Murphy Hektner, APSA  


Spanish Lavender by Murphy Hektner, APSA

June 2022 - Spanish Lavender

About the Image(s)

Nikon D850 and Nikon 200mm macro lens on tripod.
IS0 1600; 1/125sec; f/13

This was shot is the early m. I used a Photoflex Soft-gold reflector to reflect some additional light into the flowers.

We have a large clump of Spanish Lavender growing in a large container on the back deck. Was deadheading old spent flowers and happened to notice this composition of 3 flowers that looked attractive. Forgot about deadheading and retrieved my gear and went to work on this arrangement. Darkened the out of focus greenery in the distant background somewhat, however not to the point of it being totally jet black.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted




Barbara Asacker   Barbara Asacker
(Group 65)
Hi Murphy,
Wow, just beautiful. Nicely composed. It is a uniquely shaped flower with lots of texture. The deep lavender color pops against the dark background. I like the hint of green. The details on the flower and stems are sharp. Well done.   Posted: 06/08/2022 17:48:43



Charles Ginsburgh   Charles Ginsburgh
Here you have provided a beautiful image. The subject are clear, sharp, colorful and nicely separated from each other and from the surrounding elements. You chose an effective composition and achieved a great sense of flow upward and to the right. Editing the background to be nearly black effectually highlights the colorful blooms, an effect I am personally partial to. I do see a bit of a rim lighting around the blooms, which is emphasized by the dark background and to my mind is a bit distracting. It is most noticeable as a slight green rim around the base of the blooms, just below the petals and on the petals as well. This is not an artifact, but is does look an bit un-natural (or out of place). I suspect that this is due to light "wrapping around" the subject. I might be tempted to clone out these effects. I would also remove the two bit of plant-life at the lower left corner as these add little to the image. These cloning edits are not difficult but do take a bit of time. I have provided a version of this image where I have done this to illustrate my points. Aside for these points, you have provided a wonderful image. Nice job !

By the way, what is "deadheading" ?
  Posted: 06/09/2022 14:22:25
Comment Image
Murphy Hektner   Murphy Hektner
Hi Charlie: Pleased you liked the Spanish Lavender.

In answer to your question what is "deadheading". Deadheading is the term used in the nursery trade and by experienced gardeners and it is the cutting off of old spent flowers from the plant. If this is not done the plant will think the growing season has ended and quit setting new flower buds. If the old spent flowers are removed the plant will continue to set new flower buds and will continue to bloom for a much longer time.   Posted: 06/09/2022 23:38:20



Bev Caine   Bev Caine
(Groups 24 & 48 & 58)
One of my favorite flower photographers once said "less is more" and with this image, I think the extra greenery on the left is a bit of an overkill. On that basis, the only change I considered was to crop them out and make this a vertical image. What do you think?   Posted: 06/18/2022 13:51:30



Priscilla Farrell   Priscilla Farrell
Hi Murphy, I like the Spanish Lavender as you presented it. Contrary to the opinion I made on Alane's image I prefer all the greenery on this image to remain. To me it is a matter of balance. This is a very interesting plant. Tomorrow I will visit a lavender field and will take note of the difference between the different varieties.... if there is any. Nice composition, good color and lighting   Posted: 06/22/2022 19:10:40
Murphy Hektner   Murphy Hektner
Hi Priscilla: Thanks for your thoughts on my Spanish Lavender picture, they are appreciated.   Posted: 06/23/2022 01:32:05



Alane Shoemaker   Alane Shoemaker
Murphy, I applaud grabbing your camera to photograph the lovely lavender and delaying the deadheading. Personally I do like Charlie's removal of the two little leaves on the left. The background really brings out the lovely color of the lavender.   Posted: 06/30/2022 23:01:06