Flowers by the wayside, I show mine, now show yours!

[Asher Kelman]

Yesterday I walked to the dentist. Naturally I took my camera to photograph the streets on the way at 50 1.2 with my favorite, the 501.2L on the 1DII. Well I passed several gardens with spring flowers, so I snapped a few quick ones.

http://www.openphotographyforums.com/2007_OPF_AK/OPF20073/_I6E9343orangeflowerfromjpg.jpg


http://www.openphotographyforums.com/2007_OPF_AK/OPF20073/_I6E9347irisesfromjpg.jpg

Interesting that they are both monocots! Hmmm, I'll have to find some dicots too!

Hope you enjoy them and have your own to post. Say what the weather is like and where you are located! Here its a balmy 80 degrees F to day.

Asher

[Kathy Rappaport]

Asher,

One of my photo projects is flowers and from my travels. This is not a good challenge since I have many flowers from all over my travels - Alaska, Tahiti, Hawaii, Portugal, Spain, France, Mexico, Costa Rica, England, New England, Canada and even California....I will stop here.

http://i.pbase.com/g6/80/683780/3/73930162.nBiasdFg.jpg

I was at the Huntington Library in San Marino (Near Pasadena) a few weeks ago with the LA Shooters. This is a Magnolia Flower - still on the tree taken with my Canon Macro 100 at 3.5 @250

[Will Thompson]

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/flowers/VX8Y3232PSac.jpg
EF 24-105-mm f4L at 60-mm 1/200 sec. f8 ISO 160 1DsmkII

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/50f1.2L/VX8Y7490PSac.jpg
EF 50-mm f1.2L 1/8000 sec. at f2.8 ISO 640 1DsmkII

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/flowers/_V4Z1446.jpg
EF 85-mm f1.2L 1/80 sec. at f2.8 ISO 3200 1DmkII

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/flowers/_V4Z0557_PSac.jpg
EF 85-mm f1.2L 1/125 sec. at f1.6 ISO 100 1DmkII

[Will Thompson]

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/flowers/_V4Z0493_PSac.jpg
EF 85-mm f1.2L 1/200 sec. at f8 ISO 800 1DmkII

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/flowers/_V4Z0495_PSac.jpg
EF 85-mm f1.2L 1/200 sec. at f8 ISO 800 1DmkII

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/flowers/VX8Y3356PSAC.jpg
FD 500-mm f8 mirror at 1/1000 sec. ISO 1250 FD to EOS adapter 1DsmkII

[Nicolas Claris]

Yesterday I walked to the dentist. Naturally I took my camera to photograph the streets on the way at 50 1.2 with my favorite, the 501.2L on the 1DII. Well I passed several gardens with spring flowers, so I snapped a few quick ones.

Bonjour Asher
I really like the 1st one, something "different" may be the contrats and sharpness of the flower, with the bokey... very "present".

BTW congrats for your new lens: 501 mm? what brand is this?-))

[Asher Kelman]

501.1, no this is measured very accurately in tenths of a mm!

Asher

[Ron Morse]

As I remember it these were with the 100mm f/2.8 macro, 20D.
I don't know why I lose all my lense info when I convert. Maybe I'm supposed to.

Some of last summers flowers.
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/5711/dpp0022kl4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/5984/dpp0023gm9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Nicolas Claris]

Bonjour Ron
I like the purple one, is it an orchid?

If you "save for the web" in CS, it "cleans" the exif...
If you "save as" in jpg it doesn't. (be carefull then to save your image in sRGB, if it is for the web)

[Kathy Rappaport]

What I did for holiday gifts to special people this last year, was to take some of my florals and have note cards made. I ordered 10 different cards (they came 24 to an image for the best price) and then packaged them in sets. Everyone that I gave them to loved them. Just thought I would pass that one on to you.

I just bought a bunch of tulips and created an image for a special friend as a limited edition and gifted those to her for her birthday. I will not use that image again - it was for my step-daughter who loves purple tulips.

[Holly Cawfield]

A lovely thread Asher!

Your Bird of Paradise Flower is quite striking. It's a very different angle and it looks as if it's rocketing into spring! The irises are lovely...windblown by the spring breezes and very beautiful.

Ron, I really like the way you've photographed a traditional bridal bouquet and given it such a contemporary feel. I should think if this photo was posted in flower shops, the Martha Stewart style of small posies so in vogue during the last few years would revert very quickly to this lovely cathedral arrangement! Wonderful the way you've given this such a fresh aspect.

Asher, you asked about the weather. Well here in Canada the snow has melted and spring is attempting to make an entrance. We're at that stage when the damp greys and browns have an intriguing colour all their own ...which is an optimist's way of looking at the rather drab colours that precede tulips, crocus, daffodils and hyacinth. :-D

About two weeks ago it was terribly cold. The frost on the windows was thick enough I couldn't see the house next door so while I was out I stopped into a florist's shop and picked up this pot of tiny pink flowers, the name of which even the florist didn't know. It was a 'need for pink' that day until the bulbs begin to sprout. :-)

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w159/ChroniclerCanada/PottedRosesimg4732-600px.jpg

[Tom Henkel]

http://www.pbase.com/thenkel/image/59297553.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/thenkel/image/63142994.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/thenkel/image/66605992.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/thenkel/image/51923528.jpg

[Asher Kelman]

All great.

