Kew Gardens Lily

[Joanna Trescott]

I took this shot several years ago with my Canon 10D. ISO 100, F16 @1/90 @ 220mm, -1 EV. I have problems overexposing yellows and reds and tend to underexpose so they aren't blown out. Does the 40D show the red and yellows on the histogram?

[Julie Kenward]

Joanna, if I remember correctly, it only shows the RGB colors on the histogram so yellow wouldn't be shown. I think Canon is pretty well known for oversaturating reds and I wouldn't be surprised if yellow was the same way. I tend to underexpose most of my images on purpose - I like the idea of lightening far better than I like trying to recover those highlights that get blown!

Although I like this overall image it seems a little flat in tone - there really isn't much in the middle and upper ranges. I think a curves adjustment could help differentiate the darks from the mid and upper tones and may help the image pop a bit more. Even if you left the flower alone, the greens could be fiddled with to brighten/lighten them a bit, putting even more emphasis on the flower. Just a thought...

Nicely composed, BTW.

[Joanna Trescott]

Thanks, Jules. Here is a repost -- did I go far enough with curves adjustment?

[Bruce Murden]

Looks to me like you did well with the repost. Lovely light and color in this image, and the flower and leaves are in good shape (early in the season?)

[Gus Cobos]

Fantastic repost Joanna, I like the colors hues much better...:cool:

[Joanna Trescott]

Bruce: This was taken in Jume midday inside with filtered light. Thanks Jules for your suggestion. I agree it is much better. I love curves!

[Julie Kenward]

It really pops now. Isn't curves the best??? When people say they don't know how to use it I want to jump up and down and invite them all to my house for a class! I self taught myself by playing but then learned a few real tricks along the way.

[Ed Vatza]

Beautiful image, Joanna. And the repost is even better. I love the color and detail of the flower. And the leaves make a beautiful background. Very well done, Joanna.

[Mike Moats]

Hey Joanna, I really like this image, the comp, colors, details all look great. I didn't mind the look of the first post, but the repost also looks good. Well done.

[Aristotle Georgiou]

Nicely take, love the comp, great light, good detail, droplets and colours are superb.

[Joanna Trescott]

Thanks everyone for your nice comments. I agree, it needed a little more pop!