Day Lily

[Ron Sprunger]

Wasn't thrilled with the macro, and had just gotten the 200-400, so I hauled it out for this. While I like the image, I don't know what to do about the OOF pistil. Doesn't quite seem right to remove it (either pre or post), and couldn't get the comp I wanted with it in focus. Any suggestions?

Nikon D7000, 200-400mm f/4 VR, 1.4 TC, Tripod
f/5.6, 1/400, ISO 200, Aperture priority +0.67 ev, distance 2.1 m
C&C welcome and appreciated

101527

[Stuart Frohm]

I like the image as presented (and I am a major fan of day lilies.) But because you raised the issue of the OOF pistil, I tried cropping out that pistil and the one next to it. The result: The image seems crowded on the left, and my attention is drawn to lower right.
Best wishes.

[Anita Bower]

The colors are rich and lovely! The in-focus pistils look great. I don't have any suggestions for post processing. A smaller aperture and/or different angle when taking the photo might have solved the problem.

[Jeff Parker]

Ron, did you try it at different apertures? I don't think the petals are enough OOF to go for the selective focus look. This shot needs a smaller aperture IMO.

[Ron Sprunger]

I do have some smaller aperture shots, but they don't interest me much. I wanted the right-hand petal and the stamens in sharp focus, with less distinct throat and background petals. Just couldn't handle the pistil. Maybe it just doesn't quite work. Well, I only have to wait another nine months or so to try again... But I will say that it looks pretty good printed 10x15 on a piece of Exhibition fiber.

[Steve Maxson]

Hi Ron. Nice sharpness within your DOF, but I think that a higher f/stop would have helped here. My preference would be for softer light to eliminate the hard shadows - you could achieve this by using a diffusion screen in the field. :S3:

[Arthur Morris]

Agree with Steve. 90% of flower images would be improved if the subject were shaded. Here shading the subject, framing a bit looser, and working at f/22 with mirror lock and self timer might have been the ticket. As presented this one does not ring any chimes for me. :e3

[Ron Sprunger]

Thanks all for the comments. I will definitely approach this differently next time.