frozen peony

[Dennis Bishop]

In June, I got to play around with something I'd seen and almost forgotten about -- photographing vegetation (leaves, weeds, and flowers) frozen in ice. This peony had been frozen in a square Pyrex container two days before. Then, it was removed from the container and had its photographic debut the day before (resulting in some melting of the surface) and placed back in the container face down with some added water and refrozen. All the white inner petals (stamens???) were arranged well after the first freezing but moved around a bit the next time.

Nikon D3S, 7-exposure HDR at 1 EV intervals
f/8, ISO 200, 105mm macro lens

processing

• Topaz Simplify -- Watercolor II preset, reduced opacity
• Topaz Simplify -- B&W edges, Divide blend mode
• Fractalius -- three B&W layers, each with a different preset based on the old Sketch; two at Multiply blend mode with reduced opacity; one at Divide blend mode
• Alien Skin Snap Art -- Stylize line art B&W layer, Divide blend mode at reduced opacity
• Nik Color Efex -- Tonal Contrast and Darken/Lighten Center

[Christopher Miller]

Beautiful colors, Dennis. I've seen photos of frozen flowers before, and I think it's really cool. I may try it myself once there are flowers around again. I like how the processing brought out the texture of the ice. I might tone down the color of the small flower on the right because as is it kind of competes with the main flower for attention.

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Dennis,

Greetings. I really like this. The color and the delicate texture are particularly cool. The translucency really carries the delicate feel to the image. Thanks for posting.

Cheers,

-Michael-

[Anita Bower]

I completely agree with Christopher. I'd forgotten about this technique. Looks like fun. The effects are lovely. Beautiful colors and textures.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

You could never do this with a filter. I like this one a lot. The colours are super!

[Diane Miller]

I missed this one, apparently! Excellent point about not being able to do it with a filter. Lovely colors!

I've tried it before and got too many small bubbles trapped in the ice. Should try again.

[Dennis Bishop]

. . . I've tried it before and got too many small bubbles trapped in the ice. Should try again.

Small bubbles could be related to a number of things. I assume you're referring to ones that clouded what was in there. As I remember there were fewer when I refroze the whole thing for a second day of shooting.

[Nancy Bell]

Love the translucent look through the pink and white petals. You created a beautiful composition of lines and colors and pulled it all together with that crackly fine texture effect. I really appreciate that you list your steps.