Murphy Hektner, APSA
January 2025 - False Hellebore Leaf Design
About the Image(s)
The False Hellebore is an alpine plant found at higher elevations in western mountain ranges in damp alpine meadows in full sun. I was attracted to the design of the leaves as their growth pattern creates an artistic composition. The original color version is interesting also, the monochrome conversion creates a totally different mood.
Here, I used my tripod mounted Pentax K7 with Tamron 90mm macro lens on tripod (1/30 sec, f/16, ISO 400) and captured this as a single image. Cloudy lighting supplemented with a Photoflex reflector. post processed in Elements as a monochrome conversion.
6 comments posted
Your abilities as a photographer continue to shine as your images continue to present us with interesting shapes and lines that we might overwise overlook, and "Leaf Design" is no exception. Here we have a wonderful collection of shapes and lines that are both pleasing and interesting. The overlapping nature of these patterns also contributes a sense of depth to the image. Here I might suggest that you try to de-emphasize some of the patterns that are furthest from the camera. There are four edge elements which are really not required (being small and relatively soft). Darkening these elements will clean up the image and make it easier to appreciate the remaining designs. This is a case where "less is more". I have created a version with these suggestions to illustrate my thoughts. See what you think … Posted: 01/02/2025 20:54:17
Hi Charlie: An interesting concept in the darkening of those
4 areas, it did not occur to me, however it works well. Thanks for the thought. cheers. Posted: 01/05/2025 07:04:16
4 areas, it did not occur to me, however it works well. Thanks for the thought. cheers. Posted: 01/05/2025 07:04:16
Hi Murphy, It is an interesting subject with beautiful lines! I like the lighting: soft and a little backlighting gives it a moody look. It is a nice black and white image, which emphasizes the grainy texture feel of the leaves. You did a great job! Thanks for sharing! Posted: 01/04/2025 14:17:01
Hi Xiao: Thanks for your positive comments, very much appreciated.
Have viewed your website, a lot of interesting pictures in the various categories. One of my favorites is in the Bird section; #11 of the Northern Mocking bird is about as good as it gets. Composition -- Lighting -- Pose of Subject -- Mood -- Technical quality -- Perfect background -- Not much else to say !! cheers. Posted: 01/05/2025 07:18:11
Have viewed your website, a lot of interesting pictures in the various categories. One of my favorites is in the Bird section; #11 of the Northern Mocking bird is about as good as it gets. Composition -- Lighting -- Pose of Subject -- Mood -- Technical quality -- Perfect background -- Not much else to say !! cheers. Posted: 01/05/2025 07:18:11
Hi Murphy, Thank you for visiting my website and feedback! I appreciate it. Posted: 01/05/2025 13:49:36
Hi Murphy, This is a very nice subject for a B/W conversion-simply lovely. I also like the darkening touch provided by Charles, which decreases the distraction caused by the slightly out-of-focus areas.
Beautiful. Well done.
Posted: 01/05/2025 15:15:03
Beautiful. Well done.
Posted: 01/05/2025 15:15:03