However, Tom, I really like the hues and textures on the last one. There's a great deal of delicacy comning from a simple potted plant. Was this on the wayside, or you cheated!

The open gate is nice and really seems like you were shooting it as you apssed.

Asher

[Asher Kelman]

Holly,

You plant is a welcome addition. what makes the b.g. matching pink?

Asher

[Tom Henkel]

All great.

However, Tom, I really like the hues and textures on the last one. There's a great deal of delicacy comning from a simple potted plant. Was this on the wayside, or you cheated!

The open gate is nice and really seems like you were shooting it as you apssed.

Asher

Thanks, Asher.

The daffodils were "acquired" by the wayside. They were in a vase at home when the shot was done. Sorry if that is a too liberal interpretation of the theme -- but I like the shot and it seemed appropriate to share it.

The garden gate was a Lensbaby 2.0 shot -- which explains the distortion and soft focus.

Tom

[Holly Cawfield]

Tom, those daffodils are a delight. The papery textures of the husk-like portions are beautiful. It's the kind of photo that makes me want to touch these petals between my thumb and forefinger to see what they feel like ...a visual that is somehow very tactile and wonderfully artistic.

Asher, the pink background is one of my scarves. I had this pot of flowers by the window and just wanted lots of girley pink. It was that kind of day. :-)

[Nikolai Sklobovsky]

Cherry blossoming

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/138278627-L.jpg

Chestnut blooming

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/138278657-L.jpg

Canon 30D + EF 100-400 at 400mm, f/5.6

[Asher Kelman]

Nikolai,

Once again you show the disbelievers the prowess of the 100-400, from airplanes to Civil War pictures to flowers. This can be very sharp. In the last picture the leaves are very sharp but are the flowers? Could you comment on the DOF?

Asher

[Nikolai Sklobovsky]

Nikolai,

Once again you show the disbelievers the prowess of the 100-400, from airplanes to Civil War pictures to flowers. This can be very sharp. In the last picture the leaves are very sharp but are the flowers? Could you comment on the DOF?

Asher

Thanks!

The two big differences between these two shots are the distance and the background.
In both cases 100-400 was wide open (f/5.6 at 400).

Chestnut tree: about 25 ft away, the rest is the skies...
Cherry: about 100 ft away, with the rest of the tree and steet on the back. Obviously DOF is about 3-4 times larger, it's the sheer law of optics...

[Will Thompson]

Asher, could you pick out the singing flowers from my earlier posts?

[Asher Kelman]

Will,

Is this it?

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/flowers/_V4Z1446.jpg
EF 85-mm f1.2L 1/80 sec. at f2.8 ISO 3200 1DmkII

Asher

[Will Thompson]

Yes it is, at the "Enchanted Tiki Room".

[Brian Lowe]

Here are a few I took yesterday, spring is in the air.

These were taken with a 1DMKIIn 100mm f/2.0 macro or 14-40 f/4.0L. All were processed in Lighroom and sharpened with CS3.

More photos from the day can be seen here ==>http://brianlowe.smugmug.com/gallery/2626560/1/138691681


Enjoy,

-Brian-

http://brianlowe.smugmug.com/photos/138693572-M-1.jpg


http://brianlowe.smugmug.com/photos/138691681-L-1.jpg


http://brianlowe.smugmug.com/photos/138696609-L-1.jpg

[Asher Kelman]

Brian,

I must congratulate you on your style. It shows the flowers in a dynamic and powerful way. The first, with the female stigma in sharply centered, is a perfect example of putting attention decisively at the part you want to give importance to. What is more important than the feminine. This is powerful and central to life and I love it. All the male parts suround here stretched up!

The second is also unique in its masking the tulips even more important as the trees. By both being in focus, one can really measure the tulips agains the trees as a ruler ans so they are outstanding and have movement. Again impressive and compelling.

The last one is also unique, well done but doesn't ring my bell. However, I am behinmd in my tea schedule!

So thanks Brian!

Asher

[Will Thompson]

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/flowers/VX8Y3341PSac.jpg

[Dawid Loubser]

By "by the wayside" I assume you mean "spontaneous" images, not in a studio setup? here are four of mine:

http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs14/f/2007/035/0/c/Pink_and_Green_by_philosomatographer.jpg

http://ic3.deviantart.com/fs12/f/2006/338/d/9/Pink_by_philosomatographer.jpg
(both with Canon 28-300L)

And, something in a bit of a different style (more typically "my" style, in any case):
Agapanthus:
http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs12/f/2006/320/4/0/Tallest_Trees_by_philosomatographer.jpg

Several months later, a close-up of the flower head after the little flowers had dropped away.
http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs15/f/2007/026/4/7/Fibre_Optik_by_philosomatographer.jpg
(both with Canon 100 Macro USM)

Both sets in natural light (I don't own a flash)

[James Newman]

