About the Image(s)

This is another orchid from my recent botanical garden outing. For additional background, I shoot with an OM System micro 4/3rds camera, the OM 1 mark II. If anyone is unfamiliar with how this impacts camera settings I thought I'd explain that as well. When setting your aperture, you get a greater depth of field than full frame. This means that when I say my aperture is f3.5 for example, that's a full frame equivalent of f7 (just double the number). It also means that the lenses I use are doubled as well. So my 90mm macro lens actually equals 180mm full frame equivalent. I just thought I'd put that out there so that we are all on the same page regarding results based on our reported camera settings.

So, I shot this image at f3.5, 1/50th sec, ISO 500, with my 90mm macro lens, handheld using available/natural light in the room where the orchids were displayed.

My post processing was done in Lightroom Classic. After basic overall adjustments, cropping, and removing what I considered distractions, I used masks to make selective adjustments to darken the background and reduce highlights. I also reduced highlights on the flower and increased exposure a bit. I added a slight dark vignette, then using Photoshop, added a thin dark green stroke around the edges.

I've been trying to get better at taking what I'm calling "natural portraits" of flowers, where you can see some of their environment without it being too distracting. I attempt that through composition, but also by trying different things in post processing (darkening and/or desaturating backgrounds, reducing clarity, etc.). I've submitted my final image with a somewhat darkened background, but also Original 2 with an even darker background. I'd be interested in your feedback on which you find more effective, or pleasing. There may be just personal preference involved, but I'd still love the feedback!