Leaf Abstract

[Richard Lovison]

This might be borderline abstract. If the image doesn't meet the requirements, please feel free to remove it from the contest. :)

This is an image of a leaf I've been meaning to photograph for some time. So today I decided to give it a try.

Equipment Used:

Olympus E-3
Digital Zuiko 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 @ 47mm
1/1.6 sec @f6.3 (5 separate images)
ISO 100
RAW
manual focus
tripod
natural light

Post Processing:

I took five separate images in a light box, focusing each a little further into the frame. I used CombineZP to make a composite image of all five giving me sharpness throughout the entire image. I then used Fractalius and combined its output with the original at about 50% opacity. A Nik filter was used to create a bit more drama and sharpening was applied.


copyright reserved 2011, Richard Lovison

[denise ippolito]

Richard, This is absolutely beautiful! One of your best. It fits the theme fine. The very subtle fract lines in the shadow make this extra special. If I were to get really picky I might fix the tip of the leaf at the left/middle but that is very minor. Excellent colors and the white BG really sets it off!

[Nancy Bell]

This is stunning! The subtle shadow anchors the image as the colors and shapes rise dramatcially upward. I really like how you obtained such depth resulting in the beautiful bits of transparency of the leaf.

[Indranil Sircar]

Richard, that is spectacular!! Love the leaping flame like shape, colors and depth. The white bg makes it stand out. Agree with Denise - one of your best! Nicely processed and thanks for sharing the wf.

[Ken Childs]

Richard, this is outstanding! I love the flaming leaf look you captured/created. Please consider posting an unfrac'd version in macro....I bet it's beautiful even without the frac and Nik filters.

[Richard Lovison]

Richard, this is outstanding! I love the flaming leaf look you captured/created. Please consider posting an unfrac'd version in macro....I bet it's beautiful even without the frac and Nik filters.

Ken, Indranil, Nancy and Denise,

Thanks for your kind words. The original is below with sharpening and a slight contrast boost.

Denise mentioned the leaf tip on the left (thanks Denise) and upon further inspection I noticed there was a small area left slightly soft... probably needed 6 images to make the composite.


copyright reserved 2011, Richard Lovison

[Mark Fuge]

Nice image and application, Richard.

Like the colors and texture of this. If it were mine, I might experiment with varied BG colors and simple/soft complimentary textures. Maybe a slight vignette border treatement. But nice image as is.

[Julie Kenward]

Richard, I also think this is one of the best things you've ever done. Wow...what impact! And that touch of yellow at the base area of the leaf surrounded by those hot reds - muy caliente!!!

[Christopher Miller]

Wow, Richard! One of your best! I love the colors and the flame-like look of the leaf is absolutely stunning! Very well done!

[Richard Lovison]

Wow, thanks again for all the kind words and comments. I don't think I've ever found a more beautiful leaf during my hikes.

Mark - thanks for suggesting some options for post processing. It's appreciated.

Richard

[Anita Bower]

Gorgeous! Fabulous colors, composition, treatment.