Wow. I am really liking this thread. I have been working on getting sharper images, especially with the flowers that I photograph. One of the things I recently did to help me with this, besides getting some fabulous help from this forum and its many great photographer members, was purchase the Nikon 105mm micro VR lens, a new tripod, and the wireless remote for my D40. I just received the lens 2 days ago and have yet to really give it a good tryout. These two shots were taken yesterday evening. The flowers are from my yard but I took the shots in my living room. There was just a bit of very nice light still coming through my back door window as the sun was setting. I was just experimenting with some different exposures and these I liked the best. Tomorrow I am going to the Mercer Arboretum in Houston. It is brimming full with springtime colors so it should be a real feast. The first shot was 1.8 sec at f/13 and the second was 30 sec at f/36. Both were Iso 200.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l319/jnewmanco1/DSC_3040-1.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l319/jnewmanco1/DSC_3037-2.jpg

[Duke Beattie]

Since there was no snow today, I am guessing spring is near........ Just checkin to see what the neighbors were blooming...... found this guy...
http://www.pbase.com/dcbeattie/image/77531849/large.jpg

[Asher Kelman]

Dawid, James and Duke, great contributions!

Yes spring is here!

Asher

[Will Thompson]

A few shots from my latest safari.

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/flowers/Will_Thompson_C_2008_012K2377PSac.jpg
135MM f2.0L 1/8000 f2.0 ISO 200 1DsMKIII

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/flowers/Will_Thompson_C_2008_012K2386PSac.jpg
135MM f2.0L 1/8000 f2.0 ISO 200 1DsMKIII

[Arya Wiese]

what a beautiful thread. I have really enjoyed seeing all the different perspectives and views of such beautiful flowers. Here are my images of the flowers in my mothers backyard. lazy daffodils in a row, a dandelion and some daffodil stems by an old tree. All taken with my 50mm 1.8 lens

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/bearlyhere2006a/april%202008/DSC_0211.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/bearlyhere2006a/april%202008/DSC_0230.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/bearlyhere2006a/april%202008/DSC_0247.jpg

[Brandon Jones]

I never really take pictures of flowers and plants, but something about the 75 degree weather just told me to take a few, so here are the best i took, All taken with a cool Pix Nikon 8mgpx none using flash, all natural light.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e133/Hippoman314/DSCN0815.jpg


http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e133/Hippoman314/DSCN0817.jpg


http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e133/Hippoman314/DSCN0820.jpg


http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e133/Hippoman314/DSCN0818.jpg


Coments always Welcome!!

BJ

[Will Thompson]

2 more shots from my latest safari.

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/flowers/Will_Thompson_C_2008_012K2402PSac.jpg
135MM f2.0L 1/1000 f5.6 ISO 200 1DsMKIII

http://idisk.mac.com/med007/Public/Wills/flowers/Will_Thompson_C_2008_012K2412PSac.jpg
135MM f2.0L 1/8000 f2.0 ISO 200 1DsMKIII

[Nathaniel Alpert]

From a morning walk in March '08.
Not flowers, but nearly as colorful. Notice that whereas the leaves don't turn fall colors in Hawaii, one side is red and the other side is green. So, no need to change.


http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/1328IMG_9609-web-crop.jpg

[Cem_Usakligil]

Well, not exactly a flower, but it was by the wayside ;-)

Here today, gone (with the wind) tomorrow:
http://www.usakligil.com/photo/fora/opf/flower1.jpg

Cheers,

Cem

[Asher Kelman]

Cem,

I like the sharp but selective focus. This in short represents a lot of modern humanity. It's lost it's innocence, has mixed up sex and offspring can fly.

Asher

BTW, what lens?

[Cem_Usakligil]

...BTW, what lens?
LOL, I was hoping someone would ask this question. Check out the exif info ;-)

Cheers,

Cem

[Cem_Usakligil]

LOL, I was hoping someone would ask this question. Check out the exif info ;-)

Cheers,

Cem
And; did you? If so, what do you think?

Cheers,

Cem

[Asher Kelman]

Hi Cem,

On this computer I can only see it's a very small focal length. My CS2 and iview are on other computers. About 13mm if I remember right so I expect this is the G9 in Macro mode?

Pretty good, I'd say! I don't see any lens issues. I like it very much. did I guess right?

Asher

[Cem_Usakligil]

Hi Cem,

On this computer I can only see it's a very small focal length. My CS2 and iview are on other computers. About 13mm if I remember right so I expect this is the G9 in Macro mode?

Pretty good, I'd say! I don't see any lens issues. I like it very much. did I guess right?

Asher
Spot on! It is taken with my brand new G9 indeed <grin>. Amazing for such a compact camera/sensor/lens combo, isn't it?

Cheers,

Cem

[Mike Shimwell]

A very quick snap taken the other day when out with the children and dog.
Not a flower, but the light was lovely although the execution isn't actually all that good!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2358/2483371260_01b995b3fa_o.jpg


Mike

[Arya Wiese]

Here are a few I took this past week - more springy colors.

Exposure for all - ISO: 100 SS: 1/100 AP: f/2.8

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/bearlyhere2006a/May%202008/DSC_0294.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/bearlyhere2006a/May%202008/DSC_0312.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/bearlyhere2006a/May%202008/DSC_0301.jpg

[Heather McCullah]

these are looking lovely everybody....

[Ron Morse]

Since you said by the wayside, not a planed studio shot.

I shot this, I don't know what, growing all over my lawn. Its 3/4" at most across.

