Excuse the title, just a bit of play. I shot this with the 180mm macro lens wanting to experiment a bit with high key shots on Biscayne Bay. I am attacted to the mangroves that grow singly in some areas. I purposely made the ripples in the water with my paddle to get this effect. No flash used, but I did lighten the tree a bit. Let me know what you think of this simple composition, all suggestions welcomed as always.
Sony a700, Sigma 180mm macro
1/200, f16, ISO400.
I know the shutter speed is less than ideal, but I was happy with the sharpness nevertheless (I do love Sony's built-in IS).
Connie
10-09-2009, 06:17 PM
denise ippolito
Connie, Nice composition and I like your idea of using the paddle to create the ripples. I might put a 8 pixel black border on it for presentation on BPN. Nicely seen!
10-09-2009, 07:45 PM
Connie Mier
1 Attachment(s)
Denise, thank you. I didn't even think about the border, it's those little things that make a difference too. Here is a repost.
10-09-2009, 07:56 PM
denise ippolito
Connie, I would just use 8 pixels and make it ultra thin so it doesn't take away from the beautiful high-key look. It just helps us see where the image starts and ends against the pale grey color of BPN
10-09-2009, 09:36 PM
Dave Mills
Hi Connie, Nice reflection and good placement of subject. I like the HK effect applied here...
10-10-2009, 12:50 AM
Julie Kenward
1 Attachment(s)
Very cool image, Connie. I, too, really love those ripples - they really add to the image.
I sit here looking at this and, to me, the one hanging branch breaks the curve and flow of the tree...I'd consider removing that branch (and its reflection) to see if that makes for a stronger composition.
I also think for a high key image, you might put the darkness back into the tree trunk/branches. I feel it needs a heavier anchor with all that whiteness. Again...just a personal preference.
10-10-2009, 06:14 AM
Connie Mier
Dave, thank you. Denise, I need to figure out how to do the framing per pixel, thank you for the suggestions. Julie, thank you for the comments. I too thought of removing the hanging branch after I posted the photo. Funny thing, as soon as I post a photo, I instantly become more critical of it.:) And removing the branch was the first thing I thought. I do like your repost, and would agree that it does make a stronger image. But in the end, I would still be inclined to keep the hanging branch as it is more true to the mangrove, one of its unique qualities you might say.
Connie
10-10-2009, 08:09 AM
denise ippolito
Hi Connie, If you have photoshop just go to image>canvas size then change the inches in the drop downs to pixels(inches is set by default) then keeping the directional arrows in all directions add the #8 making sure that the color box is black. Check the relative box also.
10-12-2009, 10:27 AM
Roman Kurywczak
Hi Connie,
Another vote for the one branch/shoot removal.....otherwise very nicely composed!.....has a very tranquil feel to it and nicely positioned in the frame. I prefer the OP colors....even though I normally go for bold.....seems more serene.
10-14-2009, 10:32 AM
Michael Pancier
I love this. Esp. with Julie's high key editing. Nice work.
