Double Calla

[Mitch Haimov]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2351/5723101543_82e98f9649_b.jpg

This unusual calla lilly has two petals, one inside the other. Other blooms on this plant are normal.

Canon EOS 7D, Canon 180 mm macro, tripod. Manual focus and exposure (IS0 100, 40 sec and 30 sec at f/22). First exposure (40 sec) had objectionable shadows at right, so I reshot with flashlight providing fill (30 sec). That was a little too much, so I layered it over the first and reduced the opacity.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Mitch, the lighting looks beautiful to me. I love the black bg and the curving lines on the tops of the petals.
Nicely done.:S3:

[bhavya joshi]

superb.... Lighting... just thump up...:cheers:

[OvidiuCavasdan]

I like the composition and the black bg, also good details, but I think I would tone it down just a bit.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Mitch,
I do like the comp and lighting very much. I do feel like Ovidiu that the yellows or reds may be a tad bright......but as I prefer bold.....I could take it as is too! Just something for you to explore! Very nicely done!

[Mitch Haimov]

Thank you all for the feedback! Here is a repost with the saturation backed off 20 points (Hue/Saturation adjustment layer); no other changes:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/5732504474_9e75613c3a_b.jpg

The repost better reflects what this flower looks like under natural light; the OP is an accurate reflection of how it looked under the warm artificial lighting when I made the exposures. In any case, it is a boldly colored flower.

[Steve Maxson]

Hi Mitch. This flower is very dramatic against the black background. The overall sharpness is very good and I like the diagonal comp. I'm having a hard time deciding whether I like the OP or the repost better - they are both winners IMO. :S3: Well done.

[Anita Bower]

Love the repost. A WOW photo--bold and beautiful. Gorgeous flower. Perfect angle to show off the unusual double petal, and the lovely curves. Looks great against black. I like the tight crop. Just wonderful!