40D
CZJ flektogon 35mm f/2.4. Its getting hard for these eyes to manual focus.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/Jag1989/_MG_4405.jpg

[Asher Kelman]

Ron, I love the color. What are those interesting little white projections?

I don't know the name of that flower.

I am interested in you use of the Carl Zeiss Jenna 2.4 lens. What adapter are you using?

Asher

[Ron Morse]

Ron, I love the color. What are those interesting little white projections?

I don't know the name of that flower.

I am interested in you use of the Carl Zeiss Jenna 2.4 lens. What adapter are you using?

Asher



I assume the white projections are male female body parts.

The adapter m42 to EOS is from KAWA. They like you, are located in California. This lense is as sharp as any of my L glass. It will focus up to about 3 inches. I can only guess what you would have to pay for this lense if it were made today. I got it from Budapest Hungary from a guy named Attila. Very trustworthy and honest seller. Took 9 days to get it.

Here is another from the same shoot. The wind was blowing or it would have been better.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/Jag1989/_MG_4339.jpg

[leonardobarreto.com]

I post this at the Nikon forum, but, before Asher moves it I will bring it here myself, after all it doesn't use more server space...

This flowers only come this time of the year, that is what Yoriko, my wife said, and commissioned an image of them, really lovely, will find out the name and more about them...

http://leonardobarreto.com/images/ZBLOG_IMAGES/BAR_flo.jpg

[Asher Kelman]

I assume the white projections are male female body parts.

The adapter m42 to EOS is from KAWA. They like you, are located in California. This lense is as sharp as any of my L glass. It will focus up to about 3 inches. I can only guess what you would have to pay for this lense if it were made today. I got it from Budapest Hungary from a guy named Attila. Very trustworthy and honest seller. Took 9 days to get it.

I haver some of those lenses but no adapters as yet. Just I guess "lensus interuptous" when one buys lenses and then the project changes and one forgets!

Interesting "Hungary from a guy named Attila" that's hilarious! You bought it from Attila the Hun!

Asher

[janet Smith]

This flowers only come this time of the year, that is what Yoriko, my wife said, and commissioned an image of them, really lovely, will find out the name and more about them...

Hello Leonardo

Lovely shot, I love the the softness, the flowers in question are Peonies, just about to flower in my garden too, so I should have some to photograph later this week or early next week. I think of them as very feminine flowers, IMHO your shot brings out their soft femininity perfectly. Thank you for showing this...

[Ken Jackson]

This is the creeper that is called the bashful plant. It creeps along the ground hidden in the grass and climbs the various shrubbery. If you are barefooted, the thorns will make you wish you weren't. The plant will fold its leaves if touched, and also the short branches will fold back against the main stem. The flowers are beautiful to photograph though...

http://mah.smugmug.com/photos/79015634_khAJ3-L.jpg

This shot is of the common water lilly that grows prolifically in our drainage ditches alongside the roads at home. There are many beautiful flowers from plants that have been imported to our islands by the various people who came to tahiti and brought some plants from their homelands. I will post more later if anyone might be interested

http://mah.smugmug.com/photos/79017534_9ruak-L.jpg

[Jim Galli]

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/images/GlobemallowS.jpg
globemallow, heliotrope, indian rock art

[Mike Shimwell]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2418/2517238444_0760bb0457_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2064/2517238046_842cd96dd4_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2517237852_46fcf79542_o.jpg

Three quickies, taken in passing. There's some startlingly good work up above!!

Mike

[James Newman]

On our recent trip to North Carolina we visited the Tryon Palace. This is where the first Royal Governor of the North Carolina colony lived. It was unfortunately almost completely destroyed by fire when someone had the brilliant idea of storing hay down in the cellar. The palace is now a rebuilt replica of the original. There are still original remnants such as the stables and parts of the kitchen building and the palace itself is still a very interesting historical site that I was very glad to see. The gardens were magnificent and as we strolled through the grounds it was a wonderful feeling just trying to imagine what life there must have been like over 250 some odd years ago and how it must have been to be dancing in the room with President George Washington. Our country, compared to some of those of our international OPF members is still in its infancy, but to me, it is still a magical walk back in time discovering some of these things about her. These two images were taken in the gardens around the palace. I have also given a link to the Palace's website, the gardens in particular, for those who might be interested in learning a little more. The image at the top of their site is almost from the same spot that I took mine from. I guess I was there at the wrong time as far as colors go.

http://www.tryonpalace.org/garden.html

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l319/jnewmanco1/_DSC6291.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l319/jnewmanco1/0505_NorthCarolina_3044.jpg

[Asher Kelman]

James,

It's hard to miss acknowledging everyone's work, so I'm picking yours only because the contrast I see beween thge very wide view and the cclose up. someone said don't do internediate views! Well that's what you seen to follow. The green of the stately formal garden is impressive. I wonder who would have been invited. The close up of the flower is packed with beauty. Makes me think of all the layers of silks that fine dresses one would have seen wandering in these gardens 2 centuries ago.

