Another version of "2 and a half"

[Richard Narf]

I had just received a new flash (Sigma EF-530) and wanted to try it out. Found these lillies in the pond. I wanted to see if I could get a good exposure on the partially hidden one and not burn out the bloom on the right. Use the flash as a fill lite.

Nikon D90; 50-500 Bigma at 195mm; ISO 360; f/6 at 1/200; flash at TTL-BL.
PP slight crop; some highlight reduction and slight increase in saturation.

This is my first post. I've been lurking to pick up some pointers - there everywhere! I want to thank Bob Pelkey for pointing out this knowledgeable site.

All comments welcomed.

[Harshad Barve]

Hi Richard , big welcome to BPN and excellent image to start with , lovely colors and nice use of flash ,
TFS

[Dave Mills]

Hi Richard, I too bid you welcome to the site. I feel you handled the flash very well and captured the detail in all areas. I like the fact you picked 3 lilies on a slight diagonal since I feel odd numbers work the best compositionally.
When I look for subjects like this I try and find the ones with the least amount of clutter or distracting material around them. I find the lower area or base of the image is fine but the backround is a bit cluttered. Clean shots are not always available and I think you handled it as best as you could...

[Lance Peters]

Hi Richard - big warm welcome to BPN - dont hesitate to jump right in and leave comments on other peoples posts - no better or faster way to improve your own skills - all we ask is that you say what it is you like or dont like about the image.

Nice first post - Flash looks good - TTL BL does work quite well in lots of circumstances!
Great advice from Dave on the composition.

Looking forward to seeing more!

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Richard Big Warm Welcome !!!!!

Agree with suggestions and can add that you could use the flash off camera in these circumstances, Just keep the camera on the tripod and lower the flash so the hidden flowers will be fully lit !! .... btw its a good idea to make three successive images, first will be your flash guess, second somewhat less and last no flash... easy to compare later !!! Looking forward to the next one !!!

[Richard Narf]

When I look for subjects like this I try and find the ones with the least amount of clutter or distracting material around them. I find the lower area or base of the image is fine but the backround is a bit cluttered. Clean shots are not always available and I think you handled it as best as you could...

I agree with you and did find the clutter distracting; however, I put up with it for the purpose of the shot. Thanks for your comments.