My concern with this one was the increased dof and additional detail in the bg. I tried to make the bg less visible but there was just too much around the actual stem. 50D, 70/200 witha 32mmTC, 1/45, f/11, ISO400. Dave
I assume you mean 32mm extension tube, not TC. The flower looks like a California Poppy. You could create a mask around the bloom, invert it and then blur the BG to taste.
Hi Dave, nice Californian poppy. They're my favorite flowers in the garden and they make wonderful subject. Personally I don't mind the BG too much, because it contrasts nicely with the subject. I may consider using flash or a reflector here, to lighten up the inside of the flower. Your masking left a little trace around the lower petal.
Kind regards,
I love the shape of this flower, with the petals curving and the center parts creating a spiral. The color of the foliage seems rather blue, giving it an unnatural (to my eye) look. I wish I had some suggestions for you. Masking something like this has never worked for me. I would try cloning to blur the BG.
Thanks everyone for the comments. California Poppy. It is a very pretty plant. Yes, Sadja, you are correct. I had meant to say extension tube. It sounds like post processing suggestions for improvements. Better masking techniques, use them to advantage better and perhaps have a closer look at final bg colours. Much appreciated and thanks again. Dave