Asher

[janet Smith]

A couple of wildflowers that like to grow in and around the dry stone walls here in Yorkshire

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa318/JanGlenelg/IMG_0114ssa.jpg
Cranesbill

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa318/JanGlenelg/IMG_0096ss.jpg
Yellow Poppy

[Michel BRAUD]

http://sinwen.free.fr/Plantes/Transfo-coquelicot-copy.jpg

http://sinwen.free.fr/Plantes/Amarylis-copy.jpg

Two very different approaches indeed.

[Asher Kelman]

http://sinwen.free.fr/Plantes/Transfo-coquelicot-copy.jpg
Two very different approaches indeed.

I must admit I was surprised by the very different style of this recent post.

Your other work is so delicate! Here this is almost Dadaist!

Asher

[Asher Kelman]

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/images/GlobemallowS.jpg
globemallow, heliotrope, indian rock art

Jim,

What did you take this with and do you have a blowup of the flowers? Are they near you and still in bloom?

Asher

[Jim Galli]

Jim,

What did you take this with and do you have a blowup of the flowers? Are they near you and still in bloom?

Asher


Flattered by the interest Asher. Here are a few more from the same day.

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/images/Globemallow2s.jpg
globemallow2

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/images/Globemallow3s.jpg
globemallow3

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/images/HeliotropeBlurreds.jpg
heliotrope blurred

I used a Nikon D200 with 300mm f4AF for all of these. I used the 2 exposure on one frame set-up for the blurred heliotrope. First exposure focused perfectly, second just slightly de-focused. Combined in camera in a single file.

And you thought I wasn't a digital guy :)

[Asher Kelman]

Jim,

Could you achieve the same sharp + soft focus effect using an add-on lens that adds the OOF light from the periphery?

Asher

[Asher Kelman]

I realized that I had not posted the orginal uncropped shot! So I now have the honest truth! When one is moving fast with others, taking pictures can be annoying for everyone. So how does one not lose the shot and one's companions who want to move and not loiter at every flower or rusted lock! My solution is to frame wide and shoot fast. Sometimes merely aiming as one passes!

I just caught a wasp visiting some flowers as I was walking by. Framing as one strolls is always a challenge, especially with a single walk-around 50mm lens!

http://www.opfora.com/2007_OPF_AK/Asher_Kelman_2007/_MG_9340_Flowers_uncropped.jpg
Canon 5D 50 1.2L f4.5 1/800 sec

I tried two crops. First a central vertical crop to get a sense of movement.

http://www.opfora.com/2007_OPF_AK/Asher_Kelman_2007/Flower_and_wasp_portrait.jpg
Canon 5D 50 1.2L

Then a portion of that and in horizontal format, that's supposed to be more peaceful:

http://www.opfora.com/2007_OPF_AK/Asher_Kelman_2007/Flower_and_wasp_600_pixels.jpg

However in the end, the original vertical crop idea seems best as it gives more height of flowers for the wasp to have wandered in from. I had the feeling that the wasp had actually worked it's way up and that seemed more active. The horizontal picture seemed too static.

[Mike Shimwell]

Janet, I love the poppy - I've been watching those i our garden and wondering how to capture the papery quality of the petals. Great stuff.

Jim and Michael, nothing to add really - nice work!

Asher, I prefer the vertical rop - it has sufficient space for the wasp and sufficient concentration to draw me in. I think you commented elsewhere, it also has more 'movement' than the horizontals.

My own contribution below - these alstromeria have sat on our window for (probably) a bit too long for phtos:) But, they have all turned towards the light in an attitude that struck me as being one of worship - so I stood on a chair and our 6 year old daughter tried to hold a piece of matboard behind them.

I've included the crop as this was shot at iso1600 and then pushed 0.8 stops with not too much other processing, and very quick.

Mike


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2532797358_eb8bf96251_o.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2532797660_aa92a6a84c_o.jpg

[Asher Kelman]

Wow. I am really liking this thread. I have been working on getting sharper images, especially with the flowers that I photograph. One of the things I recently did to help me with this, besides getting some fabulous help from this forum and its many great photographer members, was purchase the Nikon 105mm micro VR lens, a new tripod, and the wireless remote for my D40. I just received the lens 2 days ago and have yet to really give it a good tryout. These two shots were taken yesterday evening. The flowers are from my yard but I took the shots in my living room. There was just a bit of very nice light still coming through my back door window as the sun was setting. I was just experimenting with some different exposures and these I liked the best. Tomorrow I am going to the Mercer Arboretum in Houston. It is brimming full with springtime colors so it should be a real feast. The first shot was 1.8 sec at f/13 and the second was 30 sec at f/36. Both were Iso 200.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l319/jnewmanco1/DSC_3040-1.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l319/jnewmanco1/DSC_3037-2.jpg


Hi James,

I was just going through this thread and reread your description of your indoor shoot at 1.8 sec f 13 and 30 secs f36 respectively. I really wonder if you are getting the most out of that Nikon lens 105mm Macro lens. The flower is likely not as well defined as it would be with a wider aperture as given the sensel well sizes, the chip is able to resolve the fuzziness induced by diffraction of light waves by the edges of the small apertures used. Since you re depending on the chip for detail, f 8-11 or less would be better.

Anyway, the pictures are wonderful anyway!

Asher

[Mike Shimwell]

There's some wonderful work here, but I just grabbed these in passing on my way in from a run. New life and all, with a bit of rain.

