Bladder Campion

[Ed Vatza]

Here is an image from yesterday that I am really torn over. I like the composition a lot. The flower was backlit early in the morning witness all the morning dew. One thing bothers me here. That is the lighter yellow-green stripe running down the background behind the flower. I thought I had the background "perfect". Don't know where that came from but it is in every image. Your thoughts?

This image was made using my Rebel XT with a Sigma 150mm Macro lens and a 430 EX Flash with LumiQuest Softbox mounted on a flexible bracket. The whole thing was then tripod mounted with a Novoflex macro focusing rail.

1/13 sec at f/22; ISO 400; -2/3 EV: FEC -1

[John Cooper]

You certainly get onto some very interesting flowers Ed!!
This is a lovely composition and the dew drops are a bonus. The "mystery" BG element you are worried about is way too minor and doesn't distract from your beautiful subject. If anything needs changing I would like to see just a bit more of the bud on right side of frame.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hi Ed,
Indeed a very nice dewey subject......................I'm wishing the center bloom wasn't there as it makes the others blend in. Your BG's are getting very good! Keep up the good work!

[Alfred Forns]

Aside from suggestions would try soft light Will make a big difference !!! Excellent image !!!

[Mike Moats]

Hey Ed, I like the comp with the three flowers as it shows the front view (bottom) side view (top) and backside (middle). Water drops add a nice touch.

[Stephen Stephen]

I'd be pleased with this one Ed. I've photographed this species but never with dew on it. Very nice.

[Bob Allen]

Lovely shot! Is it Silene vulgaris?

I do wish that the styles of the top flower were more in focus, a touch more dof would do it. Two of the 3 styles of the lower flower are entangled. Would be nice to see them separated.

[Ed Vatza]

John, Roman, Al, Mike, Stephen, Bob,

Thank you all for you comments, feedback, critiques and time. I particularly appreciate your comments regarding the background since that was my initial concern. We are often our own worst critics and the yellowish stripe, I guess, bothered me more than it really should have. I have tried to take your advice regarding backgrounds (and everything else, for that matter) to heart. I am now much happier with my backgrounds and my images although I feel the need to still breathe more life into the images that I make.

Bob, I do believe this is the Silene vulgaris. At least that is what I based my id on. Regarding dof, I made this image at f/22 because I wanted to capture the three flowers/buds showing the three different perspectives, as Mike noted, as sharply as possible. I can't stop down any farther with this set up. Now I have been known to go to f/32 on occasion when shooting with my 30D and 70-200 with a 500D close-up lens. But not with the XT and Sigma 150.

Again, thanks to all of you.