is more noticeable and I agree the white border does not good on a black page. Thank you! Posted: 05/28/2023 10:55:14
Gabriele Dellanave
The flower clipped is probably what a judge will penalize the image. I like the photo, and I perfectly know how difficult it is to macro-photograph flowers. I assisted a un webinar, I do not remember if it was the PSA organized Zoom or another organization, but I learned a few important suggestions. That guy suggested to use filters and also make some of you own filters. Very interesting. I agree with Art the borders are distracting. Try it again, Sylvia. Posted: 05/09/2023 09:13:18
Sylvia Bacon
Gabriele, I appreciate you viewing this from a judge's perspective. Thank you! On another note, I saw two videos relative to flower photography (one was macro) on the PSA webinar and am waiting to receive them. Yes, I will be trying this again! Posted: 05/28/2023 10:54:59
Marge Barham
Sylvia I love everything you did including the border but maybe it could be a pale green. You did a great job editing the background. I decided to play a little and since you needed to cut off the lower petal I changed it around a bit. I zoomed in and flipped it and made it square. But now it is a completely different photo to play with. Nicely done Sylvia. Posted: 05/16/2023 20:00:35
Sylvia Bacon
Thanks Marge, I like how you moved the base of the flower closer to the left side and selected a square frame. It looks good. Sometimes I find that there are several pleasing ways to show a macro flower (or any subject actually), all is subjective unless it is being judged. Posted: 05/28/2023 10:54:36
Marge Barham
Sylvia, I was guessing this wasn't for any competitions. I would still hang your edited version on my wall way before my version.
Posted: 05/28/2023 19:45:38