Mike

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2546294638_14246c4462_o.jpg

[James Newman]

These are some more "wayside" flowers I shot on our recent trip to North Carolina. My mother-in-law is a lover of everything flowers and she has a beautiful garden and koi pond in her backyard. I took these early on our first morning there. It had rained the night before, hence the water on the petals. I had these both printed for my wife and they turned out very nice. The look a bit like watercolor to me.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l319/jnewmanco1/0504_NorthCarolina_3145.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l319/jnewmanco1/0504_NorthCarolina_3217.jpg

[Asher Kelman]

James,

The colors re exceptional so did you help that a wee bit? Are these supersaturated and is the first that exceptional purple blue magenta high fashion color?

I wonder what could print that?

Asher

[Rachel Foster]

Mine were taken yesterday during a class break (I'm at a five day workshop on wedding photography; I've no interest in weddings, but it will transfer to portraits).

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x153/annieblues/opf/064.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x153/annieblues/opf/b3.jpg


http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x153/annieblues/opf/lake033.jpg

Apologies in advance if there are focus issues. I'm on my laptop....nuff said! (Or, rather, I can't really spot focus problems on the small screen.)

[Kathy Rappaport]

We were strolling in the Gamla Stan area of Stockholm, on The Queen's Way when I spotted these Agapanthus (also known as Lily of the Nile)....taken with the Canon 5d and the new Tamron 28-300 vr

http://chatkat.smugmug.com/photos/320202021_J2E6B-S.jpg
(c) Kathy Rappaport 2008

[Asher Kelman]

Agapanthus and what else, Kathy? What are the long slender blooms?

Asher

[Kathy Rappaport]

Asher,

You are going to make me do homework tonight....I think they're lavender...

[Ron Morse]

The rain had just stopped. Still playing with film off and on.

EOS 3
CZJ 35mm/f/2.4
Fuji 400 superia
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/5937/47zn0.jpg

[Gary Ayala]

#1
http://garyayala.smugmug.com/photos/279776123_PC3Cc-XL.jpg

#2
http://garyayala.smugmug.com/photos/279775850_oGbVU-L.jpg

#3
http://garyayala.smugmug.com/photos/28692310_cXFmW-L.jpg

#4
http://garyayala.smugmug.com/photos/28691986_PWfUk-L.jpg

[Kathy Rappaport]

Hi Gary!

Nice to see you here! Love #3's color and contrast and how you isolated the flower!

Hope to see you more around here, Hope all is well.

[Gary Ayala]

Hi Gary!

Nice to see you here! Love #3's color and contrast and how you isolated the flower!

Hope to see you more around here, Hope all is well.


Thanks Kathy

[Asher Kelman]

The rain had just stopped. Still playing with film off and on.

EOS 3
CZJ 35mm/f/2.4
Fuji 400 superia
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/5937/47zn0.jpg

I love that yellow, Ron! What flower is that? I notice there is a sphere of water on the stamen. I wonder if there is any reflection in it? Have you looked? Superior gives vivid colors and is perfect for this. Are you processing this yourself.

Asher

[Rachel Foster]

I've been working on getting the lighting right on this in edit, but for now this is as good as it gets. As my editing skills improve, you can bet I'll come back to this one!

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x153/annieblues/opf/beeee-1.jpg

ISO 400, f/11.0, 60mm, 1/1250, -2 step. (Had my macro on the Rebel when I spotted this little fellow.)

[Asher Kelman]

Hi Rachel,

Everything is already in your picture. Just select and darken the necessary areas and then brighten and optimize the parts that are interesting. Selective interest is needed. Here is a 20 second adjustment using Shadow Highlight on PS. Use this as a general concept.

http://www.openphotographyforums.com/2007_OPF_AK/Rachel_Foster/beeee-1 copy.jpg

Just a quick idea!

Asher

[Rachel Foster]

The difficulty I have in editing is getting a precise selection. Even with the magnetic lasso (especially with fine elements) it never looks quite right. But I'm hanging in there!

[Ron Morse]

I love that yellow, Ron! What flower is that? I notice there is a sphere of water on the stamen. I wonder if there is any reflection in it? Have you looked? Superior gives vivid colors and is perfect for this. Are you processing this yourself.

Asher

Hi Asher,

Thank you.

Yes I looked but no reflection. I believe this is a daylily. I take the film into wallyworld and get it developed for negatives, then scan it into lightroom and then cs3. I can't make my mind up, I might like kodac gold better. I intend to get some slide film for the fine grain and colors and then scan the transparencies even though it is less forgiving.

I gave away all my darkroom stuff many years ago. I wish I had it back now.

[Rachel Foster]

Ok, this one I like! Don't know if y'all will, but I'm open to hearing how it can be improved. Still...this one I like (today anyway).

iso 400, 250mm, f/5.6, 1/500.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x153/annieblues/opf/hfwmpn.jpg

[Asher Kelman]

Hi Rachel,

You've been working with good results! This picture is technically a great improvement and the design is pleasing. However, and this is perplexing, life is missing. By rendering the entire b.g. black in this way and the lighting flat, the plant becomes a graphic element divorced of emotion.

Now, I'm not saying that making the b.g. black is wrong. It can be perfectly correct. However, the life of the subject must be preserved. See the Philadelphia Mallet Rule!

