Flower in the park

I got this image this morning in the local park. I've not yet analyzed what I like about it, but my question here is whether or not the highlights are "too much." Does it look burned?

ISO 125, 1/100, f/2.8; handheld (I was out for a walk, not specifically out to shoot).

Rachel Foster said:

I got this image this morning in the local park. I've not yet analyzed what I like about it, but my question here is whether or not the highlights are "too much." Does it look burned?

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Hi Rachel,

It looks fine. The bokeh is also pleasing. The placement is a bit too central for my taste, I'd crop off at least half of the featureless space at the left.

To control the highlights on such a smooth waxy surface, you'd need a polarizer. It allows to fine tune the balance between reflection and color. In postprocessing you can try to make 2 raw conversions, one for the highlights with reduced 'exposure', and blend them as layers.

Cheers,
Bart

Ah! A polarizer? Filters and that sort of thing is something I've wanted to familiarize myself with but have not as yet.

The placement: I'm prone to leaving too much empty space. I love empty space and often overuse it.

Thanks, Bart. I'm still trying to work on what I like and don't like about the image and your feedback is very helpful.

Rachel, be aware that a polarizer will significantly change the colors of some flowers, because they polarize the light preferentially to attract bees and other insects with polarization-sensitive vision.

<Chas>

Charles L Webster said:

Rachel, be aware that a polarizer will significantly change the colors of some flowers, because they polarize the light preferentially to attract bees and other insects with polarization-sensitive vision.

<Chas>

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Charles,

I think if one could also solve this problem by using a sheet/ or diffusion reflector for example, a 20" circular diffuser from B&H.

Asher