Dick States
April 2026 - Raspberries
About the Image(s)
I was walking around a farmers' market in the summer; these raspberries were lined up in containers. My eye noticed this particular group of berries. I noticed the one single berry turned different than all the others making a nice focal point in the group. I also liked the arrangement of the other berries in the group.
Taken at f-8, exposure was .62 sec. ISO was 200, I was using my 200-macro lens on a tripod.
11 comments posted
Kim Kowalewski
Really nice capture. The berries appear very appetizing--the composition is balanced and pleasing, the exposure is very good, and the details are great. That opposite facing berry really stands out, not only because it is facing in the opposite direction of the neighboring berries but also because the top of the berry is a little brighter than the surrounding berries. Did you lighten it a tad in post to make it stand out better? Posted: 04/01/2026 21:16:16
Thank you Kim for your comments. It's so nice to learn how others see your image. So much learning takes place. I did not lighten that one berry. The two most important tools I use when capturing an image includes a tripod and a polarizer. If an image is shot using a polarizer and without you will always use the one with a polarizer. But you will need to use a tripod most of the time. Posted: 04/01/2026 21:32:35
Kim Kowalewski
Good idea to use a polarizer. I noticed that the reflections were very controlled. I should have suspected that you used a polarizer. Posted: 04/01/2026 21:48:22
I have a quality polarizer on all of my lens. Posted: 04/02/2026 00:47:37
A lovely shot! The specular highlights are so well controlled from using a poloarizer. And, the single berry seems to have its mouth open as if it were gasping for air in the crowded pack of berries. Did you really use a tripod in a farmer's market? I hope it wasn't too crowded. Posted: 04/04/2026 21:05:57
Thanks, David, for asking. I appreciate your comments and your question. Yes, I used a tripod, or I would not bother to try to get some good shoots. No one said I could not and I did not ask. I would not shoot if there were large crows. A tripod gives me more control over what I include in a shot. A tripod will slow you down and make you take your time. I have time to inspect all areas including the corners and the background which is so important. Background obstacles can ruin an otherwise great image. I am able to shoot long exposures which gives me more control over DOF and many more possibilities to the image. With my camera, which is a 12-pixel camera I never include larger areas then crop to get my final image. The only time I do not use a tripod is with my Lensbaby shots. Posted: 04/06/2026 01:09:12
Beautiful detail and composition. I love the colors as well and now understand that your use of a polarizer probably helps in that regard. I do so much hand-held photography that I wonder if I would have issues with the loss of light that occurs. I'm always afraid to push my ISO too high but it sounds like I need to do some experimenting to see if I can be successful. My camera does have very good stabilization, so time to experiment! Posted: 04/06/2026 18:48:42
Great composition and close-up shot. The middle raspberry, which is lighter and appears slightly more in focus than the others, draws the eye. Nice combo of reds and purples. The skin and 'hair' have excellent detail. I think I will need to get a polarizer and give it a try! Posted: 04/07/2026 18:08:06
Thanks Mark, if you do a comparison and shoot one with and one without, the one with will win every time. I put together a power point program on using a polarizer. It will make you a believer. You rotate the polarizer till you get the amount you desire. Most people think polarizers are just for skies, not true. In my opinion it takes you to the next level. Posted: 04/07/2026 19:41:56
The polarizer I used in this image was a B+W. I also use Nikon polarizers. Not cheap but a lens is only as good as the cheapest link. I will not use a $30.00 filter. Posted: 04/07/2026 20:01:54
Hi Dick,
I really love this image. The light is exquisite, falling on the right one, which draws all the attention as it presents a different point of view.
The close-up reveals all the detail in the shape of those framboises. The use of a polarizer and tripod really helps to capture them in a masterful way. Posted: 04/12/2026 19:47:29
I really love this image. The light is exquisite, falling on the right one, which draws all the attention as it presents a different point of view.
The close-up reveals all the detail in the shape of those framboises. The use of a polarizer and tripod really helps to capture them in a masterful way. Posted: 04/12/2026 19:47:29