Asher

[Rachel Foster]

Oh, well...I'm perplexed too! That was taken in natural setting. Must think on that one.

[Mike Shimwell]

Well after spending the day cutting the hedge I'm now enjoying a nice glass of Bordeaux and thought I'd share a couple of pics taken between hedge cutting this afternoon. Daisies and Hosta (I think - Sue would know) in the garden. Quickly run through Lightroom and all shot with a Canon 100 macro at between f4 and 5.6.

Mike

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2664794683_d057092d1a_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/2665641902_2a5bfb84cc_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2665616930_7a240d853b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2664793489_1dfcf07da2_o.jpg

[Asher Kelman]

Mike,

Good subjects! However I find those little bees tough to image on a large yellow pollinating platform. One thing I would point out is that the use of totally black backgrounds, as in the first may not be as effective. In your second picture, putting aside the subject, the background is far more gentle. too much black and the picture gets robbed of some life.

All in all the first picture, despite the central placement is the one I like best becasue it is obviously a complete statement and has no distracting elements. Still, if the b.g. would have some remnants of life, it would, to me at least, be better!

Thanks for sharing,

Asher

[Gary Ayala]

One from the front yard

http://garyayala.smugmug.com/photos/28692303_Xdtwt-L.jpg

[Marshall Everett]

Hi Gary,

I like #1 and this last one the best. #1 seems so clean and sharp, with nothing to distract, as Asher stated.
The last one, the backlight illuminating the pods is really cool, along with the hairs along the edge. Very sharp, crisp and not blown out at all.

Glad that you had fun doing yard work!!

Marshall

[Gary Ayala]

Hi Gary,

I like #1 and this last one the best. #1 seems so clean and sharp, with nothing to distract, as Asher stated.
The last one, the backlight illuminating the pods is really cool, along with the hairs along the edge. Very sharp, crisp and not blown out at all.

Glad that you had fun doing yard work!!

Marshall

Thanks Marshall ... I rather take snaps than mow.

Gary

[Cem_Usakligil]

Hi Gary,

I like #1 and this last one the best. #1 seems so clean and sharp, with nothing to distract, as Asher stated.
The last one, the backlight illuminating the pods is really cool, along with the hairs along the edge. Very sharp, crisp and not blown out at all.

Glad that you had fun doing yard work!!

Marshall
Hi Gary.

I wholeheartedly agree with Marshall. The last one with the pods is very, very good.
Thanks for sharing :-)

Cheers,

[Mike Shimwell]

Gary, the pod is great. Lovely backlighting.

Asher, I've lightened the background on this one and included another with a fairly dark (but actually still lightened) background.

Mike

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2669169936_941b73e9db_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/2668350711_2a930d100a_o.jpg

[Nathaniel Alpert]

Mike,

....
All in all the first picture, despite the central placement is the one I like best becasue it is obviously a complete statement and has no distracting elements. Still, if the b.g. would have some remnants of life, it would, to me at least, be better!

...

Asher

Asher,

Here is another one with a black background. Perhaps you would be so kind as to crtique this one too. Perhaps you can expand your thoughts on the black background by comparing with the original of Mike Shimwell. In this case, I was trying for a black background, expecting that it would be a good choice by enhancing the contrast and lighting.

-Nat

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/1328IMG_8660-Edit.jpg

[Allen Maestas]

Tried to find a place for this, and this looks like it :) Hope some enjoy this New Mexico Wildflower.

Al


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2680136661_7c820a0272_o.jpg

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

Tried to find a place for this, and this looks like it :) Hope some enjoy this New Mexico Wildflower.

Hi Allen,

You've made excellent use of complementary colors in your composition. The image could IMHO only be really improved by using a more back-lit flower (but that's not always available outdoors).

In the absence of different light, you could try a curves adjustment on the petals to enhance their structure a bit. Just a suggestion to augment the visual impact.

Bart

[Asher Kelman]

We need a daughter thread for this new topic and it's found here (http://openphotographyforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=54196&posted=1#post54196). Asher,

Here is another one with a black background. Perhaps you would be so kind as to crtique this one too. Perhaps you can expand your thoughts on the black background by comparing with the original of Mike Shimwell. In this case, I was trying for a black background, expecting that it would be a good choice by enhancing the contrast and lighting.

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/1328IMG_8660-Edit.jpg

Hi Nat, Mike, Rachel and James,

So what is the significance of a very dark to black background. The dark does allow the mind to create possible presence using signals from the rest of the picture or collection of images presented to the viewer.

Using pure black(or white) as a background for flowers is functional for catalogs of flowers for botany. It also works for for stock photography where the image can be used in composites with little editing.

However for art photography of flowers, my thoughts on this are developing and perhaps as new to me as to some of you.

So add your thoughts and new examples in this new thread, Approaching the flower with a dark background: how it might work? (http://openphotographyforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=54196&posted=1#post54196).

