Choices

[James Shadle]

Here is a same scene photographed using the same exposure value, but different aperture and shutter speed.
The left side @ F4 and the right side @ F14.

As the image creator you decide how you want a scene - seen.


Which do you prefer?
Do you know how to use reciprocal values?
http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...read.php/52893

For further comparisons: http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...and-Background

[P-A. Fortin]

Tough call. Usually I prefer soft blurred backgrounds such as the one at f/4, as smaller apertures usually lead to a background that makes the image too crowded. But in this case I also like the rendition of the whole environment at f/14. Alot more detail on the leaves as well. The background is obviously more crowded but not too much. If it had more detail it might have grabbed the eye more but f/14 seems to provide a good balance.

So no clear cut winner for me, but if I really really have to pick, I'm tempted to go with f/14.

[Kerry Perkins]

Great post Captain! The iris giveth and the iris taketh away... Here is my thinking - if the image were in landscape mode, with more of the background included, I would say that the f/14 image is the winner. However, since the image is presented in portrait mode I feel that the intent was to isolate and feature the flower, so I'm going with the f/4 version since it definitely keeps the eye on the prize. Of course it all comes down to personal choice, but I think the presentation of the subject has to be considered. Thanks for the thought-provoking post!

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

James,

Greetings. I'm inclined toward the f/8 one ;-)... I like the detail of the f/14 shot on the above water leaves more than I like the isolation, though. So, if either/or I'd pick the f/14... But a tad less dof would do ... just about f/8...

Cheers,

-Michael-

[Dennis Bishop]

I agree with Michael -- something in between, but the f/14 if I had to choose between these two. The only thing I like better about the wider aperture shot is that the dark edge of the leaf in the background is blurred enough that it's not so noticeable that it meets the top of the flower.

[Marina Scarr]

Terrific idea to post this, James. It amazing the difference when you see the comparison on the monitor. It's much more difficult to envision while in the field.

[Rachel Hollander]

James - great illustration of the use of aperture and dof. I agree with the points made by Kerry and Michael but do find myself leaning to preferring the f14 shot.

TFS,
Rachel

[Declan Troy]

Put me in the f4 camp. I normally favor seeing some of the environment that organisms are living in but in this case the f14 reveals too many distracting intersections formed by the background pads crossing behind the subject. Makes the image too busy. Even wider open might soften the leaf in the foreground LR corner.

[Troy Lim]

I prefer the f/14 one, the f/4 is not not quite there with enough blur and making it more distracting.

[David N Smith]

I prefer the F4 as I feel the F14 is a bit busy for my taste.

David