[Gary Ayala]

A few snaps from my daily morning walk with The Cook (my pooch):

http://garyayala.smugmug.com/photos/360531558_LYqqM-L-1.jpg

http://garyayala.smugmug.com/photos/360531623_7MCq9-L.jpg

Gary

[charlotte thompson]

Gary
well good to see these beautiful morning glorys-I really like them have them growing on a fence- the colors you have enhanced very nicely- I am not sure about the abstract others but will come back to see what say you-

Charlotte

[Kathy Rappaport]

Gary -

I have seen other images you and Cookie have made and I totally respect your photography so just a couple quick notes since I am procrastinating here at OPF while I am supposed to be crunching numbers.

The first image has a big white area above the flower that draws my eye. It think the image would be much stronger without it. The 2nd flower is much better since it's missing that whilte blob.

[Pablo Montes]

Hi.

I want to share some shot ive made hoping to read your opinions and criticism about them

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v312/249/117/504515713/n504515713_4167171_733.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v261/249/117/504515713/n504515713_3571864_3400.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v261/249/117/504515713/n504515713_3571868_5363.jpg

[Rachel Foster]

Thanks for the urls, Carl! And welcome.

[Bart de Vries]

http://www.xs4all.nl/~bdevires/Images/M8/Images/L1000679-75c.jpg
m8 apo-summicron-m 1:2.0/75mm asph
kind regards.

[chris andrews]

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n147/chrisa62401/Rose_IMG_0929.jpg

Canon 30D-Canon 60mm macro.

[chris andrews]

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n147/chrisa62401/IMG_0625.jpg?t=1225378404
Canon 30D-Canon 60mm macro.

[chris andrews]

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n147/chrisa62401/Sunflower_IMG_0548.jpg
Canon 30D-Canon 60mm macro.

[chris andrews]

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n147/chrisa62401/IMG_0108.jpg
Canon 30D-Canon 60mm macro.

[chris andrews]

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n147/chrisa62401/Flower_IMG_0034-1.jpg
Canon 30D-Canon 60mm macro.

[chris andrews]

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n147/chrisa62401/IMG_9804.jpg
Canon 30D-Canon 60mm macro.

[Ron Morse]

Very nice Chris. The first really catchs my eye what with it getting ready to open up. I love the third one and the last shot reminds me of my own yard.

If I remember right the last one is a day lily, I constantly have to ask my wife. Even though we have had morning in the low 20's for a while they keep hanging in their. I looked this morning before my walk and I guess they have had it now.

[Daniel Buck]

I under exposed the velvia shots, knowing that the flowers were so super saturated. I should have done the same with the digital shot in the middle. I did take a velvia shot of that scene, but I don't know why I didn't scan it. I'll look and grab the slide to scan it tonight :-)


http://www.buckshotsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/velvia_01.jpg

http://www.buckshotsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/poppies_01.jpg

http://www.buckshotsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/velvia_02.jpg

[Asher Kelman]

Daniel,

These are superb! When and where were these taken? In the first 4x5, what lens was used and at what aperture? Did you tilt the lens?

The 35mm format looks great too, though for prints, the 4x5 goes beyond anything the 35mm could yield at that price! It would seem that one uses the 35mm as a Polaroid to get the composition!

Asher



Asher

[Daniel Buck]

These are superb! When and where were these taken? In the first 4x5, what lens was used and at what aperture? Did you tilt the lens?

The 35mm format looks great too, though for prints, the 4x5 goes beyond anything the 35mm could yield at that price! It would seem that one uses the 35mm as a Polaroid to get the composition!

These were taken near Lancaster i believe, at the poppy reserves. I guess it was in the spring time? i can't remember exactly.

The first 4x5 I believe was either 180mm or 240mm, at f22 if I remember correctly. Judging from the slightly un-pleasing background blur, I'm going to say it was the 240. I don't believe I used any movement for this shot.

For the 2nd 4x5, This was on the 240mm as well, I believe. With some back tilt to make the front flowers slight larger, and move my focus plane to be flat with the ground. I tried to leave the shutter open for as long as possible (f45 I believe) to get a blur of color in the flowers, but it didn't really work, the flowers weren't moving enough to really accomplish what I was hoping for, and it was to bright to have really long exposures.

[leonardobarreto.com]

http://leonardobarreto.com/images/ZBLOG_IMAGES/passion.jpg

[Steve Robinson]

Along a trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon outside SLC on an overcast day. K10D, DA* 16-50 f/2.8.

http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/photos/436503635_ZFefM-O.jpg

http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/photos/436503627_UkQRd-O.jpg

http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/photos/436503616_Kz7BE-O.jpg

http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/photos/436503606_Rvrwc-O.jpg

[Asher Kelman]

Steve,

Glad to have Pentax images. Could you tell us more about the flowers? I'd love to know the names. The first picture is difficult to make out hte petal structure. could you show a flower at 100%

Asher

[Steve Robinson]

The flowers are Indian Paintbrush, Geranium, Columbine and Bluebells. My focus on the 1st one is not as sharp as I would have liked but here is a tighter crop. I applied some sharpening and NR.

http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/photos/437191876_JuUS3-O.jpg

I ought to have used a tripod but these were were on a fairly steep slope and it was hard to keep my footing and I may have moved a little.

[Mike Shimwell]

A quickie from a 10 minute slot in the gaarden last week. The flowers are really at the end of their life now, but I liked this enough to shoot a few different shots. 1Ds3 100 macro at f8 focused using live view.

Mike

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3131519369_76052c3ac1_o.jpg